International Women’s Day - Marvellous Mimosa

On 8th March we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global event to commemorate the social, political and cultural achievements of women. Sprigs of the spring flowering tree Mimosa, which were first handed out in Italy to mark the occasion, have now become the floral emblem of this worldwide occasion.

What is International Women’s Day? 

Celebrated globally, IWD promotes the social, political and cultural achievements of woman all over the world. In some places is it marked by a national holiday and in nearly all countries it is traditional to hand out flowers. It’s estimated that in Russia alone they will sell over 150,000 roses. 

Each year International Woman’s Day has a different theme which can be followed on social media, this year’s is 'Give to Gain', focusing on fostering a culture of generosity, reciprocity, and support to accelerate gender equality. There are official colours as well, purple, white and green, standing for justice, purity and hope. These reference the colours worn by the suffragettes. 

What flower is associated with International Women’s Day?  

In Italy, sprigs of mimosa are handed out to mark IWD. This delicately scented spring flower has been the movements floral symbol since 1946, representing strength, sensibility and sensitivity.  

A popular cut spring flower, mimosa has old-fashioned, vintage appeal. It is woody stemmed, with bright yellow fluffy flowers that have a soft, tactile appearance. It has delicate fern-like leaves, some varieties of which fold up when touched or exposed to heat. 

It can be a little temperamental as a cut flower, so if you are stocking mimosa, here are a few tips.  

How to condition and care for mimosa (Acacia dealbata) 

Mimosa is sweetly scented and has an old-fashioned, vintage appeal. It is woody stemmed, with bright yellow fluffy flowers that have a soft, tactile appearance and delicate fern-like leaves, some varieties of which fold up when touched or exposed to heat.

However, it can be a little temperamental as a cut flower, so if you are stocking mimosa, or Acacia dealbata to give it its botanical name, here are a few tips:

• Temperature: cool, 2-5°C.  

• Store out of direct sunlight and draughts. 

• Re-cut stems on arrival and stand in fresh, clean, tepid water. 

• Adding flower food will help to encourage the flowers to develop. 

• Mist flowers occasionally to prevent them from drying out. 

• Stems have small thorns, so handle with care.  

Should mimosa be unpacked when delivered in plastic? 

Often, mimosa arrives with individual bunches wrapped in plastic bags. This is done to stop the flowers drying out prematurely. These can be left on, but if the flowers start to sweat inside, remove the bags otherwise they will turn brown. Always display wrapped mimosa out of direct sunlight.  

And if you are celebrating International Woman’s Day…  

How to make the perfect Mimosa 

Pour equal quantities of sparkling wine and freshly squeezed orange juice into a champagne flute, for a non-alcoholic version, substitute soda for wine. Add a few chopped strawberries for a final flourish! 

Thinking of applying for an alcohol licence for you business, here is some advice for England and Wales (with links for Scotland and Ireland).

Images Envato Elements 

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.