A Year of Flowers: Chrysanthemum

We can hardly believe that it’s almost time to wrap up our Year of Flowers series with Poppy + Mint Floral Company! As self-proclaimed flower lovers, we’ve had a blast taking a closer look at some of our favorite blooms and hope you’ve learned a bit along the way! But before we close out the year, may we present November’s bright + bold bloom: the Chrysanthemum.

Logan at Poppy + Mint Floral Company shares the story of this brilliant flower:
These beauties originated in China and have been cultivated for many years; Confucius recorded them in 500BC! They have been deeply cherished in the Chinese culture and noted throughout art and literature. Each petal is regarded as a microcosm of perfection and symbolic of love and joy. Also affectionately called “mums,” we know them today by their Greek name which is derived from the words “chrysos” meaning gold and “Anthos” meaning flower.

Sonia Savio Photography stepped in to capture this month’s editorial, a mixture of vintage delights and colorful finds…let’s have a look!

You’ve heard of living walls…how about a living couch? The team set up at Prete a Fete, a treasure trove of colorful event rentals in the New Orleans area.

Although the original wild Chrysanthemums of China are gold, botanists around the globe have cultivated a gorgeous range of colors like bronze, white, orange, and lavender.

It was the Japanese and their love of floriculture that provided a springboard to the modern mum. They were cultivated in imperial gardens and eventually became a symbol of royalty.

Look at the fringe on that vintage dress from Time Warp Baton Rouge! SO cute.  And with hair and makeup by Blow-dry Bar, she’s looking *ultra* chic.

Love these tiny little fellas! Can you believe they come even smaller? Chrysanthemums vary in size and are even cultivated in bonsai form with each individual bloom measuring only one centimeter!

Did you know: Chrysanthemums are edible – and delicious? Logan suggests sipping a Chrysanthemum tea, tasting a pickled petal, or throwing some greens in your salad for a grassy, herbaceous twist. Oh, and definitely put a petal in the bottom of your wine glass for good luck!

Thanks to Poppy + Mint Floral Company for sharing this latest installment!

photography: Sonia Savio Photography // venue name: Prete a Fete, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA // event design: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // planning: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // florals: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // wedding dress: Time Warp Baton Rouge // hair stylist: Vanessa of Bleu, a Blow-dry Bar // makeup artist: Rachel of Bleu, a Blow-dry Bar // furniture rentals: Prete a Fete // models: Stephanie Ringler