A Comprehensive Guide to the Types of Oxypetalum Flowers

Often called Tweedia or starflower, Oxypetalum is a gem in the floral world, cherished for its delicate, star-shaped blooms and soft, gentle colours. This guide explores the most popular varieties used by florists, from the classic sky blue to elegant white and romantic pink. 

We will also clear up a common point of confusion with another plant that shares its name, the Queen of the Night. Discover the unique charm of each type, how to use them in arrangements, and simple tips to keep them looking beautiful in your Singapore home.

What is an Oxypetalum Flower?

Before we explore the lovely varieties, it is helpful to understand what makes this flower so special. Oxypetalum belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which is also known as the dogbane or milkweed family. This connection explains one of its key features: a milky white sap that appears when the stems are cut. Originating from South America, these flowers are loved for their simple, five-petaled star shape and often fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves, which give them a soft and whimsical appearance.

While many know it as Oxypetalum, it is more commonly referred to by florists and gardeners by its former genus name, Tweedia. You may also hear it called Southern Star or simply starflower. These names perfectly capture its celestial shape and gentle nature.

A Common Mix-Up: Tweedia vs. Queen of the Night

It is important to clarify a common source of confusion in the plant world. The name "Oxypetalum" is shared by two very different plants. The flower we are discussing in this guide is Oxypetalum coeruleum, or Tweedia, which produces small, colourful flowers perfect for bouquets.

The other plant is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, a type of night-blooming cactus. This plant produces enormous, fragrant white flowers that famously bloom for only a single night. It is often called the Queen of the Night or Dutchman's Pipe Cactus. While they share part of a name, they are not related and have completely different appearances and uses. This article will focus primarily on the charming Tweedia varieties used in floral design but will also touch upon the Queen of the Night later on.

The Main Types of Oxypetalum

The beauty of Oxypetalum lies in its range of soft, dreamy colours. Each variety brings a different mood to a floral arrangement, making it a versatile choice for florists and anyone who appreciates delicate blooms. These varieties are all cultivars of the same species, Oxypetalum coeruleum.

Blue Oxypetalum

When most people think of Oxypetalum, this is the flower that comes to mind. The classic blue flower variety boasts a stunning, pale sky-blue colour that is quite rare in the natural world. This gentle hue evokes feelings of peace, calm, and serenity. Its soft, slightly fuzzy stems and leaves add to its delicate and ethereal quality.

Because of its unique colour and meaning, blue Oxypetalum is a hugely popular choice for wedding bouquets. It can serve as the perfect "something blue" for a bride, symbolising trust, loyalty, and good fortune for the new couple. It pairs beautifully with white roses, peonies, and baby's breath for a classic and romantic look.

White Oxypetalum

The white variety, often sold under names like 'White Star' or 'Alba', is the picture of elegance and purity. Its crisp, clean white blooms are incredibly versatile and can fit into almost any colour scheme. Whether used in an all-white arrangement for a sophisticated, modern look or mixed with vibrant colours to provide a soft contrast, white Oxypetalum never fails to impress.

This variety is a wonderful choice for formal events, classic wedding bouquets, and sympathy arrangements where a touch of grace is needed. Its star shape adds a subtle texture that elevates simple designs. White Oxypetalum symbolises innocence, purity, and new beginnings, making it suitable for celebrating births, weddings, and other important life milestones.

Pink Oxypetalum

A newer and slightly less common variety is the beautiful pink Oxypetalum, sometimes known as 'Pink Dream' or 'Rosea'. This flower features a delicate, soft pink hue that is perfect for romantic and feminine arrangements. Its gentle colour adds warmth and charm without being overwhelming.

Pink Oxypetalum is ideal for spring bouquets, baby shower arrangements, or as a sweet gesture for a loved one. It pairs wonderfully with other pastel flowers like lavender, cream, and soft yellow. When combined with deeper shades like burgundy or magenta, it provides a lovely, soft contrast. This variety adds a touch of modern romance to any floral design.

Lavender Oxypetalum

For those seeking something a little different, the lavender variety offers a touch of mystery and sophistication. With its soft, muted purple tones, this Oxypetalum can sometimes appear to shift in colour depending on the light, adding to its unique allure.

This shade is perfect for creating arrangements with depth and dimension. It works beautifully for evening events or moody, artistic bouquets. Paired with silvery foliage like eucalyptus or dusty miller, or combined with deep jewel tones, lavender Oxypetalum adds a layer of sophisticated colour that is both calming and intriguing.

Why Florists Love Oxypetalum

This charming flower has become a firm favourite among professional florists for several key reasons. Its unique qualities make it a valuable addition to a wide range of floral designs and for creating an amazing bouquet, from rustic hand-tied bouquets to elegant centrepieces.

Its most obvious appeal is its unique texture and shape. The five-petaled star is simple yet eye-catching, and the soft, slightly fuzzy texture of its petals and stems adds a tactile element that sets it apart from smoother flowers like roses or tulips. This texture brings a sense of softness and romance to any arrangement.

Furthermore, Oxypetalum is incredibly versatile. It can play different roles depending on the design. In a lush arrangement, it acts as a wonderful filler flower, adding sprinkles of colour and texture throughout. In a more delicate, airy design, it can be the star of the show. Its slender stems and small blooms make it perfect for intricate work, such as in flower crowns, buttonholes, and corsages.

Finally, it is a surprisingly long-lasting cut flower. With the right care, Oxypetalum can remain fresh and beautiful in a vase for a week or more. This good vase life makes it a reliable choice for events and for customers who want to enjoy their bouquets for as long as possible.

