Consider the bright yellow, fragrant, velvety flowers of this early blooming shrub. They're like fluffy orbs of sunshine!
In Italy, men began the custom of giving mimosas to women on International Women's Day — both as a token of respect and a breath of spring! Now, throughout Europe, women also give them to other women. Children honour female teachers and elders with the flowers. For Europeans, the mimosa's symbolism rivals that of the red rose on Valentine's Day. It signifies strength, respect, and affection.
Mimosa grows abundantly in Mediterranean climates but doesn't grow here in Canada. We get ours from Italy – both a welcome sign that spring is on its way and a unique flower sensation. The window for mimosa is short. We can get them from January to early March, then they're gone – until next year!
