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Whether it’s your first year, fifth one or fiftieth, anniversaries should be celebrated with flowers. Few stems say I’d marry you all over again like the stephanotis. This glossy leaved, heavenly scented, evergreen vine is a common flower found in wedding bouquets for a good reason. Along with lovely, white flowers, this plant carries the meaning of “marital bliss” in the language of flowers and is a great gift for symbolizing another year together.
Native to Madagascar, the stephanotis came to the attention of florists as an ideal wedding flower. With the common names of “Madagascar Jasmine” and “Bridal Veil” the long, tubular, white blooms of this vining plant open up into a star shape and give off a fragrant perfume similar to jasmine. Larger and less delicate than jasmine, these blossoms hold up in the heat of a summer wedding and will look beautiful in a petite vase for your anniversary. Unlike many pure white flowers, the petals don’t turn brown or bruise as easily. As a corsage, these beauties will last all night if your anniversary plans include dinner and dancing.
As an evergreen acclimated to consistent, warm temperatures, the stephanotis does well as a potted houseplant or special something added to a large container of annuals. In the right conditions, the healthy, green vines can grow up to 10 feet in length and the waxy, white clusters of blooms will flower periodically year-round. Native to the tropics, the stephanotis can handle temperatures only as low as about 45F, so be sure to bring them in before temperatures drop in the fall and put them in a sunny window. Both inside and outside, the stephanotis prefer bright light and will flower more often and for longer with full sun. A surprisingly easy houseplant to grow, a gift of a potted stephanotis will give years of pleasure- just like your spouse!
Both trendy, while still seeming traditional, the stephanotis is very en vogue at the moment. Florists and even grocery store flower departments are beginning to carry this plant in the summer. Available year round, it’s still a good idea to order in advance if you’d like a large quantity. Be sure to place them somewhere that allows their scent to fill the air, like by an open windowsill or someplace with a breeze to carry their scent around the house. Just like a good marriage, it will make you happy to come home to every day.