Caring for Cut Oxypetalum Flowers

To get the most out of your beautiful Oxypetalum bouquet, a little bit of care goes a long way. Following these simple steps will help your flowers stay fresh and vibrant.

• Prepare Your Vase: Before you begin, make sure your vase is thoroughly clean. Any lingering bacteria can shorten the life of your flowers. Fill it with fresh, cool water and stir in a packet of flower food.
• Trim the Stems: When you first get your flowers home, use a sharp pair of scissors or a floral knife to trim at least two centimetres off the bottom of each stem. Always cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, as this increases the surface area for water absorption.
• Manage the Sap: After cutting, you will notice a milky white sap oozing from the stems. This sap can clog the stems and prevent them from drinking water properly. To stop this, you can quickly dip the cut ends into warm water for about 10 seconds. This process, called searing, seals the ends and improves water uptake.
• Arrange and Place: Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline in the vase, as submerged foliage can rot and contaminate the water. Place your vase in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and sources of heat. Also, keep flowers away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that can cause them to wilt faster.
• Ongoing Care: To keep your Oxypetalum looking its best, change the water in the vase completely every two days. When you do, give the stems another fresh trim to ensure they can continue to drink effectively.

Growing Oxypetalum in Singapore

For those with a green thumb, the thought of growing these beautiful flowers at home is very appealing. Given Singapore's hot and humid tropical climate, it is important to know if growing Oxypetalum coeruleum is possible here.

While it is native to the milder climates of South America, Oxypetalum can be grown in Singapore, though it requires some special attention. It is best treated as an annual plant and grown in pots rather than directly in the ground. This allows you to have better control over its growing conditions.

If you wish to try, choose a location that receives plenty of bright morning sun but is shaded from the harsh, direct heat of the afternoon. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can be a problem in our rainy climate. Water the plant regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. As the plant grows, its stems can become a bit long and floppy, so providing a small trellis or plant support will help it maintain a neat and tidy shape.

The Other Oxypetalum: Queen of the Night

To be thorough, it is worth briefly mentioning the other plant that shares this name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Known as the Queen of the Night, this plant is a type of epiphytic cactus, meaning it naturally grows on other plants rather than in soil. It is a popular houseplant in Singapore and is famed for its spectacular flowering habit.

The Queen of the Night produces enormous, multi-petaled white flowers that are intensely fragrant. The magic of this plant is that each flower opens only after sunset and lasts for just a single night, wilting as the sun rises. Witnessing one bloom is a truly special event. It is relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light with a well-draining soil mix suitable for cacti. For plant lovers in Singapore, growing a Queen of the Night can be a patient but very rewarding hobby.

Conclusion On The Types of Oxypetalum

The world of Oxypetalum flowers offers a beautiful range of choices for any occasion. The main varieties of Tweedia provide their own unique charm, from the serene and calming to the purely elegant and romantic. Their distinctive star shape and soft texture make them a treasured addition to any floral arrangement. 

By understanding the different types and how to care for them, you can fully appreciate the delicate beauty they bring. And while you admire your Tweedia bouquet, you can also appreciate its fascinating, night-blooming namesake, the Queen of the Night.

At Singapore Florist, we specialize in letting beautiful flowers do the talking. Our expert florists craft arrangements guaranteed to express exactly what is in your heart, conveying your heartfelt message without a single word.

To make your moments memorable, explore our stunning collections of flowers online. If you have a unique vision for an arrangement, please contact us for a personalized creation.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Types of Oxypetalum

What Are The Most Common Types Of Oxypetalum?

The most common and popular types of Oxypetalum are all varieties of the species Oxypetalum coeruleum (also known as Tweedia). These include the classic sky-blue, the elegant 'White Star' (Alba), and the soft 'Pink Dream' (Rosea). Less common but also available is a lovely lavender variety.

What Is The Difference Between Tweedia And Oxypetalum?

There is no significant difference for floral purposes; they are essentially the same plant. Tweedia is the former botanical name for the plant, and it has remained its most common name among florists and gardeners. Oxypetalum is its current official botanical name. When you buy Tweedia, you are buying Oxypetalum.

Is Oxypetalum The Same As Blue Star?

It can be, but the name "Blue Star" is a general common name used for a few different plants with blue, star-shaped flowers. Oxypetalum coeruleum is frequently called Blue Star or Southern Star. However, another plant, Amsonia, is also widely known as Blue Star Flower, so it is best to use the name Oxypetalum or Tweedia to avoid confusion.

How Do You Care For Oxypetalum?

For cut Oxypetalum flowers, trim the stems at an angle, briefly dip the ends in warm water to stop the sap, and place them in a clean vase with fresh water and flower food. Keep the vase out of direct sunlight and change the water every two days. For growing the plant, provide well-draining soil, morning sun with afternoon shade, and regular watering.

Is Oxypetalum Suitable For Weddings?

Absolutely. Oxypetalum is extremely popular for weddings. The blue variety is a perfect "something blue" for a bride's bouquet, symbolising trust and loyalty. The white and pink varieties are also classic choices, adding elegance and romance to bouquets, buttonholes, and centrepieces.

Does Oxypetalum Have A Fragrance?

The common Oxypetalum (Tweedia) varieties used in floral arrangements have little to no fragrance. Their appeal comes from their colour, shape, and texture. In contrast, the unrelated Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Queen of the Night) is famous for its large, intensely fragrant flowers that bloom at night.