These spider mums are not rare nor are they that expensive. But I love their specific color of green, and the slender petals (ray florets) that hook at the very end. Not to mention the fact that these flowers stood up for almost two weeks against my hot, dry apartment. And they are cheerful - NY has been very gray lately.
~the Big Pictures are after the jump~
Over two years ago Flowers by Philip showed us how mums prefer to have their stems snapped. Since then we've considered them a flower with a strong constitution, and they have always been a long-lasting cut flower in our experience. These were no exception. The stems of Veronica have finally wilted and the evergreen filler is getting a bit brittle. The mums are still good for another day or two.
This week the arrangement was simple, but the evergreen branches filled things out and added interest with their great texture and deep green color. It was not as bold as orange as a contrast, for example, but its deep green color still made the light green mums stand out in a nice way. I'll talk budget a moment because I felt as if this time was a success. I have continued to keep to my $20-$25 budget, but every week it's a challenge. Keeping a smaller vase size helps. Mums were $2.50 per stem (and they are big), evergreen was $7.00 for the bundle and the Veronica were $2.00 per - for a total of $20.50 plus tax. Add to this the fact that I enjoyed these for two weeks and I definitely felt like a smart shopper. But as far as cut flowers go, I always keep in mind that they are fleeting and enjoy them as much and as often as I can from the moment I bring them home. Every day of enjoyment past a few days feels like a bonus.
matt at apartment therapy dot com
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Shoprite Grocery stores sell mix and match 3 bunches for $10.00.
view luvdecor's profile
I love spider mums, they are beautiful, graphic, and last forever...
view Jess2nola's profile
I love them too, but have had a hard time finding the lime color.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
Matt,
"...stems snapped"?
As in snapped off instead of cut?
view AlmostAD's profile
At my wedding, the florist gave me crap for wanting spider mums. My dress was a 1930's champagne colored crepe backed satin with insets of spider mum charmeuse jacquard. I was goin going for a subtle vintage chinoisserie effect, and she didn't get it.
view kimg924's profile
AlmostAD,
Florists have much advice on how to care for each individual variety of blossom. Stem preparation can be important to having your flowers last a bit longer. The florist at Flowers By Philip recommended to me to 'snap' the stems, rather than cut them clean with shears.
Holding the flower with the stem up in the left hand, his right did all the work. He used his little florist/Swiss army knife blade like a fulcrum, placing it under the stem where he wanted it cut. He placed his thumb on the other side and slightly farther out from the blade and then 'snapped' the stem back against the blade. The outer side that faced up and away from the blade snapped first and the blade finished off the job from behind.
This cutting style seems to be best suited for these stems - don't know why, but I do know my mums have reached the 2 week mark beautifully.
kimg924 - I agree, these blossoms can be so beautiful, depending on the variety.
view mattplantguy's profile
They are also known as Fuji mums I believe. I had them as part of the arrangments in my wedding. :)
view Marbargarbo's profile
Thanks, mattplantguy!
view AlmostAD's profile