Christmas in the northern hemisphere is all about hot mulled wine, woollen mittens, roaring log fires, apple pie, pussy willow and tulips, hellebore and holly sprucing up mantle pieces and dining rooms.
In Australia it is more likely to consist of an ice cold beer or Sauvignon Blanc, swimwear, air conditioning, fresh seafood, pavlova, native orange pinwheels, hydrangea, tropical pineapple lilies, burgundy banksia, spinning gum and bunches of frothy red Xmas Bush.
Australian flowers at Christmas time define what a southern hemisphere Xmas festive season is all about. Hardy wildflowers and natives that stand up to the heat. Tropical plants and foliage that flourish during the summer.
We still portray the classic red, greens, silvers and whites of a typical ‘White Christmas’ in the northern hemisphere, but tone with shades of warm oranges and rich burgundies, deep pinks and maroons, so commonly found in native and tropical Australian flowers.
Decorating your home to celebrate Christmas with family and friends in the southern hemisphere can depict a vast variety of themes, from the Australian bush to the tropical north, to a classic florally theme, Summer-style. Or you can combine all three for a uniquely Australian look.
Our florists like to use natives such as pinwheels, banksia, wax flower and paper daisies in warm tones to create long and low table centrepieces or decorative wreaths ideal for round dining tables or coffee tables. But to really make them ‘pop’ they add perfumed white oriental lilies, their large star-shaped blooms adding contrast in both shape and colour. Or to offset the spiky and variegated flower heads and leaves of natives, our florists nestle rich red or pure white roses amongst the foliage to add softness.
If you are more a fan of lush tropical flowers, celebrate Christmas Australian style with spidery red orchids, waxy green anthuriums, red apples and pineapple lilies. Add some bamboo for height, or a bundle of exotic cinnamon sticks and summer roses to a table arrangement. Broad burgundy and deep pink fronds of cordyline leaves look beautiful contrasted with chocolate-backed shiny green magnolia foliage. Our florists also love using exotic and long lasting burgundy and red Asiatic lilies for adding colour to a tropical Christmas arrangement – either cut short in a low table arrangement or resplendent in a tall vase.
For romantics and garden enthusiasts, consider ‘decking the halls’ with bouquets and arrangements that are romantic and floral, using seasonal Australian summer blooms. Fluffy hydrangea, giant white chrysanthemums, Silver Dust foliage, scented Casablanca lilies, classic roses, sprigs of Xmas bush and berries all look divine combined in a Christmas flower arrangement.
What flower reminds you most of Christmas time in Australia? The poinsettia is an obvious choice, but is there a flower or combination of flowers that captures the spirit of an Australian Christmas in your household? The fragrance of a gardenia maybe? Or Christmas Bells?
Share your fond memories of flowers at Christmas time with us!
Do you live overseas and wish to deliver an online gift to friends and family down under? Send Christmas flowers to Australia easily and efficiently with Flowers for Everyone, the country’s premier online florist.
