The star (literally!) of the show in this read is… you guessed it. The Oxypetalum Coeruleum (a.k.a Tweedia)! Known for its tiny star-shaped petals, this lovely flower boasts a pretty soft blue colour. Read on and get acquainted with this wispy, romantic looking bloom.
OXYPETLUM (TWEEDIA):
WHAT DO THEY MEAN & WHEN TO GIFT
With their gentle disposition, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these blooms symbolise peace and harmony. Typically, you would see these delicate flowers nestled between beautiful white roses in the hands of a bride, giving a preppy splash of colour to the bouquet. With that said, don’t save these precious blooms for that one special day. These flowers are the perfect way to show your loved ones your appreciation… In fact, why don’t you take this as a sign to have a quick look at our bunches! 😉
IMPORTANT GIFTING NOTES FOR OXYPETALUM
Oxypetalum For Gifting: Do's
- Oxypetalum is one of the few true blue flowers that adds a gentle touch to any bouquet. Perfect for weddings!
- They tend to last longer in vase arrangements, so this makes a great gift for someone who loves getting creative with flowers. No vase? We’ve got you covered here!
Oxypetalum For Gifting: Don'ts
- Oxypetalum flowers might not be a suitable gift for those with sensitive skin as the stems ooze out a milky sap that may cause irritation and itchiness.
- Be careful! This bloom is toxic to pets when ingested.
OXYPETALUM FLOWER CARE 101
Being a member of the milkweed family, Tweedia flowers are perennial – simply put, these beautiful plants persist for many growing seasons. This means we get to include these beauts to our flower collection anytime we want! These real delicate blooms can also last up to 10 days and tend to last longer in vase arrangements. Here are some pro-tips you can refer to if you’ve just received a bunch featuring this beautiful Oxypetalum!
Basic Care Steps For Cut Oxypetalum
- After unwrapping your bunch, remove all foliage that is below the water level.
- Pop them into a clean vase with fresh room-temperature water.
- Need more tips? Read our Flower Care Guide for more information.
Pro-Tips for Oxypetalum Flower Care
- The milky sap that oozes out from their stems can form a waterproof seal that stops the flower from absorbing water. To prevent this from happening, you may lightly burn the cut stem. Advisable to wear gloves when handling them.
- Keep the flowers out of direct sunlight, and as cool as possible without freezing.
OXYPETALUM COERULEUM (TWEEDIA): A HISTAR-Y
Tweedia, or Oxypetalum Coeruleum, is a group of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. Native to South America (namely Southern Brazil to Uruguay), these dreamy flowers were named after the Royal Botanic Gardens’ head gardener in the mid 19th century, James Tweedie. Don’t confuse the name for Tweedledee and Tweedledum from Alice in Wonderland! 😉
DID YOU KNOW?
Oxypetalum is derived from the Greek words “oxys” which means sharp, and “petalum” meaning petal. Sometimes known as the blue star, it makes a statement in any flower bouquet while adding a delicate touch to it. Though adored by many for its soft blue colour, the Tweedia also comes in pink and white—both of which are an extremely rare find but in high demand!
THE STARRY CONCLUSION
If you’re looking to send a peace offering to someone or just want to show affection to a dear friend, perhaps a bunch of lovely Tweedia would do the trick. Grace someone’s household with these starry flowers and watch them smile from ear to ear. Or if you’re adventurous and bold enough, go hunt for a white or pink coloured Tweedia!
Loved this read? Check out our Flower Dictionary for more flower fun facts.
