Not Just Proteas: A Wealth of Beautiful Wildflower Varieties from South Africa! 🌸

2021.03.04 published

The Concept of "Flowers" Seems to Have Changed＊

Until now, when I thought of "flowers," I would first imagine blossoms like Gerbera, roses, and peonies with fluttering petals.

(I feel like when I was in elementary school and we were told to draw flowers, I would draw ones that looked like tulips or Gerbera.)

However, it seems that the concept of "flowers" has changed due to the botanical and rustic booms that started a few years ago.

Now, not just elegant flowers with fluttering petals like roses and marguerites, but also wild flowers like green foliage and proteas are gaining love and prominence ♡

Bouquets and floral decorations that used to consist only of roses, peonies, and lilies are now frequently styled primarily with greenery or wildflowers ♡

@20weddingood.junbi21

What I want to introduce in this article is the plants called "wildflowers."

Flowers That Bloom in Hot Places＊

Wildflowers can be broadly defined as "plants native to the southern hemisphere of the Earth." It's quite natural that the appearance and characteristics of flowers differ depending on their origin, but thinking about it again seems rather interesting.

The climate and soil quality differ between the northern and southern hemispheres. The southern hemisphere tends to have higher temperatures and experiences downpours.

Since the soil quality can include rocky areas referred to as wilderness, plants that grow in such environments inherently differ in characteristics and appearance from those that inhabit the northern hemisphere.＊

Flowers native to the southern hemisphere, such as those from Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe, and Brazil, are all characterized by being heat-resistant, sturdy, and blooming vigorously. They often have stems resembling branches.

The colors tend to feature vivid colors or faded tones, often resembling the magnificent and robust scenes of South Africa.＊

So, what kind of flower materials are referred to as "wildflowers"? Here are some representative varieties!♡

【1】 Protea

Protea is a representative wildflower and is also the national flower of South Africa. It is named after Proteus, a god from Greek mythology, and said to resemble a flaming torch due to its fiery appearance.

(Prometheus is a god who stole fire from the heavens and brought it to the human world.)

Its flower language includes messages that evoke grand nature, such as royal dignity, a rich heart, freedom, and glory.

Just like there are many varieties of roses, there are over 100 variations of protea. The petals can be white or yellow, pointed or round, and can vary in size from small to large.＊

【2】 Pincushion

Pincushion is a neon-colored flower that resembles an anemone.

The name "pincushion" refers to a cushion for needles/pins. Its flower language is "Success Anywhere." (Perhaps because it can be pinned anywhere?)

The bouncing protrusions are not actually hard like needles; they are delicate and soft, so be careful not to crush them.

Its unique and artistic shape is its charm.

【3】 Berzelia

Berzelia is a tree that produces slightly white or green fruits. It is cultivated in South Africa and Australia.

Including "fruits" adds an accent, making it fashionable. This flower material is often mixed with flowers and greens for bouquets and floral arrangements.＊

【4】 Leucadendron

Leucadendron is also a tree branch.

It resembles a small and thin version of protea, perhaps because its leaves are long and tightly closed.

Its flower language conveys meanings such as "silent love," "love without words," "opening a closed heart," and "glorious passion," suggesting a somewhat sad tone about unexpressed feelings.

(Though it has a long time of being closed, when the leaves open, the display is magnificent, sometimes opening forcefully at a 90-degree angle, much like sunflowers.)

The unique shape with long leaves stretching out adds impression to bouquets and arrangements.♩

【5】 Cotton Bush

Cotton bush is a flower that is full of small round cotton-like structures.

Its flower language conveys the message "Wrap Me," giving it a gentle image.

【6】 Celeria

Celeria features cute small, thorny flowers that bloom in a gradient from yellow-green to pink.

Its appearance is perfect for the flower language "delicate heart."

It pairs well with glamorous flowers like roses and peonies, and its unique shape makes it a great supplementary flower.♡

【7】 Flannel

Recently, flannel has become a popular floral material for weddings. In fact, this flower is also a wildflower native to Australia. It has a cute appearance resembling marguerites.

With relatively long stems that curve or lean freely, arranging it while utilizing its flowing shape is lovely.

While regular flowers tend to wilt quickly in this manner, flannel, being a wildflower, has the quality of staying vigorous and fresh.＊

【8】 Wax Flower

Wax flower features many small five-petal blooms that blossom on branches, resembling a wax-coated flower.

Since it blooms on branches, it is appealing for arrangements on long stems. You can create large bouquets or enjoy arrangements with height.

【9】 Craspedia

Craspedia (Globe Flower) is a plant that produces yellow, round, ball-like flowers. It grows like a stem popping up from the soil with a yellow flower on top, resembling a tulip.

Its appearance is like a mallet, hence it is also known as "Drumstick."＊

It looks lovely when paired with tropical flowers as well as when arranged alongside pure white flowers.

It's a versatile flower!＊

【10】 Brunia

Brunia is a flower made of berries. It features a speckled, whitish-silver appearance, and has long branches.

It is popular for use in winter bouquets that have muted white and green tones.＊

Many Flowers are Imported from Their Native Areas＊

I have introduced some representative wildflowers!♡

While wildflowers, whose characteristics and attractions are directly tied to their native regions, are sometimes produced in Japan, most of them are imported from their native areas (like Africa and Australia).

Since they are airfreighted, they are a bit pricey, but they tend to have better longevity, making them a good value for the money.＊

The flowers that evoke the grand nature of the southern hemisphere are unique and stylish.

These materials provide strength and vividness that are not typically associated with lovely varieties, expanding the possibilities for arrangements.♡