Birthday
HydrangeasA pomander is a ball: made of fresh flowers on a ribbon, or of an orange studded with cloves. A flower pomander is a pretty accessory for bridesmaids and flower girls, while the fragrant kind is a traditional Christmas decoration. Here is where the pomander comes from and how to make both versions yourself.
Flowers for wedding decor are available in our bridal bouquets and flowers for newlyweds sections.
What a pomander is
The name comes from Old French "pomme d'ambre", "apple of ambergris". In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance it meant a pierced ball of fragrant resins and herbs worn on a belt or chain. Today the word covers both a flower ball on a ribbon and a clove-studded orange — both fill a space with beauty and scent.
A DIY flower pomander
- Base: a 10–15 cm floral foam sphere, soaked in water.
- Loop: thread wire through the sphere and attach a ribbon handle.
- Flowers: spray roses, carnations, Santini chrysanthemums, hydrangea florets, gypsophila; cut stems to 3–4 cm.
- Assembly: insert flowers tightly, starting around the "equator", so no foam shows.
- Care: mist with water; make it a day before the event.
Flower balls also work as decor, hung on aisle chairs, above tables or on an arch — see wedding flower arches.
A Christmas clove orange
- Take a firm orange (a mandarin or lemon also works).
- Mark a pattern with a toothpick — spirals, stripes or stars.
- Push whole dried cloves into the holes.
- Roll the orange in ground cinnamon and other spices.
- Dry for 2–3 weeks somewhere warm and dry, then tie with ribbon and hang.
A finished pomander smells of citrus and spice for months. It is decor, not food; clove oil can irritate skin, so children should wear gloves.
Ways to use pomanders
- For bridesmaids and flower girls instead of a bouquet.
- As hanging decor at weddings, cafés or shop windows.
- Clove oranges on the tree, in a basket of pine cones or on the festive table; more ideas in DIY holiday decor.
- In the wardrobe instead of a sachet.
FAQ
How many flowers does a pomander need?
About 30–40 small heads for a 12 cm ball.
How long does a flower ball last?
2–4 days with regular misting; hardy carnations and chrysanthemums last longer.
How long does a clove orange take to dry?
2–3 weeks somewhere warm and dry; it then keeps its scent for months.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
