General Description/History

Misty is a cross between two Limonium species, giving rise to branches bearing sprays of delicate blue or pink flowers. It is related to statice, another Limonium species, but is more branched and has much smaller, more delicate flowers. The flowers are tiny and each branch bears many flowers open or in bud, so a bunch indeed resembles the name with a pale ‘misty’ colour shade rather than the strong blue of an iris, for example.

Both forms of Misty (blue and pink) are popular fillers, bringing a welcome change from the more common white fillers like gypsophila. Bunches are large and great value as you can use many, many branches from the one bunch.

These tightly branched bunches are prone to fungal infections, and can unfortunately develop a ‘rotten-egg’ smell as they age. Proper care will prevent these problems.

Misty is mostly grown in glasshouses. They flower normally in summer, and can be grown as field crops at this time of the year, but quality of field-grown flowers is usually poor compared to those grown under cover. Most are grown in the hills close to Melbourne or Sydney.

Types: Misty Blue, Misty Pink.

What to look for

• At least 1/2 of the tiny flowers should be open as buds don’t open in the vase;
• Avoid bunches with dark or yellow leaves and wilted tips, and bunches with a rotten egg smell.
• Avoid bunches with brown spots or patches – these are fungal rots.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool whenever possible.
2. Be very careful when breaking bunches apart as branches tend to cling to each other.
3. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem. Leaves will turn yellow before flowers die, so it can be a good idea to strip them all off.
4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.
5. Preservative is essential – the germicide is needed to keep water clean and prevent the rotten egg smell.
6. Replace water every day.
7. Do not mist as this can encourage fungal rots.
8. Makes a great dried flower.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

Limonium is an ancient Greek name, probably derived from the word “meadow.”

Botanical Name: Limonium latifolium x bellidifolium

Common Names: Limonium, Misty Blue, Misty Pink

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Country of Origin: Central & SE Europe (L. latifolium)

Available Colours: Blue, Pink

Season: Summer,Autumn,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,October,November,Decemeber