Blushing Bride
Common Names: Blushing Bride
Botanical names: Serruria Florida
Availability: May through October
Vase life: 7 to 14 days
Storage temperatures: 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: Delicate spindle shaped, papery white bracts surrounding a central fluffy mass of delicate florets. Initially these florets are white and joined together, but as the head matures each floret separates, and the color changes to pink.
Color: White and flushed with pink. The pink becoming more prominent as the bloom matures.
Botanical facts: Blushing bride is a relative to the Protea plant and is native to South Africa. It was first discovered in the Fransch Hoek Mountains in South Africa in 1773.
Design notes: These beautiful, unusual and exotic blossoms add texture to floral designs. Stems can be weak and may need additional support.
Purchasing hints: Avoid blossoms which have leaves that are yellowing or turning black. Stems are sensitive to Botrytis.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the waterline. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: After its discovery in 1773 it was thought to extinct for over 100 years. The reason for its apparent disappearance was the need for the seeds to be "fire-stimulated to germinate." The plants now grow abundantly in Africa and Australia.
Video Demonstration: