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Southern Stems: Gardenias

by in Inspirations, Main on

With the promise of a sweet Southern spring around the corner, we thought it was time to dust off our Southern Stems column! So far we’ve covered south of the Mason-Dixon Line favorites camellias, wisterias, and Texas blue bonnets, and today, it’s the gardenia’s turn.

Though I have many loves, gardenias are without a doubt my favorite Southern flower. Aside from their gorgeous looks, their smell is absolutely divine. (Strong, but divine.) I also love how something so precious is at the same time so common, at least in the South. Almost every house in my neighborhood has a bush, and I snapped this perfect bloom — one of many we passed! — on a walk one evening last June.

Elizabeth Messina via Mindy Weiss, Martha Stewart Weddings, Beaux Arts Photographie

The most common variety of gardenias, gardenia jasminoides, is native to Southern China and Japan, but has found a happy home in the American South. No surprise, since they are a majorly heat-loving plant! Gardenias are also known as Cape Jasmine.

Elizabeth Scott Photography via Southern Weddings, Eric Kelley via Wedding Chicks

Another reason gardenias are perfect for the South? They represent grace and hospitality — perfect for planting beside your front porch! Gardenias are actually a species of evergreen, so they keep their gorgeous glossy dark green leaves all winter. The leaves are beautiful to include in wedding arrangements, too!

Kallie Brynn via Southern Weddings, Kate Harrison via Style Me Pretty, Simple Color via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Brookelyn Photography via The Bride’s Cafe

Gardenias were particularly popular in weddings in the ’60s and ’70s, and are still a favorite with classic brides today. A few tips if you’re planning on using them in your own celebration: Make sure you like the smell! As noted above, gardenias have a strong scent, so even one bloom in a bouquet can make an impact.

Ashley McCormick via Southern Weddings, Eclectic Images, Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty, Laura Gordon via Southern Weddings

Also, while gardenias’ petals are delightfully creamy, they’re also exceptionally fragile, and too much handling can cause the petals to turn brown quickly. If you’re planning to pin a bloom in your hair, reserve two blossoms with your florist — that way, you can change it out post-ceremony to keep things fresh for the reception. Or, opt for a faux version — DK Designs makes a clay beauty we love!

Nancy Ray via Southern Weddings, White Loft Photographie via Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings

Speaking of faux gardenias, sugar flowers are a perfect option on a wedding cake!

A Bryan Photo via Martha Stewart Weddings and unknown

Do you love gardenias as much as I do? Anyone out there who can’t stand the smell? Will y’all incorporate them into your wedding? I’d love to hear!

Nancy Ray is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

emily Written with love by Emily
5 Comments
  1. avatar Kristyn M reply

    I love Gardenias! We always had them in the yard growing up and the smell instantly brings me back to my grandmothers yard! I plan on using them in my wedding but not too much because I’m sure not everyone loves the smell like I do!

  2. avatar Jessica B reply

    Gardenias and magnolias both will having starring roles at my wedding! They are so undeniably Southern. Delicate looking, elegant, but both make an impact! Gardenias with their smell and magnolias with their size.

  3. avatar anna reply

    Love the idea of handwritten notes for family members at their seats!

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Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring blooms that are particularly prized beneath the Mason-Dixon Line. Today, it’s all about Texas, because we’re chatting about the bluebonnet!

Bluebonnet image by Athena Pelton, overlay by SW

Beautiful! I’m sure the heart of every Texan reading this post is swelling with pride, because the bluebonnets are truly a treasure of the Lone Star State. They’re also, of course, it’s state flower.

Clockwise from top: Chase A. Fountain via the Dallas News, via Aggie Horticulture, CarolWatson on flickr, and Carla Stewart

Bluebonnets are a wildlower, and they grow over the winter, generally blooming in the last week of March or the first week of April. Because the seeds are encased in a hard outer “shell” that must be worn down by wind and rain, it’s said that the worse the winter, the prettier the bluebonnets. That’s a nice reward, don’t you think? According to Texans, the best bluebonnet spotting area is the triangle formed by Austin, San Antonio, and San Angelo.

Because of the short, unpredictable growing season, it’s risky to include bluebonnets in your plans for things like bouquets or centerpieces. If you do, make sure you have a backup bloom in mind! Grape hyacinth or muscari is a more widely-available spring flower with a similar look. Here’s a little inspiration for those of you getting married in the bluebonnet sweet spot:

From top: first two by Arielle Doneson, middle three by McGowan Images via Style Me Pretty, and last two by Melissa Schollaert via Southern Weddings

Keep in mind that we know not all of these images are of bluebonnets (though most are!), but we figured the shape and hue of the blooms would give you a good approximation of what bluebonnets might look like if you chose to use them!

Even if you’re getting married in, say, September, working with your photographer to shoot your engagement photos during bluebonnet season is a great way to work some Texas pride into your wedding! They do make a beautiful backdrop…

Amanda Marie Portraits

One last fun fact about bluebonnets? They have five leaves, which are said to represent the five points of the Texas Lone Star :)

What’s your favorite Southern stem? Any Texans out there want to share some Texas pride or up close and personal bluebonnet encounters in the comments?

P.S. Don’t miss our posts on camellias and wisteria!

Melissa Schollaert is a fabulous member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

emily Written with love by Emily
7 Comments
  1. avatar JM reply

    It’s illegal to pick bluebonnets in the state of Texas, to my knowledge, so it’s impossible to use them in a bouquet or anything else for a wedding. A real Texan would NEVER pick one! But they are a gorgeous backdrop and inspiration.

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi JM! Thank you so much for chiming in! I actually did some research, and according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is NOT illegal to pick bluebonnets – just illegal to trespass on private property, and to damage or destroy rights of way (so don’t dig up an entire field). But a few blooms for a bouquet should be no problem at all! You can read more here: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr032602.htm

  2. avatar Jenn reply

    Thanks so much for posting about The Lone Star State! Bluebonnets do make a lovely backdrop for a wedding, and while we can pick them or grow our own, I think their stems are pretty delicate, making them less-than-hardy for a bouquet, but I’ve seen them planted in tiny planter pots for centerpieces at a garden wedding! They also look striking against the unofficial flower that blooms about a week to two weeks later, the Indian Paintbrush.
    http://www.ranchflowers.com/photoszb_combos/indian%20paintbrush%20%26%20texas%20bluebonnets.htm
    They’re almost coral in color! So pretty with the blue and white…

  3. avatar Angeline Kincannon reply

    This is so Awesome!!!!!! :))))

  4. avatar athena reply

    Spring in Texas is one of the most magnificent seasons I’ve ever witnessed (And I’m from the Midwest, so I know seasons). The bluebonnets – and the rest of the Texas wildflowers – are a big reason why. It’s really quite breathtaking – seeing fields stretched as far as the eye can see – blue. Purple. Specks of white. It’s not french lavender, but it may as well be. If you ever have the chance to get to Hill Country in the Spring – do it. You won’t regret it. Promise :) xoxo

  5. avatar Heather reply

    I was told that you weren’t allowed to use real bluebonnets in a wedding so I’m incorporating silk bluebonnets, along with trying to get bridal pictures done in a bluebonnet field. My grandfather’s family was originally from Texas, and my fiance is from Texas and thats where we hope to live one day so bluebonnets are definitely something I wanted to incorporate into our wedding. Its in May this year, so hopefully I can get some nice bluebonnet photos in March maybe!!

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    […] Orchid What’s your favorite Southern stem? Don’t miss past posts on dogwood, gardenia, bluebonnets, wisteria, jasmine, and […]

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