Native to Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, the Craspedia flower belongs to the genus of daisies and the family of aster. These happy little orbs go under several names, including billy buttons, drumsticks and woollyheads. Craspedia have spherical heads are composed of a massive amount of tiny florets and stems which are devoid of any foliage.
Billy Balls are a great accent to arrangements as they provide a ton of visual and textual interest. Also, a single stem, alone in a vase, makes as much of a statement as a massing of stems.
Availability:
–Craspedia is grown commercially in California and South America from May through September.
Vase Life:
— 10-14 days, depending on environmental conditions.
Tips:
—Seek these lovelies out when they have bright yellow heads and are firm to the touch. The fade and will start to shed as they age.
–Cut stems under water to prolong vase life.
–These can be dried if hung upside in a cool dark place.
What I love most about the Craspedia is how floral designers interpret this simple bright sphere within their style. See Karen Tran’s elegant interpretation here and see a more whimsical approach to design below.
All images below are from the delightful Cori Cook of Cori Cook Floral Designs. If you have a moment grab a cup tea and take a moment to check out how she plays with color, detail and texture within her designs. Thank you Cori!
Images captured by Becky Young Photography
I am looking to find Craspedia for a late June wedding in Vancouver. Does anyone know where I can find them.
Try Kirby’s floral in Burnaby
We are Australian florists and we used those native flowers very often. Love working with them and very long lasting.