New WA wildflowers blooming success

31/8/04
Five new varieties of Western Australian waxflowers are now commercially available to meet international demand for the popular cut flower market.
The WA Department of Agriculture developed the varieties to capitalise on the popularity of the State's native flowers.
Bridal Pearl, Southern Stars and Purple Gem, Pastel Gem and Lemon Drops flower from June through to September and target niche wedding markets during the northern summer in the United States, as well as the traditional markets of Japan.
The varieties are part of the Department of Agriculture's display at 'WA on Show' currently running in the newly opened Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

State Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said WA was the nation's leading exporter of cut flowers and foliages, accounting for 70 per cent of national exports valued at $12.5million.
"Japan imports more than 50 per cent of the WA flower crops exported each year while other significant markets include the Netherlands, the United States and Germany," Mr Chance said.
"In WA, about 100 species are now being cultivated for their flowers and foliage including waxflowers and Kangaroo Paw. More than 480ha of wildflowers are cultivated between Geraldton and Esperance each year."
Department floriculture manager Digby Growns said four of the new hybrid flowers were the result of controlled cross-breeding to create distinctive forms of waxflowers, known as gem and pearl waxes. The Southern Stars variety was a chance hybrid discovered during the program.
"Waxflowers and other wax species and hybrids have become central to WA's native cut flower industry because of their ease of cultivation and high productivity," Mr Growns said.
"They are highly prized by the commercial cut flower industry due to their long, strong stems and excellent vase life.
"The flowering stems are sought after as backing fillers for single-stemmed flowers such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums. They are also becoming sought after as a flower in their own right. Colours range from white through pale pink, dark pink to purple."
The varieties will also be available for use in domestic gardens. The department has released 20 commercial waxflower varieties in seven years.
The 'WA on Show' display (at stand 469) focuses on the theme 'Growing Locally, Exporting to the World and Sustainable Communities' and showcases many export products that have been created and bred by the department.
These include the red-fleshed grapefruit, 'Mystique' tangor (tangerine/orange cross), apples, waxflowers, Jarrah honey, branded pork ('Select Pork' and 'Linley Valley Fresh Pork'), barley, lupins, chickpeas, and wheat varieties.
Minister's office: 9213 6700