The Waratah

The Waratah or Telopea is one of Australia’s most iconic flowers and one of the most spectacular members of the Protea Family. While there are many different species, Telopea speciosissima or more commonly known as the New South Wales waratah, is the most recognizable.

The name Waratah, an Aboriginal name for “beautiful” comes from the Eora people, the original inhabitants of the Sydney area. The botanical term for this flower is perfect, seeing that the blooms are big and visible from far away... Telopea which comes from the Greek word “Telepos” literally means “seen from afar”. Anyone who has seen a waratah in the field would agree with the appropriateness of the name.

The round, crimson blooms, razor green leaves and long stems are truly a standout in the field during the springtime. Each waratah flower is comprised of a group or cluster of flowers. Exactly how many depends on the species… ranging from as few as 10 to as many as 240 individual flowers, surrounded by a circle of delicate floral bracts.

When buying Waratah look for:

1. Choose blooms with 1/2 of the flowers or styles open. 
2. Avoid blooms with drooping bracts or leaves.

Flower Care:

1.  Keep cool. 
2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem. 
3. Re-cut at least ¼” off the stems and place in cool water. 
4. Replace water frequently.

With its stunning crimson-red blooms and lush, dark green foliage, Waratah are stunning focal flowers when showcased in spring bouquets and arrangements.

Creating the Perfect Ambience: Flowers & Candles

What do you get when you pair gorgeous proteas and the warm glow of candles? The perfect ambience, of course. Together, they evoke not just elegance and romance, but they unite the powers of the mind, body and spirit. The leucospermum's textural styles and the leucadendron's colorful bracts add an interesting contrast to the subtle lighting created by candles. Plus, there's a seasonal seduction, too. When you use an array of spring proteas, like waratah, isopogon, banksia, leucospermum and dryandra you're celebrating the glories of nature. And spring scented candles provide floral and herbal aromas that enhance your mood and feelings of calm and tranquility.

No matter what season of year… indoors or outdoors, striking candle centerpiece casts a lovely light over the table.

September Articles of Interest

A horticulturist's guide to Australian native plants

Why natives? Well that’s our specialty at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and we are here to share what we know about native plants, encourage home gardeners to grow them and celebrate their unique beauty with the world.

The horticulture team at the Garden carefully look after the incredibly diverse native plants that are found across the woodlands, grasslands, rainforests, horticultural displays and new seedlings in the Nursery - encompassing 416 hectares of land.

Read more here.
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CA GROWN proclaims October
as Farmer and Farmworker Month

CA GROWN has announced that the first-ever California Farmer and Farmworker Month will be recognized in October. It is a fitting tribute in a most challenging year.

When COVID-19 hit, farmers, farmworkers and the entire food and ag value chain moved swiftly and effectively to redirect supply lines from foodservice to retail and on-line platforms where possible. They increased contributions to food banks to avoid waste at a time we faced a substantial increase of need. They learned on the fly, securing personal protective equipment (PPE) and implementing operational and scheduling changes to keep workers safe. No segment of our society has handled the abrupt disruptions flawlessly, but through it all, agriculture has maintained an adaptive, creative, can-do approach.

Read more here.
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30 Orchid Bouquet Ideas for Brides and Bridesmaids

Show-stopping arrangements to carry down the aisle.

Orchids are one of the most popular wedding flowers, and for good reason. “They’re versatile and make a big impact in bouquets and other floral designs,” says Drew Rios of Roque & Fox Floral Co. in Los Angeles.

Another reason? Orchids come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making it easy to incorporate them into weddings of every style. That said, some varieties are more popular than others. “Phalaenopsis orchids and cymbidium orchids are hands-down favorites of many brides," Rios says. "Their front-facing forms provide an eye-catching moment in a bouquet.”

Read more here.

Waratah

Waratah. Think Gorgeous! They’re a diverse group of flowers that are part of the Protea family. The name Waratah, an Aboriginal name for “beautiful” comes from the Eora people, the original inhabitants of the Sydney area. The botanical term for this flower is perfect, seeing that the blooms are big and visible from far away... Telopea which comes from the Greek word “Telepos” literally means “seen from afar”. Anyone who has seen a waratah in the field would agree with the suitability of the name.

The large red blooms stand out amongst the green of the bush, and the shrub stands tall, strong and erect with long, leathery leaves. Each waratah flower is actually comprised of a group or cluster of flowers. Exactly how many depends on the species… ranging from as few as 10 to as many as 240 individual flowers, surrounded by a circle of floral bracts.

For those who believe in the special healing power or essence of flowers, Waratah represents hope where all seems hopeless, offering the necessary life support and courage needed during dark times. It offers strength and courage to cope with crisis and will bring survival skills to the front. Whatever the Waratah’s magical and spiritual properties maybe… there’s no doubt these beautiful flowers will bring cheer and joy to anyone’s day.

