Ellermann Florist’s Guide: Best Flowers for the Mid-Autumn Festival
Here’s a Ellermann flower boutique’s guide for the best flowers to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, combining tradition, symbolism, and visual appeal:
1. Chrysanthemums (菊花)
Symbolism: Longevity, joy, and ease of life; also associated with the harvest season.
Why it works: Chrysanthemums bloom in autumn and are a traditional flower during the festival. Their golden, yellow, and orange hues complement the moon and lantern decorations.
Arrangement tips: Pair with deep green foliage to highlight the flower’s vibrant color. Mini chrysanthemum bouquets work well for gifts.
2. Osmanthus (桂花)
Symbolism: Prosperity, good fortune, and family reunion; associated with the legend of moon goddess Chang’e.
Why it works: Osmanthus is closely tied to Mid-Autumn traditions, especially for its fragrance, which evokes sweet osmanthus wine and pastries.
Arrangement tips: Use sprigs of blooming osmanthus as accents in bouquets or as a standalone aromatic centerpiece. Combine with white or pale yellow flowers for contrast.
3. Lotus (莲花)
Symbolism: Purity, peace, and harmony.
Why it works: Though more commonly linked with summer, lotus still holds cultural significance during moon festivals, symbolizing family unity and spiritual balance.
Arrangement tips: Use lotus blossoms in shallow, decorative bowls with floating candles or water lilies for festive displays.
4. Peonies (牡丹)
Symbolism: Wealth, honor, and feminine beauty.
Why it works: Their lush, full blooms convey celebration and abundance. Pink, white, or red peonies create a luxurious feel suitable for gifting.
Arrangement tips: Mix peonies with chrysanthemums or golden-hued fillers for a vibrant, festive bouquet.
5. Marigolds (金盏花)
Symbolism: Warmth, celebration, and vitality.
Why it works: Their golden-orange colors resonate with the full moon and the festival’s joyful atmosphere.
Arrangement tips: Cluster marigolds in small bunches with greenery for table arrangements or lantern-adorned centerpieces.
6. Osmanthus-Infused Arrangements
Idea: Blend fragrant osmanthus with chrysanthemums, marigolds, and red berries for a multi-sensory display. Add traditional paper lanterns to highlight the festival theme.
7. Seasonal Tips for Florists
Color Palette: Gold, yellow, orange, red, and white – colors symbolizing warmth, reunion, and prosperity.
Arrangement Style: Opt for circular arrangements to echo the full moon. Use low centerpieces for dining tables and taller bouquets for gifting.
Fragrance Considerations: Include fragrant flowers like osmanthus or lilies for an aromatic experience reminiscent of mooncakes and autumn harvests.
Presentation: Wrap bouquets in silk or paper printed with moon motifs or lanterns for festive flair.
Hong Kong Florist
For Mid-Autumn Festival displays, focus on flowers that celebrate family reunion, prosperity, and harvest beauty. Chrysanthemums, osmanthus, lotus, peonies, and marigolds form the backbone of festival arrangements, offering the perfect combination of color, fragrance, and cultural symbolism.
