Flowers Used in Japanese Flower Arrangements

Ikebana is the creative, yet restrained, craft of Japanese flower arrangement. Simplicity and balance are emphasized rather than color and excess. Almost any flower can be incorporated into a Japanese arrangement, but certain flowers are preferred for their beauty and cultural significance.

Types

Flowers for Ikebana fall into two categories. Herbaceous plants are symbolic of females, while tree branches and other woody plants are symbolic of males. To keep the balance of strength and fragility intact, there are either two flowers on one side of one branch or two branches on the side of one flower.

Woody Flowers

Plum, apricot, quince and peach blossoms are used in Ikebana because of the strong structure of their branches, which contrast with the small delicate flowers.

Festival Flowers

There are five traditional Japanese festivals, called Gosekku, that commemorate the seasons. Specific flowers are featured in the arrangements for these events. Pine tree is used for New Year's Day, and Bamboo is used for the Star Festival. Peach blossoms are for Girls' Festival, while Iris is for the Boys'.

Auspicious Flowers

Rohdea, narcissus, chloranthemum and camellias are some of the traditional flowers used for auspicious events such as wedding anniversaries and baby showers.

Geography

The flowers do not have to be native to Japan. Roses, daisies and other flowers historically associated with the West can be beautiful and graceful additions to Ikebana.

References

• Ikebana International
• Mastering Basic Styles of Ikebana
• Japanese Flower Arrangements