A posy, also known as a nosegay or tussie-mussie, is a small, often rounded bouquet of flowers. These compact arrangements feature various blooms and foliage with shorter stems. Historically popular since medieval times, posies even conveyed messages in the Victorian era. A “posy plant” is any plant cultivated for its suitability in creating these small floral designs, aiming to produce blooms with desirable traits for compact arrangements.
Characteristics of Ideal Posy Plants
Ideal posy plants possess specific characteristics for suitability and longevity in small arrangements. Small to medium bloom size is preferred, fitting compact designs without overpowering the shape. Sturdy stem strength supports blooms and prevents premature wilting.
Fragrance enhances appeal, adding a sensory dimension. A good vase life ensures blooms remain fresh after harvesting. Complementary foliage, attractive or aromatic, adds texture and depth as a filler. Plants with abundant blooms suitable for frequent cutting provide a continuous supply.
Popular Plants for Posies
Many plants are well-suited for creating posies, offering a wide array of colors, textures, and fragrances.
- Miniature roses: Classic appeal, delightful scents, and perfectly scaled blooms.
- Lavender: Delicate purple florets and a strong, calming fragrance.
- Pansies and violas: Cheerful, small, often multi-hued blooms for vibrancy.
- Sweet peas: Fragrant, delicate petals, symbolizing blissful pleasure.
- Dianthus (“pinks”): Small, often fringed flowers with a pleasant, spicy fragrance.
- Forget-me-nots: Tiny, symbolic blue flowers for delicate beauty.
- Herbs (mint, rosemary, thyme): Aromatic foliage and small flowers, serving as excellent fillers.
- Small zinnias and marigolds: Bright, long-lasting colors and good vase life for continuous blooms.
Cultivating Plants for Posies
Cultivating plants for posies involves practices that encourage vigorous growth and abundant, high-quality blooms. Most flowering plants thrive with ample sunlight, typically six or more hours daily, which promotes prolific flowering. Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, like compost, provides necessary nutrients and structure.
Consistent watering supports strong bloom production, especially during dry periods, preventing water stress. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases. General fertilization with a balanced plant food encourages robust growth and flowering, often applied every two to four weeks.
Preventative measures against common pests and diseases maintain plant health, ensuring blemish-free blooms. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, redirects energy to new blooms, extending the flowering season. Pinching encourages branching, leading to a bushier habit and more stems and flowers.
Harvesting Your Posy Blooms
Proper harvesting maximizes the freshness and vase life of posy blooms. The best time to cut flowers is early morning after dew dries, or late evening, when plants are fully hydrated.
Use sharp, clean tools, like pruners or scissors, to make clean cuts that do not crush stems, allowing for efficient water uptake. A 45-degree angle cut on the stem increases surface area for water absorption. Immediately after cutting, place stems into a bucket of clean water to prevent dehydration.
Before arranging, remove any foliage that would fall below the waterline. Submerged leaves decay quickly, promoting bacterial growth that clogs stems and shortens vase life. Keeping cut flowers in a cool location away from direct sunlight and drafts also extends their freshness.