What Flowers are Used for Potpourri?
Potpourri makes rooms, dresser drawers and closets fragrant. Literally translated, potpourri is the French word for a Spanish stew with many ingredients. IN this usage, the word refers to the many components in the aromatic mixture of dried flowers, spices, leaves and citrus peel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Flowers for Scent
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The strong and distinctive fragrances of dried lavender, carnations, roses, lilac and violets are common potpourri ingredients. Used alone or in combination, the crushed petals of these flowers emit a soothing aroma.
Decorative Flowers
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Some flowers merely add color to potpourri. The bright yellow of sunflower petals is a popular addition. At Easter and Christmas, potpourri often contains petals that have been dyed to reflect colors of the seasons like pink and green and red and green, respectively.
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Popular Additives
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The scent of potpourri flowers is frequently complemented by the aromas of spices, dried citrus peels and leaves. Nutmeg, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary and sage are popular potpourri spices that add interesting aromas. The dried peels of oranges, limes, mandarins and lemons add crispness to the potpourri bouquet. Dried leaves from mint plants, bayberry bushes, and balsam, eucalyptus and cedar trees lend a distinct fragrance to many potpourris.
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References
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