#ExpertTips #FlowerCare
Genista Care: Enhance the Beauty of Your Bouquets
Genista, also known as Broom, adds a burst of sunshine and delightful texture to any bouquet. Its slender branches burst with clusters of tiny, pea-like flowers, often in vibrant yellow but also available in shades of white, cream, and orange. Here's a guide from KS Flowers on maximising the lifespan of your genista and ensuring it brings joy to your home for as long as possible.
Choosing the Freshest Genista
Your genista care journey begins with selecting a fresh and vibrant bunch. Look for:
- Abundant Blooms: Choose genista with a profusion of bright, open flowers along the branches and some buds for continued blooming.
- Vibrant Colour: Opt for the classic yellow or your chosen colour with no signs of fading or browning.
- Healthy Stems and Foliage: Look for sturdy, woody stems and vibrant green leaves with no signs of wilting or damage.
- Fragrance: If you enjoy scented flowers, seek out fragrant genista varieties, typically with a sweet, honey-like aroma.
Genista Care at Home
- Clean Vase: Thoroughly wash your vase with warm, soapy water to eliminate bacteria that can shorten flower lifespan.
- Woody Stem Prep: Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle, removing about an inch off the bottom. Gently crush the bottom inch or so of the stem with a mallet or hammer to improve water uptake.
- Hydration is Key: Fill your vase with cool, clean water.
- Flower Food: Add flower food to the water to provide essential nutrients and help your genista last longer.
- Cool Location: Keep your genista bouquet away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. They prefer a cool, slightly shaded spot.
Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Genista
- Change the Water Frequently: Replace the vase water every couple of days to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Recur the Stems: Periodically re-trim the stems at an angle to maintain optimal water uptake.
Enjoy Your Beautiful Genista!
With proper care, your genista bouquet can bring cheerful colour and delightful texture into your home for a week, and sometimes even longer!
Delivery Options for Your Perfect Bouquet
Whether you're in the Northampton area or across the UK, KS Flowers has you covered. We offer local Northampton delivery to ensure your chrysanthemums arrive at their freshest. Need your bouquet shipped nationwide? We provide reliable and careful delivery options across the country.
The KS Flowers Difference
At KS Flowers, we're passionate about bringing the beauty and optimism of chrysanthemums into your life. Our experienced florists hand-select the freshest blooms and expertly craft them into stunning bouquets. We pride ourselves on personalized service, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.
History of Genista
- European Heritage: Genista (Broom) is native to open habitats across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Southwest Asia.
- Name Meaning: "Genista" comes from the Latin "genu," meaning "knee," possibly referencing the shrubby growth habit or occasionally jointed stems.
- Practical Past: Beyond its beauty, Genista has a rich history of practical uses. Its branches were woven into baskets and brooms (hence the common name), and it even had some applications in folk medicine.
- Symbol of Humility: In some cultures, genista, particularly the bright yellow varieties, symbolise humility and neatness.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Genista
- Colour Extravaganza: While the cheerful yellow is iconic, genista also exists in shades of white, cream, orange, and even reddish-pink.
- Textural Delight: The profusion of tiny blooms creates a delightful textural element in bouquets, adding visual interest and a sense of abundance.
- Sweet Surprise (Sometimes): Some genista varieties have a surprisingly sweet, honey-like fragrance, while others have very little scent.
- Impressive Vase Life: Genista is known for its exceptional longevity as a cut flower, often lasting a week or longer with proper care.
