Mimosa: A Symbol of Spring and International Women's Day
Mimosa’s bright fluffy blooms make it a popular choice for spring weddings and events.
Ah, Mimosa - the sunshine flower! This vibrant and delicate bloom is a true symbol of spring, warmth, and International Women's Day. I’ve never met a florist that doesn’t rejoice at the sight of Mimosa when it comes into season, its fluffy, bright, and sweetly scented characteristics make it one of the most uplifting flowers in existence. If you're unfamiliar with this beloved bloom read on for a brief history and some handy use and care tips.
Mimosa Origins & Symbolism
As part of the Acacia family, Mimosa is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It was introduced to Europe in the late 18th century and has since been cultivated in various parts of the world. Today, it is widely grown in the Mediterranean, with Italy being the world’s largest producer and exporter of mimosa as a cut flower, particularly from the Liguria region in the northwest.
Here in the UK, Mimosa usually starts to appear in January, with the peak season falling in February and March, perfectly timed for International Women's Day on March 8th. The tradition of giving the flower as a symbolic gift on this day originated in Italy in 1946, when a group of feminists and activists known as "Unione Donne Italiane" chose it to represent the strength and resilience of women. The tradition quickly spread across Europe and today it’s common practice to give Mimosa as a symbolic gift, celebrating women.
Mimosa growing in the Liguria region of northwest Italy.
How and Where to Feature Mimosa
Mimosa is a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of floral designs. Its bright yellow blooms make it a popular choice for spring weddings and events, and its subtle, sweet fragrance adds a delightful touch to any floral design. Its fluffy, dense branches are ideal for creating focal installations where it creates a bold and cheerful statement. Personally, I think this is where Mimosa really comes into its own, it’s definitely one of those flowers that can handle being in the spotlight.
Fluffy and dense, Mimosa is ideal for creating bold focal installations.
Caring for Mimosa
Mimosa is generally not a long-lasting cut flower, with a relatively short vase life of around 3 to 5 days. As with all cut flowers, there are of course ways that you can help to keep it looking fresher for longer:
Cut the stems at an angle: Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This will help the flower to absorb water more easily.
Remove the leaves: Remove any leaves that will be below the water line in your vase. Leaves submerged in the water can cause bacteria to grow which will cause the flowers to wilt.
Use clean water: Fill a vase with clean, lukewarm water. Mimosa is sensitive to cold water, so avoid using water that is too cold.
Change the water regularly: Change the water every two to three days, making sure to cut the stems again at an angle each time you change the water.
Keep the flowers away from heat sources: Mimosa is sensitive to heat so keep the flowers in a relatively cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Charming and symbolic, Mimosa adds a burst of sunshine to any setting.
Although it may not be the hardiest of flowers, Mimosa’s fleeting nature only makes it all the more special. Whether you're celebrating International Women's Day, a special occasion, or simply looking for a cheerful pick-me-up, Mimosa is a charming and symbolic flower that brings a burst of sunshine to any setting.
