The Resilience of Australian Natives
Australian native flowers and foliage have evolved to thrive in our challenging climate. These hardy plants are naturally more drought-tolerant and long-lasting than many exotic varieties, making them ideal for sustainable floristry.
Many native species can last for weeks—or even months—as cut flowers, with some varieties drying beautifully to become everlasting displays. With proper care, your Coqunet bouquet will bring natural beauty to your space for an extended period.
General Care Instructions
Follow these fundamental practices to maximize the lifespan of your native bouquet
Fresh Trim
Upon receiving your bouquet, trim 1-2cm from each stem at a 45° angle using sharp scissors. This creates a fresh surface for water uptake.
Clean Water
Fill your vase with room temperature, clean water. Unlike exotic flowers, natives prefer plain water without additives or flower food.
Optimal Placement
Position your arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and fruit bowls (which release ethylene gas that accelerates flower aging).
Regular Refreshes
Change the water every 2-3 days, rinsing the vase and re-trimming stems. Remove any fallen leaves or spent blooms promptly.
Caring for Common Native Species
Each Australian native has unique characteristics and care requirements
Banksia
These iconic Australian flowers with distinctive cone shapes can last for weeks. To prevent mold, avoid wetting the flower heads when refreshing water.
Eucalyptus
Known for its aromatic foliage, eucalyptus can last up to three weeks with proper care. The leaves may curl as they begin to dry—a natural process that adds character.
Kangaroo Paw
These distinctive flowers with fuzzy, paw-shaped blooms can last up to two weeks. The velvety texture is sensitive to moisture, so keep the flower heads dry.
Grevillea
With their intricate, spider-like flowers, grevilleas add exotic texture to arrangements. They can last 1-2 weeks with appropriate care.
Drying & Preserving
Many Australian natives are naturally suited to drying, allowing you to enjoy their beauty long after the fresh arrangement has passed its prime.
Please note: Once dried, keep your preserved flowers away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
Sustainable End-of-Life
When your bouquet has reached the end of its display life, continue its eco-friendly journey
Composting
All Coqunet bouquets can be composted at the end of their life. Remove any non-biodegradable elements and add the plant material to your compost bin, where it will break down into nutrient-rich soil.
Seed Harvesting
Many native flowers, like banksias and grevilleas, contain seeds that can be harvested and planted. Allow the flower heads to dry completely, then collect the seeds and plant according to specific instructions for each species.
Natural Dyes
Some native flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabric. Eucalyptus leaves, in particular, produce beautiful earthy tones when simmered in water with fabric using the eco-printing technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my eucalyptus dropping leaves?
Leaf drop can occur if the water level is too low or if the stems weren't freshly cut before being placed in water. Ensure stems are freshly cut at an angle and that water levels remain adequate. Some leaf drop is normal as the arrangement ages.
Can I revive wilting native flowers?
Sometimes! For stems showing early signs of wilting, try submerging the entire stem (including the bloom) in room temperature water for 1-2 hours, then re-cut the stem and place in fresh water. This works particularly well for banksias and kangaroo paws.
Is flower food beneficial for native arrangements?
Unlike many exotic flowers, Australian natives generally prefer clean water without commercial flower food. The sugar in flower food can actually promote bacterial growth in natives. Simply changing the water regularly is the best approach.
How do I prevent mold on my dried natives?
Ensure flowers are completely dry before storing or displaying permanently. Dry in a well-ventilated area with low humidity. Once dried, a light spray with a diluted mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water can help prevent mold growth without affecting appearance.
Are native flowers safe for pets?
Some Australian natives can be toxic if ingested by pets. While most animals instinctively avoid these plants, we recommend placing arrangements out of reach of curious pets, particularly cats who may chew on leaves or flowers.