Glossary of Floristry Terms
Floristry involves the art, science, and business of designing floral arrangements, whether for weddings, events, or everyday enjoyment. Below is a glossary of key terms used in floristry to help you better understand the craft.
A
Arrangement – A composition of flowers, foliage, and decorative elements designed for display.
Armature – A structure or framework used to support floral designs, such as wire grids or branches.
Asymmetrical Design – A floral arrangement where visual weight is unevenly distributed for a dynamic look.
B
Balance – The visual equilibrium in a floral arrangement, achieved through color, texture, and shape.
Biedermeier – A tightly packed, structured bouquet with concentric rings of flowers.
Boutonniere – A small floral arrangement worn on the lapel, usually for formal events.
Bud Vase – A slender vase designed to hold a single flower or a small cluster of blooms.
C
Cascade Bouquet – A bridal bouquet where flowers and greenery flow downward in a waterfall effect.
Centerpiece – A floral arrangement designed to be the focal point of a table.
Conditioning – The process of preparing flowers for longevity by cutting stems, hydrating, and storing them properly.
Corsage – A small floral arrangement worn on the wrist or pinned to clothing, often for weddings or proms.
D
Dried Flowers – Flowers that have been preserved by removing moisture to extend their lifespan.
Design Mechanics – The structural components, such as foam, wire, or tape, that hold an arrangement in place.
Dome Arrangement – A rounded, compact floral design with a uniform shape.
E
Easel Spray – A large floral arrangement placed on an easel, often used for memorials and funerals.
Ethereal Design – A light, airy floral style featuring delicate blooms and open spacing.
Evergreen – Plants that retain their foliage year-round, often used in winter floral arrangements.
F
Filler Flowers – Small blooms used to add texture and fill gaps in an arrangement.
Focal Flower – The primary or standout bloom in an arrangement that draws attention.
Floral Foam – A water-absorbing material used to secure flowers in place and provide hydration.
Floribunda – A type of rose known for producing clusters of blooms.
Form Flower – A uniquely shaped flower (e.g., orchids, calla lilies) that adds structure to an arrangement.
G
Garland – A long, trailing floral arrangement often used for décor at weddings and events.
Genus – The scientific classification of plants and flowers (e.g., Rosa for roses).
Grid Method – A technique using tape or a wire grid on a vase opening to help arrange flowers evenly.
H
Hand-Tied Bouquet – A bouquet where stems are gathered and tied with ribbon or twine.
Harmony – The overall sense of unity and cohesiveness in a floral design.
Hydration – The process of providing flowers with water to maintain freshness.
I
Ikebana – The Japanese art of floral arrangement, emphasizing minimalism and balance.
Inspiration Board – A collection of images and colors used to plan a floral design concept.
Insert Method – A technique of placing flower stems directly into floral foam or water without wiring.
J
Juliet Rose – A luxurious, peach-colored garden rose often used in bridal bouquets.
Jasmine – A fragrant flowering plant frequently used in wedding floral designs.
K
Kenzan – A Japanese floral tool with metal pins used to secure stems in an Ikebana arrangement.
Kokedama – A Japanese technique of growing plants in a moss-covered soil ball.
L
Line Flower – A flower with a tall, elongated form (e.g., snapdragons, delphiniums) that adds height to an arrangement.
Lush Style – A floral design featuring abundant blooms and full arrangements.
M
Mechanics – The hidden elements (e.g., foam, wire, tape) that provide structure to an arrangement.
Monochromatic Design – A floral arrangement using different shades of the same color.
Mossing – Using moss to cover floral foam or as a decorative element in arrangements.
N
Nosegay – A small, round bouquet often given as a gift or carried by bridesmaids.
Neutral Palette – A color scheme consisting of whites, creams, and soft pastels.
O
Oasis – A brand of floral foam commonly used in arrangements.
Organic Style – A natural, free-flowing floral design that mimics nature’s growth patterns.
P
Peony – A popular wedding flower known for its lush, ruffled petals and romantic appearance.
Petals – The soft, colorful parts of a flower often used for decoration.
Pillowing – A floral design technique where flowers are arranged in small clusters at different heights.
Posy – A small, round bouquet similar to a nosegay.
Q
Quatrefoil Design – A symmetrical floral pattern with four overlapping circles, often used in décor.
Queen Anne’s Lace – A delicate filler flower with tiny white blooms.
R
Roses – One of the most popular flowers in floristry, symbolizing love and romance.
Rustic Style – A floral design that incorporates wildflowers, greenery, and natural textures.
S
Spray Roses – Small roses that grow in clusters, often used as filler flowers.
Succulents – Drought-resistant plants commonly used in modern floral arrangements.
Symmetrical Design – A balanced floral arrangement where elements mirror each other.
T
Texture – The visual and tactile quality of flowers and foliage in an arrangement.
Topiary – A sculpted floral or plant arrangement shaped into a form.
Tropical Flowers – Exotic flowers like orchids, anthuriums, and bird of paradise, often used in vibrant designs.
U
Unity – The sense of harmony and completeness in a floral design.
Upright Style – A tall floral arrangement emphasizing height.
V
Vase Life – The length of time flowers remain fresh after being cut.
Vertical Design – A floral arrangement that is taller than it is wide.
W
Water Tubes – Small tubes filled with water to keep individual flower stems hydrated.
Whimsical Design – A playful, free-spirited floral arrangement style.
Wreath – A circular floral arrangement often used for decorations and memorials.
X
Xeriscaping – The practice of designing floral landscapes that require minimal water.
Y
Yarrow – A hardy filler flower with small clustered blooms.
Yellow Roses – Symbolize friendship and joy in floral arrangements.
Z
Zinnia – A colorful, long-lasting flower used in bright, cheerful arrangements.
Zen Garden Style – A minimalist floral arrangement inspired by Japanese aesthetics.
This glossary covers essential floristry terms, helping both beginners and professionals understand the art of floral design.