Flower News: September’s Stories of Interest from Around the World

Waratah is an icon of the Aussie bush
(and very nearly the national emblem)

On one of my first field trips as a young student, searching in sweltering September heat for banksia trees in the bush around Sydney, my eye was caught by a flash of remarkable crimson. Trudging over the red dust, we saw the beautiful waratah flower. The cone-shaped flower sat upon a green leaf throne, sepals facing upward towards the heavens. The sun lit the red petals just right, and I felt a sense of awe for the flower emblem of New South Wales.

The rounded flower head and the green razored leaves are iconic. The long stem that can grow up to 4 meters tall allows it to stand above the other vegetation.

Read more here.
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The King Protea: South Africa's National Flower

Proclaimed as South Africa's national flower in 1976, the king protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering bush as beautiful and unique as the country itself. Found exclusively in the Cape Floristic Region, the king protea belongs to the Protea genus, which is in turn part of the Proteaceae family - a group that includes around 1,350 different species.

The king protea has the largest flower head of its genus and is prized for its artichoke-like blooms. Growing up to 300mm in diameter, these breathtaking flowers vary in color from creamy white to pale pink or deep crimson.

Read more here.
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11 Protea Ideas for your Wedding

Whether you’re looking for a large statement flower or minimalist bouquet, the versatile protea flower if perfect for both! Measuring up to 12 inches wide, you can use a single flower as a simple bouquet, or create an extravagant arrangement with greenery and lush florals. They’re also long-lasting, sturdy flowers, so you can rest assured that they’ll look great throughout your celebration!

Protea Flower Types

There are over 1600 species of protea. Because of how diverse they are, the genus was named after Proteus, a Greek god who would morph into many shapes These five types of protea are popular in wedding bouquets:

Read more here.
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Why Australian Natives are the Trendiest Flowers of 2019

Our native flowers in Australia are known for their rich, earthy colours and bold, unique forms that allow their natural beauty to shine through. We are fortunate to have access to the most beautiful native foliage and flowers, but it’s also something that we often take for granted.

So as florists, we’re thrilled to see that native flowers have undergone a sort of renaissance the past couple of years. Their popularity has grown and they’re now considered the trendiest flowers of 2019.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to native Australian flowers. It will introduce you to native flowers that are most popular, to choose the best native flowers for different occasions and understand the many presentation styles you can purchase online.

Whether it be for your home, a friend's birthday, decorations for a baby shower or a bouquet at a wedding, find out why these flowers are Australia’s favourite right now.

Read more here.

Flower News: July’s Stories of Interest from Around the World

Gardening | Enduring love affair with pretty proteas

Proteas are often admired in floral arrangements and are bought for their ability to last several weeks in a vase.

Because they are related horticulturally to a large group of Australian native plants, including banksias, grevilleas and waratahs, they require similar growing conditions. They have a low tolerance for artificial fertilizers. Applications of superphosphate will kill proteas.

However, they require magnesium, and this can be applied as Epsom salts, scattered over the root areas and then watered in well. Spring is an ideal time in which to do this.

Read more here.
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A Floral Trend We're Loving: Garland Wedding Bouquets

If you've been searching for nontraditional bridal bouquet options, you've probably come across a few creative alternatives. Chances are, you've even stumbled upon one of our favorite new bouquet iterations—the garland. These trailing, flower-studded vines first gained popularity on wedding tablescapes, as substitutes for more traditional floral centerpieces. They've now migrated on over to the bouquet sphere, and we're so glad brides and florists alike have helped make it happen.

Read more here.
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Protea Christmas Angels

Shirley Bovshow stops by to create Protea Christmas Angels for the holidays.

If you enjoy craft projects, you can use your dried flowers as natural material for sculptural inventions. Protea by themselves or in a combination with other natural elements, decorative objects, and foraged finds, make creative ornaments, dolls and other decorative objects.

When protea blooms find their ultimate place in a dried arrangement or ornament, they finish a story that began in Gondwanaland and triumphed over a thousand adversities. They represent a special kind of bond, a link to the past and a reminder of the present and how new life springs eternal.

Read more here.

Flower News: January’s Articles of Interest from Around the World

Search the internet today for “proteas wedding flowers,” and you will find an abundance of eye-catching photos—far more than just five years ago. Some will come from trendy bridal magazines and websites. But a good many will have been created or promoted by just one California flower farm.

Read more here
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Gardening: Five of the best gardens to visit around the world when you're on holiday

If you're planning your holidays and fancy taking in some gardens while you're away, here are five to savour and inspire:

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, South Africa: Anyone lucky enough to get to Cape Town shouldn't miss a trip to these stunning botanical gardens on the lower eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The 36-hectare nature reserve supports fynbos (shrub and heathland), forest and a variety of animals. It was the first national garden in the world devoted to a country's indigenous plants and is home to many collections, including cycads, proteas, ericas, pelargoniums and succulents. Best time to visit: January (summer), when the agapanthus are in bloom, May to October when the Protea Garden is in flower, or September and October when wild flowers bring a riot of colour (sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch).

