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Serruria florida Blushing bride
This gorgeous member of the Proteaceae family reputedly derived its common name of “blushing bride” around 100 years ago when young men wore the flowers in their button holes when out courting in South Africa ,the natural habitat to this lovely flower. Serruria florida is a
desirable small shrub which grows a metre high and wide. The foliage is feathery and hairy, the hairs to trap moisture from the sea mists that rolled in from the seas in its native area of the Cape province. Because of this ability to trap any available moisture Serrurias are very tolerant of dry soil conditions.
Over the years Serruias have developed a reputation for being diffucult to grow but they are no more fussy than other members of the Protea family.Their main requirements are freedom from all but light frosts,full sun and perfectly drained soil. Prune the bush either by picking the flowers or pruning straight after flowering. They are very quick growing and fairly short lived. The bush in the photo is five years old and at its peak. From now on the bush will begin to debilitate and become straggly, time to plant another.
Blushing bride bears the most exquisite flowers. They are in high demand for floral work, especially wedding bouquets and normally command a high price. The showy part of the flowers are bracts which surround the tightly massed central flower. The colour is white with a pink blush, with the flower being a deeper pink. Mature bushes are able to produce between 50 to 100 stems ,with anything from a single flower head to multiple heads of 6 or more flowers. Flowers and buds last for weeks in a vase. The flowers also dry easily and remain in this condition for an indefinite period. The bush flowers from June to September.
The lovely bush in the photo belongs to a garden in Queen St Levin, very visible from the road. Its proud owner said many passers by knock at his door to ask him what it is. It is the best Blushing bride I have ever seen and had me knocking at his door also .I am very inspired to try growing one myself. However it could be difficult to get hold of. They are not always readily available for sale. Ask your local Garden centre to source one for you.
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