Flowers often take center stage in floral design discussions, but foliage plays an equally essential role in crafting stunning arrangements.
Here’s a look at five of my favorite foliages to design with—readily available to florists across the USA. Many of these can even be grown in your own cutting garden!
Geranium
Geranium leaves are, without a doubt, my favorite greenery to use in floral arrangements! They come in a variety of beautiful color options, like the chocolate geranium with its striking dark center framed by bright green. Other varieties feature white-and-green or red-and-green patterns, adding versatile color and texture to designs. Plus, their rich, delightful scent is an added bonus.
In the summer and fall, I grow geraniums in my cutting garden. During the off-season here in Washington State, I source them from trusted wholesalers like Florabundance to keep these gorgeous leaves in my arrangements year-round.
Heuchera
Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a mostly evergreen perennial that comes in an impressive variety of colors, as shown in the photo. Some varieties feature beautifully ruffled leaves, adding unique texture to floral designs. Heuchera is a hardy plant that works wonderfully in arrangements, offering vibrant color and interesting texture.
Having it in my garden also allows me to cut my own leaves, ensuring I can harvest stems at their full length for floral arrangements.
Mint
Both Mountain Mint and Spearmint are known for their long-lasting quality, making them perfect additions to floral arrangements. Not only do they bring a refreshing scent, but they also add vibrant green color and delightful texture.
I prefer to grow my own mint to ensure it’s always freshly picked and immediately hydrated, allowing me to monitor its age and maintain its quality. Plus, it looks nice in the garden.
Ninebark in burgundy
Ninebark comes in a range of useful colors, including green, chartreuse, brown-red, and burgundy. Its well sized leaves bring a sense of lightness to floral designs.
However, it’s important to note that this foliage is a heavy water drinker, making it ideal for centerpieces and arrangements that have a constant water source. I avoid using Ninebark in bridal bouquets to eliminate any risk of wilting.
I enjoy growing Ninebark in my garden—it’s a hardy shrub that continues to provide beautiful foliage throughout the summer months.
Raspberry Foliage
Raspberry foliage is a summer favorite for floral design here in Washington State. Its vibrant green leaves, accented with golden-yellow tones or burgundy tips, provide a stunning base layer of color in arrangements. The large leaves are perfect for quickly covering mechanics, and the foliage is impressively long-lasting.
While I don’t grow raspberry foliage in my own cutting garden, I love sourcing it from Jello Mold Farm in Skagit Valley. They offer several varieties, including some with minimal thorns, making it even easier to work with.
