Banksia menziesii (Strawberry Banksia)

Strawberry Banksia

Origins
Banksias are members of the Proteaceae family, and are indigenous to South Africa and Australia. Other family members include proteas, leucospermums and leucadendrons.

Vase Life
Can have a multi-week vase life.

Care and Handling
Although they're considered tropical flowers, banksias and their relatives are not as sensitive to cold temperatures as other tropical blooms, such as anthuriums and orchids.

Design Uses
Valued for their bold forms and textures, strong colors and long vase lives, banksias and larger proteas make interesting focal flowers for floral arrangements. When arranging banksias and proteas, use a high-density floral foam and consider reinforcing the foam with chicken wire to support the flowers' heavy stems. Use sturdy vases to store these flowers, which are frequently top-heavy.