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 Cut
Flower
of
the Month
(printable
PDF)
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eryngium
BOTANICAL NAME
Eryngium
spp. (e-RIN-jee-um)
COMMON
NAMES
Sea holly, Eryngo
DESCRIPTION
Eryngiums
have thistlelike blossoms that are supported on sturdy, widely
branched, stiff stems. The blossoms are framed at the base with
a single-layer, multipointed star of leaves.
COLORS
As the flower heads of blue
species of Eryngiums develop, their colors transform from
hues of bottle green to blue-green, navy to steel blue, and
gunmetal to metallic sky-blue. The spiny bracts surrounding the
flower heads are grayish blue to grayish green. Eryngiums
also are available in rose hues.
VASE
LIFE
The blossoms will last for 10 to
12 days with proper care. The foliage lasts from five to eight
days. These flowers also dry well. Inform customers about their
ability to be dried; they will appreciate the additional value.
AVAILABILITY
Eryngiums
are available year-round, although their peak growing season is
from July to September.
VASE-LIFE EXTENDERS
REFRIGERATION Eryngiums
can be held in floral refrigerators at 34 F to 38 F. Cold
storage can intensify the flower colors.
WATER Check the water level
daily, and add flower-food solution as needed. Remove any
damaged or dying foliage or flowers. Recut stems every three to
four days to ensure effective water uptake.
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY Ethylene
gas does not affect Eryngiums.
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of note |
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DESIGN
TIPS These interesting flowers are excellent in fresh or dried
arrangements and lend a wonderful contrast when combined with
softer textured blossoms.
CONSUMER CARE TIPS Advise customers to display their flowers in
a cool location, out of direct sunlight and away from heat
sources. |
 
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fun facts |
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WHAT'S IN A NAME “Eryngium” is the Greek word for “thistle.” E. maritimum, one of the most commercially grown species, is native to the seashores of western Europe and the Mediterranean, giving rise to the “sea” portion of the common name “sea holly.” The spiny margins of the bracts that surround the central raspberrylike flowers lend the second part of the name, “holly.”
FAMILY Eryngiums are members of the Umbelliferae/Apiaceae (parsley or carrot) family. Relatives include Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi), Bupleurum (thoroughwax) and anise (Pimpinella).
HOME SWEET HOME Some of the 230 species of Eryngiums are native to the meadowlands of Argentina and Uruguay. Other species come from Siberia, the Balkans and the Alpine regions of Eastern Europe.
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quality checklist |
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BLOOMS
Purchase Eryngiums when the flowers are fully developed.
STEMS
If harvested too early, the stems will be weak and will not hold
up well. sfr
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Some
information provided by The Chain of Life Network® ,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
Reach
“Cut Flower of the Month” writer Steven W. Brown, AIFD, at
sbfloral@aol.com or (415) 239-3140.
To enjoy the rest of this
issue, please go to the
Subscriptions page and get your
copy of Super Floral Retailing today!!!
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