Flower Arrangement

Lesson 06 :Flowers And Foliages Suitable For Flower Arrangement

Types Of Flowers

1. Line Flowers
   Line flowers are long, slender spikes of blossoms with flo­rets blooming along the stem (Figure6.1) Bare twigs and other similar material are also classified as line flowers. These flowers are used to establish the skeleton or outline of an arrangement. They determine the height and width relationship of the arrangement. Examples of line flowers in­clude gladiolus, snapdragons, and stock. Eucalyptus is an example of a linear foliage.



2. Mass Flowers:
   Mass flowers are single stem flowers with large, rounded heads (Figure 6.2). This group of flowers is used within the framework of the linear flowers toward the focal point. If line flowers are not available, then use buds and smaller mass flowers to create the framework of the design. Vary the heights and depths of mass flowers so that each flower stands out and the arrangement has depth. Examples of mass flowers include roses, carnations, and daisies.



3. Filler Flowers
   Filler flowers are used to fill in the gaps between mass flow­ers and give depth to the design (Figure 6.3). They follow the patterns set by the line and mass flowers and add emphasis to the main blossoms.
   Filler flowers may be of two types, bunchy or feathery. Bunchy flowers, such as pompon chrysanthemums, have many small mass-type heads. Feathery fillers such as gypsophilia (baby's breath) give a delicate, feminine appear­ance to an arrangement.



4. Form Flowers
   Form flowers have unusual, distinctive shapes (Figure 6.4). Because they add emphasis to an arrangement, they are ideal to create a focal point in a design. Space form flowers in a design so that they maintain their individuality. Never bunch form flowers together. Examples of form flowers are orchids and calla lilies.
   Each of the four classes of flowers has an important place in the creation of an arrangement. Flowers from anyone group or combination of the groups can be used. As a de­signer, one must be able to identify many flowers from each group and know the characteristics of each flower.