Sandwiched as it is between the vibrant orange and purple of Halloween and the dazzling red and gold of Christmas, November can seem to be a rather dull month colour wise. But that doesn't have to be the case, why not ring the autumnal changes, and inspire your customers at the same time by using pink, white and silver seasonal foliage.
Symphoricarpos (Snowberry)
Clustered together on twiggy, leafless stems, snowberries are either white, pale pink or wine coloured. A member of the honeysuckle family, the berries are not edible for human consumption but are beneficial to birds. Woody stemmed; they are ideal for arranging in water. Take care not to squash the berries as they can mark clothing.
Vase life of 7 - 14 days.
Temperature range: 6-8°C.
Keep out of draughts and direct heat sources which will cause berry drop.
Re-cut stems every 2-3 days and mist gently to keep the berries hydrated.
Stem length: Tall.
Callicarpa (Beautyberry)
A very striking ornamental plant with unusually coloured berries on bare branches which have an almost metallic lustre. Use callicarpa to compliment deeper tones and add texture to contemporary, limited designs where it will lift red, bronze and copper colours.
Vase life of 10 - 14 days.
Needs a cool spot 0 -2°C.
Woody stemmed so cut with secateurs.
Change water and re-cut stems every 2-3 days.
Keep out of draughts and direct heat sources.
Mist occasionally.
Stem length: Tall.
Jacobaea (Senecio, Dusty Miller)
Light green, delicate foliage with a fuzzy appearance giving the impression it has been dusted with silver, this plant is tougher than it looks, capable of surviving some of the coldest winters. Previously in the genus Senecio it has been reclassified to Jacobaea maritima. It is a particularly lovely foliage for winter weddings, arrange in water to get the best out of it.
Vase life of 7 - 14 days.
Temperature range: 2-5°C.
If delivered in bunches, remove and re-cut stems.
Remove any foliage in contact with water.
Needs good air circulation, don’t overcrowd containers or vases.
Stem length: Medium.
Photinia (Red robin)
A bushy evergreen with glossy green leaves that turn an attractive pinky red in late autumn, this is a reliable shrub that will not only look fantastic in designs where height and drama are required but will also give a seasonal slant to hand-tieds and vase arrangements.
Vase life of 10 - 14 days.
Temperature range: 2-5°C.
Use secateurs to re-cut the woody stems.
Remove any foliage in contact with water.
Long-lasting, change water every 4-5 days.
Stem length: Medium/tall.
Images Envato Elements and Funnyhowflowerdothat
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