Read more here.
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Allsup: Updated weddings start with florals

It may be hard to predict what a bride will want for her wedding day, but it is likely to include gorgeous flowers. Barn weddings with rustic materials have been popular for years, but now are shifting toward 1970s bohemian styles and elegant industrial styles. Here are some specific trends brides are asking their floral designers for this year.

Read more here.
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Gardening Matters: Native plants of the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains National Park (BMNP), west of Sydney is one of a number of national parks that virtually surround the NSW capital in the north and south as well as west. BMNP has an area of 270,000 hectares and provides a sanctuary for a wide range of native plants. As an example, over 90 species of eucalyptus are found in the park.

This time we will concentrate on plants that have horticultural potential. Some are already in favour with local gardeners whilst others are waiting to come into local cultivation. In spring probably the most visible plant is the Telopea speciosissima, the Waratah. The large, beautiful red flower is in fact a number of individual blooms supported by red floral bracts.

Read more here.

Flower News: December’s Stories of Interest from Around the World

Mel Resendiz: A Protea Evangelist

The Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers supply the fresh blossoms sold at the “Festival of Trees” at the San Diego Floral Association’s December Nights celebration, in Room 101 of the Casa del Prado. Ismael “Mel” Resendiz began his career in agriculture as a young man picking cotton and harvesting sugar cane in the hot, dirt of Sinaloa, Mexico. He and his brothers, Profirio, Raul and Ramon farmed in various regions of Mexico until Mel stumbled upon an opportunity to work temporarily at Zorro Protea Farm in Vista in March 1978. The farm was growing protea from seed on 40 acres in the hills east of Rancho Santa Fe.

Read more here.
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Petals on Parade

Floral growers have a national stage to show off their best blooms.

June and her husband, Rene now own Ocean Breeze Farms in Carpinteria on California’s central coast. They grow gerbera daisies in greenhouses on 27 acres, and field-grown mums, avocados and cucumber on a few more. About an hour away, their son grows for Ocean Breeze on another 12 acres in Nipomo.

Read more here.
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North County farm grows exotic proteas

To get to the very top parcels of land in Rainbow owned by Ismael “Mel” Resendiz, you have to drive up a long, narrow road, much of it paved, some — oy — not, with more hairpin curves than the Grand Corniche above Monte Carlo. If Resendiz, who owns Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers and makes this drive up and down the mountain multiple times in the course of a day, is taking you up in his pickup truck, you’ll do it at a brisk speed that will swipe your breath away. Unconsciously, you’ll be clenching the seat and armrest while averting your eyes from the steep drop just below your window.

Read more here.
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Waratah: 4 things you didn’t know
about the iconic flower

THE WARATAH is one of Australia’s most iconic flowers, and while it comes in many different forms, Telopea speciosissima, more commonly known as the New South Wales waratah, is the most well-recognisable. With its bulbous, crimson flower head, green, razored leaves and long stem, it’s possible the waratah has adorned more Australian paraphernalia than any other flower: from stamps, all the way through to tea towels and belts.

Read more here.

Seasons Greetings

As one season transitions into another the colors that dominate our daily harvest shift as well. The crimson, fuchsia and cream protea of winter give way to the orange, red and yellow pincushions of spring. Summer’s greens and pink protea become the saturated leucadendron and banksia of fall. Even in the nursery where seasonal changes are not as obvious the passage is visible in the angle of sunlight and feel of the air. This helping hand from Mother Nature offers us the opportunity to continually change the colors and textures found in our wreaths. In our opinion, there’s no better way to roll out the welcome mat and start a new season than with a gorgeous Protea Wreath!

Field to Vase: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ENVISION YOURSELF… following a backcountry road shaded by eucalyptus trees, with brilliant red bottlebrush blooms waving to you in the breeze. Follow the path of the roo as you are transported Down Under to walk among kangaroos, wallabies and more—this is San Diego Zoo Safari Park Walkabout Australia!

On Memorial Day weekend, the Safari Park will open the new Walkabout Australia habitat, a lushly landscaped walk-through exhibit where visitors can see up close — and in some cases, touch — several species native to the land Down Under. They include Western gray kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, Southern cassowaries, Matschie’s tree kangaroos and magpie geese, as well as native Australian plants.

The Safari Park hosted a special dinner prior to the opening day to commemorate the new habitat and they needed 25 centerpieces to go with the decor. The horticulture staff at the park recommended the event staff contact Resendiz Brothers for the flowers. We were excited to be able to use an assortment of beautiful protea and Australian native flowers and foliage to create the perfect arrangements for the occasion.

To learn more - click here.