Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Orlaya
Orlaya, sometimes called white lace flower or Minoan lace, is a refined relative of Queen Anne's lace with larger, cleaner white florets held in flat, airy umbels. Florists use it as a soft, luminous filler that adds lace-like romance and movement to bridal bouquets without visual weight. Its crisp white and fine texture make it a favourite for garden-style and spring weddings. Slightly more delicate than cow parsley, it rewards gentle handling and a cool workroom.
| Family | Apiaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southern and central Europe (Mediterranean) |
| Peak season | June, July |
| Availability | May, June, July, August, September |
| Stem length | 30–50 cm |
| Vase life | 5–7 days |
| Colors | white |
| Price tier | mid |
Harvest or receive when the outer florets are open but the centre still tight, then recut and strip the lower ferny foliage. Condition in cool, clean water with flower food for several hours before designing. The lacy heads are delicate and bruise easily, so handle gently and keep cool.
- •Recut stems on a slant
- •Remove lower ferny foliage
- •Condition in cool water with flower food
- •Handle the fragile heads gently
- •Keep out of heat and draughts
- •Refresh water regularly
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Large-flowered Orlaya
- Also known as
- white lace flower, Minoan lace, showy orlaya, ? pusilla, Caucalis grandiflora, Daucus grandiflorus, Lisaea grandiflora, Orlaya adpressa, Orlaya grandiflora aspera, Orlaya grandiflora media, Orlaya grandiflora montana, Orlaya grandiflora pusilla
- Distribution
- Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Greece, Hungary
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Orlaya in season?
Orlaya peaks in June, July, and florists can usually source it May, June, July, August, September. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Orlaya last in a vase?
Expect 5–7 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Orlaya?
Good substitutes for Orlaya include Ammi, Nigella, Feverfew, Chamomile. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Orlaya symbolise?
Orlaya is associated with delicacy, purity, grace.
How do you care for cut Orlaya?
Recut stems on a slant
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Orlaya”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/orlaya/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/orlaya/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Orlaya</a>