Different Types of Flowers Used in Flower Arrangements

According to Elements of Classic Designs, each type of flower in an arrangement has a purpose. Line flowers create the arrangement's structure. Focal flowers draw attention to one area of the arrangement. Accent and filler flowers supply body and color.

Line Flowers

Line flowers have tall narrow profiles and are used both vertically and horizontally to establish an arrangement's height and width. They include gladioli, delphiniums, freesias, larkspur and giant snapdragons.

Focal Flowers

Focal flowers are the largest and showiest flowers in an arrangement. Roses, peonies, hydrangeas, football chrysanthemums and lilies are some focal flowers.

Filler Flowers

Clusters of individual flowers on a single stem, like babies' breath, statice, wax flowers, limonium and solidaster, provide color and body between the line and focal flowers.

Textured Flowers

Textured flowers create visual interest. The contrast between a dozen densely frilled variegated carnations and a smooth, sleek, solid colored vase, for example, makes a simple but striking arrangement.

Fragrant Flowers

Stargazer lilies, freesia, lilac, stock, some roses and wax flowers all have pleasing fragrances. They add an unexpected and haunting dimension to flower arrangements.

References

• Classic Floral Designs; Ed Smith and Mickey Baskett: 2005