Chrysanthemums are one of the most underrated flowers. Here’s how to give them a glow-up and make chrysanthemums look like peonies.
somewhere.
somebody.
The chrysanthemum flower has gotten a really bad rap.
Everyone is about hydrangeas and peonies and roses and zinnias and ranunculus.
But when they were giving flower awards?
Hysanthemum was given the most reliable award.
It is understandable. Just look at it. It’s kind of underwhelming. It’s kind of small. It doesn’t really show. Hydrangeas and roses are always the flower left at the flower stand after leaving the building.
the truth?
Chrysanthemums are so rare. They last forever (at least three weeks if you change the water on a regular basis). They come in so many amazing colors (like this bright pink). They smell good. They are very affordable. At Trader Joe’s, you can find a large bundle of chrysanthemums for under $5. The challenge is that they don’t look that pretty.
But what if I told you I have a secret?
A tip.
How to give a chrysanthemum a glow-up.
To turn them from this.
For this.
And this.
And this.
And this.
See what I mean?
Those chrysanthemums can hold their own.
Not green. No other supporting flowers. Not a fancy arrangement.
Just wonderful, wonderful chrysanthemums showing up and glowing.
See how fluffy they are?
If you squint, you might almost think they look like peonies.
And it only takes minutes.
The secret is to release the petals and let them breathe.
Here’s how I created this look.
1. Buy the right peonies
When you survey Pio’s selection at the grocery store?
Look for peonies that are not quite open yet, but not too tight.
It is almost impossible to open a chrysanthemum that is still a bud.
Also, I don’t think this works so well with mini pennies. When you open them? They are still, well, mini.
2. Peel back and forth
At the base of the flower, there are small pieces of stem that hold the flower in place.
Reach up and peel back the individual pieces.
Press them down.
Sometimes they fall off when you press them—don’t worry—you can’t really tell.
Place all the pieces down so they stay in place.
3. Peel back the petals
This is the fun part.
When you remove a piece of stem, you can almost hear the petals exhaling.
They are so happy to be free that they almost fall into place.
Start with the outer layer and peel off the petals. Then keep peeling back the layers until the flower is fluffy.
4. Turn the flower
After you peel back the petals the flower looks like this,
One final step.
Roll the flower between your hands and the petals will fluff up a bit more.
Here are some other tips I learned along the way about chrysanthemums:
- Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water (this keeps them hydrated).
- Remove any leaves below the water line to prevent them from rotting
- Chrysanthemums are sensitive to dirty water so change the water every 2 days
- Fill the vase with warm water instead of cold water
- Add flower food (I just used a packet from the grocery store) to keep the blooms fresh longer.
- Trim the stems slightly every few days so they can continue to drink water
- Refresh the vase completely instead of just topping up old water
That’s it.
See how easy?
I made this arrangement for my back entry in minutes.
Fresh flowers that will last for weeks and for a fraction of the cost of more expensive varieties.
Yes, please.
And in exciting news?
See the flowers sitting on this piece?
A makeover is to be done using this scallop.
Come back tomorrow for another glow-up. 🙂
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