Florist Guide to Foliage
Foliage is the backbone of floral design, providing structure, texture, and color to arrangements. This guide covers essential foliage types, their uses, and care tips for florists to create stunning, long-lasting displays.
Why Foliage Matters
Foliage enhances floral arrangements by:
Adding Structure: Creates a framework to support flowers.
Enhancing Texture: Adds depth with varied leaf shapes and surfaces.
Balancing Color: Complements or contrasts with blooms.
Extending Longevity: Many foliage types outlast flowers, maintaining arrangement appeal.
Popular Foliage Types
Below are commonly used foliage types, their characteristics, and applications in floral design.
1. Eucalyptus
Types: Silver Dollar, Baby Blue, Gunnii, Seeded
Characteristics: Round or elongated leaves, silvery-green hues, aromatic, flexible stems.
Uses: Adds softness to bouquets, wreaths, or centerpieces; seeded varieties add texture.
Care Tips: Mist leaves to maintain freshness; store in water at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
2. Ferns
Types: Leatherleaf, Maidenhair, Boston
Characteristics: Feathery, delicate fronds; vibrant green; airy texture.
Uses: Filler for lush arrangements; Maidenhair for delicate bridal bouquets.
Care Tips: Keep hydrated; avoid direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
3. Ruscus
Types: Italian Ruscus, Israeli Ruscus
Characteristics: Slender, glossy leaves; deep green; sturdy stems.
Uses: Ideal for minimalist or modern designs; long-lasting in corsages.
Care Tips: Submerge stems in water; avoid crushing delicate leaves.
4. Ivy
Types: English Ivy, Variegated Ivy
Characteristics: Trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, green or variegated.
Uses: Cascading effect in arrangements or hanging installations.
Care Tips: Keep in cool water; trim ends daily to prevent wilting.
5. Pittosporum
Types: Green Pittosporum, Variegated Pittosporum
Characteristics: Small, glossy leaves; compact growth; green or cream-edged.
Uses: Filler for tight arrangements; adds subtle elegance.
Care Tips: Store in water; remove lower leaves to prevent rot.
6. Dusty Miller
Characteristics: Velvety, silver-gray leaves; soft texture.
Uses: Contrasts with vibrant flowers; popular in vintage or pastel designs.
Care Tips: Handle gently to avoid damaging leaves; keep hydrated.
Selection Tips
Seasonality: Choose foliage available locally to reduce costs and ensure freshness.
Condition: Look for vibrant, unblemished leaves; avoid yellowing or wilting.
Compatibility: Match foliage texture and color to the arrangement’s theme (e.g., soft ferns for romantic designs, eucalyptus for rustic).
Design Techniques
Layering: Use broad leaves (e.g., Leatherleaf Fern) as a base, then add delicate foliage (e.g., Maidenhair) for contrast.
Focal Points: Highlight unique foliage like seeded eucalyptus in sparse designs.
Greenery-Only Designs: Combine multiple foliage types for texture-driven, flower-free arrangements.
Cascading Effects: Use ivy or trailing eucalyptus for dramatic, flowing displays.
Care and Maintenance
Hydration: Cut stems at a 45° angle and place in clean water with floral preservative.
Storage: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in a cooler; avoid ethylene-producing fruits.
Cleaning: Remove leaves below waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
Longevity: Replace wilting foliage to maintain arrangement quality.
Sustainability Tips
Source locally to reduce carbon footprint.
Use foliage from sustainable growers or forage responsibly (with permission).
Repurpose leftover foliage in smaller arrangements or wreaths.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Wilting: Ensure proper hydration; check for clogged stems and recut if needed.
Yellowing: Likely due to ethylene exposure or age; remove affected leaves and store properly.
Pests: Inspect for aphids or spider mites; rinse gently or use insecticidal soap.
Foliage is a versatile tool for florists, enhancing both aesthetic and practical aspects of arrangements. By understanding foliage types, their uses, and proper care, florists can elevate their designs while ensuring longevity and sustainability.
