Since last August, our Direct stock from South Africa has been available, letting you buy flowers straight from the sunny farms there. Today, we're focusing on a special group of flowers: Exotics! South Africa is full of unique flowers, and we'll talk about where they come from, how to take care of them, and the different varieties you can find.
Our South African Growers
We source flowers from over 70+ growers and producers across the whole of South Africa. We get a lot of our flowers from Cape Mountain Flora based in Cape Town; they produce a lot of beautiful flowers with great quality. It is important to us and the growers that the process of growing flowers is as sustainable as possible, they are committed to good agriculture practices, and they ensure longevity of floral species. We have a few certificates like Global Gap (Good Agriculture Practices) and SIZA (Sustainable Initiative South Africa).
“Only the best is selected by hand.“
Premium Quality flowers
The flowers that we buy from the farms are all hand harvested and only the best is selected by hand. When harvested, the flowers are sorted and packed with good care on the farms and in our warehouse. Before departure our South African colleagues check and inspect the flowers again. Quality is checked on stem length, brown leaves, mold, head stages, overall quality, leaf drop and if the dyed flowers are all even.
Attention to Detail
Each box that leaves the warehouse in South Africa is packed with care and attention to detail, the quality is checked, and they also inspect the bunches to see if there are no insects traveling with the flowers. We are covering the Protea heads to avoid damage and we are separating the chamelaucium bunches.
Exotics from South Africa
We will discuss 3 of our favorite exotics from this sunny country. Protea, Banksia and Kaaps Brunia. These three are the most popular products from our South Africa Direct stock.
The Origin of the Protea
The Protea flower comes from South Africa and is one of the oldest and most colorful flowers around. It's named after a Greek god who could change his look because Proteas come in many shapes and sizes. They're part of a big flower family with over 1,500 types, mostly found in South Africa's special fynbos area, full of unique plants.
Florists love using Proteas because they're not only pretty but also tough, meaning they can travel far without getting damaged which makes them a perfect product for our South Africa Direct stock. They fit into many kinds of flower arrangements, adding an exotic touch that catches everyone's eye. Proteas are great for all sorts of events, from weddings to office decorations, making them super popular worldwide.
Their look isn't just pretty; it also means something special—change and hope, which makes them even more special to give and get. With their growing popularity, Proteas are making bouquets everywhere a bit more exciting and meaningful.
How to care for Protea flowers?
Before placing Proteas in water, cut the stems at an angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption. Do this every few days to keep them fresh. Use clean, cool water in the vase. Proteas don't need a lot of water, but make sure they have enough to drink, changing the water every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth. While growing, Proteas love sunlight, Proteas in arrangements should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent them from wilting quickly. If available, add a bit of flower food to the water. This can provide nutrients to help the Proteas last longer. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline in the vase to prevent rotting, which can harm the flowers.
The Origin of the Banksia
The Banksia flower comes from Australia. It's named after a botanist, Joseph Banks, who found it during an exploration. Banksias are special because they have unique shapes and colors, making them stand out in gardens and bouquets. They've become popular around the world for their exotic look and tough nature. It's known for its unique shape, with cylindrical flower spikes and woody seed pods.
How to care for Banksia flowers?
First, put them in a vase with fresh water. Trim the stems at an angle every few days to help them drink water better. Keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every couple of days to keep it clean. Enjoy your beautiful Banksia flowers!
The Origin of the Kaaps Brunia flowers
The Kaaps Brunia flower originates from South Africa, specifically from the Cape region. It's known for its unique appearance, with silver, ball-like flowers that look quite different from other plants. The name "Kaaps Brunia" likely refers to its origin in the Cape (Kaap in African) region of South Africa. This flower is part of the rich flora found in the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It's a special plant that adds a nice and eye-catching element to floral arrangements alike.
How to care for Kaaps Brunia?
Taking care of Kaaps Brunia flowers is easy! When they arrive, cut the stems at an angle and remove extra leaves. This helps them drink water better. Put them in a clean vase with fresh water, not too hot or cold. Change the water every few days to keep it clean. Keep the vase in a cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight and breezes to keep the flowers fresh. Give them a little mist of water now and then to keep them hydrated, especially if it's dry. When some flowers start to fade, take them out to keep the arrangement looking nice and help the other flowers last longer.
Now we’ve discussed a few of our favorite products from the South Africa Direct stock we hope you got excited about them! For those who are not yet familiar with our Origin Direct concept – read our blogs and find out what it means!
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