Description
Serruria florida is an iconic South African fynbos species renowned for its delicate, bridal-white to soft blush-pink flower heads. This compact, fine-textured shrub typically grows 40 to 70 cm tall, forming an airy dome of slender, fern-like foliage. The intricate inflorescences, composed of silky bracts surrounding small clustered flowers, create a feathery, lace-like appearance that has made the species highly prized in the cut-flower industry.
Blooming mainly from late winter through spring, Serruria florida offers exceptional ornamental value despite its naturally short lifespan. Like many fynbos plants, it requires full sun, acidic and well-drained sandy soils, and low-phosphorus conditions. It is sensitive to root disturbance and excess moisture but performs well in Mediterranean climates with dry summers and cool, wet winters. Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance and benefits from open airflow and minimal fertilization.
Its ethereal appearance, elegant structure, and historic significance in South African floriculture have made the Blushing Bride one of the most cherished species of the Proteaceae family.
