As a plant and flower enthusiast, chances are that even if you are a connoisseur in these fields, there is still a wealth of unique and rare varieties that one may be unfamiliar with. Among these is Enkianthus, a flowering plant largely found in Japan but which remains relatively unknown elsewhere outside its natural habitat. Despite its limited exposure, Enkianthus offers a wide range of benefits and versatility.
Aucnet is a Japanese floral exporter whose goal is to share some of these hidden gems with the world. Supplying these unique Japanese plants and flowers to florists, floral designers, and just enthusiasts, this exporter connects the country's rich natural heritage with the global community. Here’s what you’d want to know about the unique Enkianthus and Aucnet’s role in promoting Japan's distinctive floral offerings.
The Richness of Japan’s Floral Diversity
Japan is a country steeped in tradition and culture. But more than that, it is also home to a diverse range of unique and exotic flowers that are not only exquisite but could also be amazing when used in floral designs and arrangements due to their natural beauty. From the famous Japanese cherry blossoms, also called Sakura, to Irises, Chrysanthemums, Cosmos, and many others, the country’s plants and flowers are known for their rich diversity and dainty elegance.
You wouldn't argue that the floral beauty of the ‘land of the rising sun’ is truly magical, and many of its floras are, perhaps, found in just a handful of other regions around the world. But it's not just the beauty of these flowers that makes them special; it's also their versatility. Thus, for those looking to incorporate these unique blooms into their designs, Aucnet, the supplier of the country's exotic floral products, offers a range of possibilities.
Years of Bringing Japan’s Most Unique Floral Products to Florists Worldwide
Aucnet, an enterprise keen on bringing the Far East country's most distinctive floral products to discerning designers and enthusiasts everywhere across the world, quite unexpectedly started with a focus on auctions of used cars in 1985.
In 1997, however, the company got into the flower business as well, with the industry's first flower auctions using an online satellite-based auction system. This was later developed into the current internet auctions, and consequently, Aucnet obtained the MPS-Good Practice Auction certificate from MPS, the international certification system for the flower industry.
Aucnet:
“Our initiatives, including those related to quality control and traceability, have resulted in the reliability of our flower auction operations being recognized globally.”
Accordingly, Aucnet has become a pioneer in the world of floral trade, leveraging cutting-edge technology and a rich understanding of the unique demands of the flower industry. Through its innovative online auction platform, it connects growers and buyers from around the globe, facilitating the smooth exchange of Japan's most exceptional floral offerings.
From the vibrant Gloriosa, with its striking petals that often seem to dance with every breeze, to the delicate Oxypetalum, with its ethereal blooms, and the delicate Sandersonia, with its delicate, lantern-like flowers, the Minato, Tokyo-based flower industry’s collection contains a veritable mix of the very best of floral magnificence. It, also, features others, including varieties of Forsythia, Allium, Ozothamnus, Paeonias, Stemona, and roses, as well as Actinotus helianthi, and, of course, the uncommon Enkianthus. Even so, the list of its floral offerings is quite extensive!
The Uniquely Exquisite Enkianthus
The rare yet charming Enkianthus is one floral gem that attracts quite significant attention in Aucnet's expansive portfolio. A member of the Ericaceae family, this shrub boasts clusters of beautiful bell-shaped flowers that are mostly white in color.
Enkianthus' ability to transform throughout the seasons – in spring it erupts in a vibrant display, while its foliage transforms into a stunning autumnal palette of reds, oranges, and yellows - is one unique quality that makes it so special - when cut - for floral designs.
This flowering shrub, which is native to Japan, is not only fine-looking, but it is also a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of floral arrangements, from traditional Japanese ikebana to modern, Western-style bouquets.
Photo by @oshun_77
It is, also, known for its ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, and hence, it is fast becoming a sought-after addition to florists and designers’ floral palettes even beyond its native Japan. For those, therefore, seeking unique focal points or accent pieces, Enkianthus is a definite standout, capable of uplifting any arrangement with its distinctive beauty.
What You’d Want to Know About Enkianthus
Even as the cherry blossoms are still in bloom, the mountains of Japan are usually freshly green with different types of greenery, and Enkianthus still stands out among them. And with the coming of May, the cut plants also start coming in at Aucnet.
There are two types of Enkianthus; those that are cultivated and those that are mountain-grown. However, the mountain-grown variety is very popular both in Japan and in Asia as a whole. Due to their rarity and popularity, they are often known as the 'Hermes of branches’.
The branching of the Enkianthus takes quite a while; usually, it takes about twenty years to grow to about 140 cm, making it a definite rare gem of a plant! On the mountains, it grows on the slopes under large pine trees, where it is exposed to limited sunlight, giving it a light, horizontal spreading branching habit. The cultivated trees are, however, planted on the plains - where they are exposed to the sun - in a straight line, resulting in a straight branching pattern.
Enkianthus’ shipping season in the country starts from May through September. This is the duration from when the flowering plant is fresh green to when it attains its autumn leaf color. In June, however, small white flowers bloom on the plant, and the tree's growth can be, further, seen in the summer with the emergence of green berries.
Harvesting (cutting) the Enkianthus is usually done with consideration, especially because it grows very slowly. The foresters who supply it to Aucnet, therefore, need to have a long-term perspective, working in partnership with each other.
Aucnet:
“Foresters always [need to] think about which branches to cut and which ones to leave for the future because the growth of these branches takes time. If one cuts too many branches now, the Enkianthus will die out.
Protecting and benefiting from the mountain and living in harmony with it are ancient Japanese traditions. We would [therefore] be pleased if people would look at these branches and remember this.”
Caring for the Enkianthus
To ensure its longevity and maintain its exquisite beauty, proper care, and handling are essential for the Enkianthus.
Firstly, make a vertical, criss-cross cut through the branch to facilitate water absorption. Additionally, use a knife to gently scrape off the bark on the lower portion of the stem, about 10 cm from the bottom, allowing for better hydration. Any damaged leaves should be removed to prevent premature drying.
Its placement is also crucial. Enkianthus thrives in well-ventilated areas that are out of direct sunlight. Exposure to air conditioning isn't necessary, as it could be damaging to the delicate flowers. Diligent water changes every two to three days are, however, essential to maintaining its freshness.
If properly managed and with this attentive care, the Enkianthus may last for about a week during May, offer a stunning display for between 10 and 14 days during the peak summer months of June to September, and in autumn, when the foliage transforms into a vibrant palette, the stems can still grace arrangements for three or four days as autumn foliage.
With these simple yet crucial steps, floral enthusiasts can unpack the full potential of the fascinating Enkianthus, in turn bringing a unique and appealing Japanese flair to their creations.
Feature image by @cheehuan_makan, header image by @bronzeblue_.
