Bringing Spring Indoors With The Golden Glow Of Mimosa Flowers

Graceful silver-green branches with feathery, openwork leaves and fluffy golden-yellow tassels of flowers…what flower do you imagine? And if you add a strong, unforgettable aroma? For years now, mimosa flowers have become a true symbol of spring in general and of its beginning in particular. But most people know very little about these fantastic little “balls of spring”.

Origin Of Mimosa Flowers 

The real Mimosa pudica can be found in South America. And you won’t recognize it as it is quite different from the flower we know as mimosa. It’s a small evergreen shrub, which can grow up to a meter in height and has larger flowers of varying colors. You can often hear it being called a “shy flower” because of its leaves, which react to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations, lighting, and, most notably, touch. The leaves of this tropical plant immediately curl up at the slightest touch, making it appear as if they have wilted. After a while, the leaves unfold again, provided they are left undisturbed.

It is actually Acacia dealbata – Silver Acacia – that we are used to calling mimosa. Like the true mimosa, it belongs to the legume family and boasts over 1,300 species in its genus. Acacia is a heat-loving plant. Silver Acacia is native to the southeastern coast of Australia and the island of Tasmania. In the 19th century, it spread to Southern Europe, South Africa, the western United States, the Azores, and Madagascar.

Mimosa Flower Meaning & Symbolism

Bright yellow fluffy flowers appear on the green branches of the mimosa plant in early spring, as if having absorbed all the sunlight. That is why this particular plant is considered a symbol of renewal, the beginning of a new stage in life. Mimosas flowers in mono bouquets, and in mixed compositions, are often chosen to congratulate somebody with new beginnings.

Secrets of Transporting Mimosa Acacia

You can find mimosas flowers anywhere in the world now if you head straight to a flower shop. Mimosas are easily transported and can be delivered anywhere you want people to get a breath of spring. The key thing to remember is that this plant loves moisture, light, and warmth. Cut mimosa is immediately cooled – this is the preparatory stage before refrigeration, which prevents condensation from forming on the leaves. The cooled mimosa is tightly packed in polyethylene to prevent pollination of the stamens. Afterward, the plastic packages are placed in cardboard boxes. Transportation should be completed within a day, as the plant cannot remain without moisture for longer.

How to Make Mimosas Last Longer Indoors

Once indoors, the flower will definitely feel the temperature changes. Do not immediately place it in water – let it acclimatize first. Let the branches stay in the package at room temperature for about 20 minutes before unpacking them. Then break and put the ends of the flowers in boiling water for 30 – 40 seconds. This temperature “shock” will stimulate the buds to open, so the buds won’t fall off before blooming. Fill the vase with warm water and make sure there’s enough space for the flowers to breathe. To make the buds fluffier, spray the inflorescence with cold water.

Sunny flowers are a great way to make your day better and let the sunlight in even when it’s gloomy outside.