Flower and Foliage Forms Modified by the GA Agriculture Education Curriculum Office July 2006

Why Flower Forms Are Important Each flower has a specific purpose in a design Using a variety of forms can provide greater visual interest Main design shapes line form mass filler

Line Flowers Establish the framework of a design Shape of the flower is usually tall and long with many blooms on each stem E.g. gladiolus, delphinium, snapdragon, liatris, etc.

Line Foliage Helps repeat the framework set by line flowers Creates motion E.g. scotch broom, eucalyptus, ferns, etc.

Form Flowers Often used to establish a focal point Can also be used around the perimeter of a design. E.g. anthurium, bird of paradise, Easter Lily, orchids, etc.

Form Foliage Have interesting shapes, color, texture, or patterns E.g. caladium, croton, monstera, etc.

Mass Flowers Purpose is to add mass to the arrangement Solitary flowers with rounded flower heads at the top of a stem E.g. roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, tulips

Mass Foliage Add weight and bulk to an arrangement Efficient at covering mechanics E.g. leatherleaf, pittosporium, camellia, etc.

Filler Flowers Usually are systems of branched flowers and stems Small in size and scale Used to fill in spaces and accent a design E.g. baby’s breath, statice, heather, etc.

Filler Foliage Fills in and accents the design E.g. plumosa, huckleberry, sprengeri, ivy