Post #239672 by nuimaleko on Mon, Jun 26, 2006 12:57 AM

Lei flowers are traditionaly types that grow on bushes, trees and large vines, since you need a lot of them. But really, you just need flowers that are abundant in season, nontoxic and won't stain cloths or skin. In spring try azalea, bluebells and the many blossoms of trees like quince, plum or cherry. If you have room and you can grow enough annuals for your needs, try the various salvias, nemesias, snap dragons, nasturtiums, rosa vinca and African marigolds (some varieties have no smell) Perennials that could work to provide enough flowers are; the tall lobeleas, campanulas, penstimens, vinca major and ground orchid. Or if you can grow vines, try honeysuckle (there are many kinds, most are fragrant) trumpet vines or the annual cup and saucer vine. Many late spring and summer bulbs like coprosmia, freesia, ixia and small types of gladiolas will work. If you live in a warm climate try using agapanthus flowers, they are super abundant in California. Some bushes like Pittisporums are covered with small fragrant flowers each spring, not large enough for the usual lei, but you can always make multiple strands and braid them. How about making a braided lei of lilac flowers. Heavenly!
Of course leis can be made of leaves too. How about a lei of small orange or lemon tree leaves or rose scented geranium leaves. Waxy leaves will hold up best. How about making leis out of the boxwood clippings from a neighbor's hedge, weaving in small flowers. Or if you use a scentless flower, weave in
a few scented leaves as well. The possibilities are endless.