An Interview with Sue McLeary also known as Passionflower Sue

A boundary pushing floral artist - Sue's background, business arms, sustainability philosophy, floral style and Master florist status

Apr 02, 2025

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I had the pleasure of meeting Sue McLeary - also known as Passionflower Sue at January’s Flower House Mexico in Mexico City. To say I was starstruck would be an understatement! I've admired Sue’s work for years, following her innovative installations, groundbreaking floral mechanics, and game-changing tips on corsage design and hydration chambers (which I swear by, too). Anyone interested in the floral art industry has heard of Sue and her inspiring creations.

During our conversation, she mentioned she was heading to Australia in March just gone for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) to hold a masterclass, demonstrations and be a guest on the ‘Future of Floristry’ panel. Of course, as a contributor to Flowers Magazine Australia (FMA) I took the opportunity to ask Sue if should would consider engaging in a Q & A for FMA. The timing of the publication and the MIFGS couldn’t have been more perfect. So to follow are a long list of questions that Sue very generously answered.

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I’ve inserted a paywall half way down the many questions to whet your appetite.

Please note: Permission has been sought and granted by both FMA and Sue McLeary to replicate this article. All photography has been provided by Sue McLeary.

So please read on for our Q and A interview which dives head first into Sue’s floral world.

Sue McLeary Bio:
“Susan is a floral designer, artist and instructor who creates unusual, boundary-pushing floral art including elaborate headpieces, floral wearables, and large-scale floral installations. Her soulful, seasonally- inspired creations have been described as exquisite living artwork. A passionate teacher, Susan offers instruction for new and professional florists through her online classes, “Virtual Studio,” membership, and through destination workshops. Susan’s work has been featured in leading industry publications and websites including Martha Stewart Weddings, Cosmopolitan, SELF, Flower magazine, Florist’s Review, The Knot, My Modern Met, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Belle Armoire, Midwest Living, and Fusion Flowers. She is the author of two books: “The Art of Wearable Flowers” and “Flowers for All,” both with Chronicle Books.” Susan McLeary

1. Tell us where you are based and what are the different arms of your business?

I am based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. For the last seven years, I have focused solely on teaching and writing. I offer stand-alone online classes, my “virtual studio” membership online class program, in person 1:1 instruction at my studio, and destination workshops for professional florists and floral enthusiasts. I am also an author and am pleased to have two published books: “The art of Wearable Flowers, “ and “Flowers for All,” both with Chronicle Books.

2. How did your Instagram handle name ‘Passionflower Sue’ originate?

Years ago, when I opened my studio, I chose the name “Passionflower.” I chose this because it was the first flower that stopped me in my tracks. Its otherworldly form and fascinating structure mesmerized me, gave me pause, and made me curious. Those feelings resonated with me as the ones I hoped to stir in my work, so I chose the flower, as a sort of muse.

3. How did your passion for flowers and your business start?

I have had a lifelong fascination with nature and grew up with a master gardener mom in an artful home full of plants and surrounded by incredible gardens, but my passion for floral design came quite accidentally. I like to say that I’ve always been "vaguely artistic"- experimenting with many mediums but never finding one that I felt particularly good at. I found floristry about 20 years ago when a friend asked me to design her wedding flowers because she had forgotten to hire a florist. At the time, I was making jewelry as a hobby. I was already making necklaces for herself and her bridesmaids so I said yes to the additional challenge but had no idea that I would instantly and completely fall in love with the process of working with flowers. After designing for her wedding, I knew unmistakably that I’d found my medium. After hers, I designed wedding flowers for several friends. Seeking more experience, I pursued accreditation through the Michigan Floral Association, and training with several floral shops and event design companies. After 7 years of gathering skills and working for others, I opened my own floral design studio, Passionflower, in 2010.

4. Last year you achieved Master Florist status. What did that entail?

I was thrilled when I saw that the Boerma Instituut was offering a formal master floristry training program. This is something that I’ve wanted to do for years, but I couldn’t find a program structure that fit into my life. This is a unique concentrated program, led by Gregor Lersch and hosted and facilitated by the wonderful Boerma family. There are three parts to the program. Two 10-12 day in-person modules, and a self study module with homework. The in-person instruction includes daily demonstrations, theory lectures, analysis, hands-on application of master floristry techniques, and lots of time to connect and learn from Gregor and the others in the group. The educational program culminates in two exams- a written exam on theory and nomenclature, and a timed practical exam. It is difficult to find a training program that efficiently offers the handiwork skills and theoretical knowledge of master floristry. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking to progress their practice. I also think it’s valuable to learn these skills and pass them on- to demonstrate that floristry is an art form with a defined skill set and principles of design. Education is so hard to piece together for some many of us- especially in the states. This concise yet thorough program was designed to build skills and answer questions and I found it to be the perfect fit!

5. Tell us about the two books that you have written?

My first book, “The Art of Wearable Flowers,” published in 2020, is a love letter to the profession and a 40-project step by step guide to making wearable flowers. I see these pieces as ways to show our skill, but also vehicles to express ourselves and express our creativity. I love this book and am proud that I was asked by the publisher to write it. I feel that now, nearly 6 years after creating it, I could fill an entire second book on wearables. I hope to get the opportunity! My second book, “Flowers for All”, was published in 2023. Created during the pandemic, the ideas in the book invite all flower lovers - from novices to masters - to engage with flowers more often, regardless of what materials they have access to. Simple approachable design ideas are offered to provide the reader inspiration and moments of pause.

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