What Cut Flower is That?

19/03/2026

Botrytis, also known as grey mould...what is it and what can I do about it?
Botrytis cinerea is a fungal disease that appears as soft brown spots on petals, especially roses. several days of cool humid, cloudy or rainy weather create an ideal environment for botrytis. What can you do when you receive flowers with Botrytis?

There is nothing you can do, removing affected petals may make the flowers look better for a while, but once infected it will spread repidly!
As a florist, if you received affected flowers they must be destroyed. Good hygiene is esential

Discuss this with your grower, then If you continue to receive affected flowers then it is obviously a quality control issue.
Remove sleeves on arrival, statice, stock, delphinium, asters, lisianthus and roses must have free flow of air

For more information go to What Cut Flower is That?. Page 195

10/03/2026

International Womens Day.

Acacia dealbata, commonly known to us as golden wattle.

In Europe it is a different story, they call it Mimosa and it is used to represent International Womens Day.

From the Fabaceae family, there are hundreds of species, including some native to various regions of Europe, However this one is an Australian Native Acacia .

It is spring flowering in the Northern Hemisphere now.

The glow of these gorgeous blooms even if short lived bring colour and joy which represents Internation Womens Day beautifully, we will await spring to enjoy them

01/03/2026

Not commonly available but worth looking for in the flower markets and nurseries now, flowering late summer to early autumn Curcuma cordata or more commonly known as the Siam or Thai tulip
This unique and stunning flower with a light fragrance is absolutely beautiful in small or large bouquets and vase arrangements.
As a member of the Ginger family Zingiberaceae and must be treated as a tropical flower, not suitable for cool storage.
More closely related to Tumeric and ginger, the common name refers to the tall structured laddered inflorescence that is often replicated in Thai architecture and designs.
Colour range is white, green, red, light to dark pink, orange lilac-blue and purple.
It is available as a potted plant for short term indoor culture or can be planted in a protected area in the garden in warm temperate climates.

25/02/2026

23/02/2026

Flowers Magazine is offering a Free monthly digital newsletter to keep us in touch with happenings in the industry.
There are subscriptions available for the quarterly magazine but This one is FREE.

Open to students, florists and growers please take advantage of this offer.

It's done!  Valentine's day has been and gone and most of you will now be spending the week recovering, resetting and moving right on into a new week.  I have been reading mixed reports, some have had the best day yet, others were (as expected) a little quieter this year.  However you went during...

20/02/2026

Strong floral design starts before the arranging begins.

Accurate identification improves conditioning, substitutions, and quality control.

Professionals rely on knowledge, not guesswork.

If you’re ready to strengthen your cut flower foundations, these resources were created for working florists and students alike.

For February only this bundle is available at the special price of AU$50 instead of $80..check out our link in bio for more..

18/02/2026

This guide was featured in the Flowers magazine, summer issue. Compiled by Bettina Gollnow, co author of What Cut Flower is That?

Ever wondered which seasonal wildflowers are available in Summer (December - February)?

WFA has produced a wildflower availability guide in the wonderful each season to help guide you. The Summer Guide is now also available via the florist resources page, found on our website.

Thank you to our Gold Members for their contribution to the Summer Guide - 🌱

The Summer Guide was prepared by Bettina Gollnow from What Cut Flower is That?

17/02/2026

Strong floral design starts before the arranging begins.

Accurate identification improves conditioning, substitutions, and quality control.

Professionals rely on knowledge, not guesswork.

If you’re ready to strengthen your cut flower foundations, then our digital copy of 'What Cut Flower is That and three accompanying handy reference charts will help you, it was created for working florists and students alike.

Still on offer throughout February at the special promo price of AU$50 (saving AU$30!!)

Go to our link in bio, or comment RED and we'll send you the details..

13/02/2026

It's very good to see this..

Another important conversation ahead of Valentine’s Day.

This piece explores the environmental impact of imported flowers and why more Australians are starting to choose locally grown, seasonal blooms instead.

With millions of stems imported each year and no country-of-origin labelling, it’s not always easy for consumers to know where their flowers come from, which is why this conversation matters.

Worth a read https://tinyurl.com/ypy4xtmk

13/02/2026

Hydrangeas thrive beautifully in many parts of Australia, especially in cooler and temperate regions where they enjoy rich soil, consistent moisture, and protection from harsh afternoon sun. From classic mophead varieties to elegant lacecaps, hydrangeas are a favourite in Australian gardens for their generous blooms and stunning colour shifts influenced by soil pH.

As a cut flower, hydrangeas are prized in floristry for their volume, texture, and soft romantic impact. They are excellent for weddings, large-scale installations, and statement arrangements. For best results as a cut flower, harvest when blooms feel papery rather than soft, strip lower leaves, and condition in clean water. Hydrangeas also respond well to deep hydration techniques if they wilt.

Whether growing hydrangeas in Australian gardens or using them in floral design, understanding maturity and conditioning is key to long-lasting performance.