Plant Profile Botanical Name: Serruria florida Common Name: Blushing Bride FAMILY NAME: Proteaceae Species and cultivars of special interest: Serruria florida hybrids and cvv. such as ‘Sugar ’n’ Spice’, ‘Pretty in Pink’, ‘Super Blush’, ‘Carmen’ Origin: South Africa Availability: May to October Foliage Characteristics: Stem length is 30- 60 cm. They have papery white bracts or floral leaves surrounding the flower. The sugar and spice variety has pink on the white bracts too. 5- 10 stems per bunch. Floral Characteristics: Blushing bride have feathery tufts of white to pinkish flowers. Sugar and spice variety has pink flowers. Special features and characteristics of special interest: It is thought that blushing bride got its name because of its traditional use in Africa as bridal bouquets. The species was near extinction due to being over exploited until conservation measures in the 1960s and 70s kicked in. Botanical name given in honour of James Serrurier, an 18th century professor of Botany at the Unisversity of Utrecht. Maintenance, Cultural requirements and Post Harvest Treatments: Blushing Bride is grown on large bushes in plantations across Australia. They are also grown in South Africa, Israel and the US. Handle blushing brides gently as flowers dry out quickly. They can have floral preservative. It is unknown whether it is Ethylene sensitive. When stored in cool storage keep at at 2- 4 degrees. Strip leaves from water level down. Pest and Diseases: The pedicels are vulnerable to Botrytis infection, which causes them to collapse. They do not suffer from leaf blackening like protea species do but the leaves may turn black if submerged in buckets of solution or if held for too long. Use In Floristry: Popular in weddings. They are good for weddings in spring as they are beautiful and cost effective. They can be used as grouped focal flowers and used in a variety of design styles. They are popular for hand tied bouquets and wired wedding accessories. Customer advice: keep cool, split bunches and strip leaves before recutting and placing in fresh water. Buy flowers that are half open. .