Craspedia

Craspedia

“good health and lasting cheer”

Known to florists as billy buttons, craspedia comes from the grasslands of Australia and New Zealand, where its perfectly spherical heads bob above the tussock on wiry, leafless stems. It is a relative newcomer to the cut-flower trade, so its meaning of good health and cheerfulness comes from modern florists rather than the Victorians. It dries beautifully, holding both shape and colour for months, which makes it a favourite for keepsake arrangements.

In season, and in the studio

Craspedia is in season all year round, so it is in the studio this month. In the studio's bunches it is texture: the airy, spiky, odd detail that gives a hand-tied its character between the bigger heads. The studio buys it in yellow, and at the bench each colour is read for its own meaning.

What each colour says

• Yellowsunny good humour and a wish for good health

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