1. Forms & Functions of Flowers & Foliage Used in Floral Design
Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University
- 8943A -

2. Introduction
Each type of flower and foliage used in floral design has a unique function or purpose.
In creating a floral arrangement, a designer uses the principles and elements of design as a guide in determining which types of flowers and foliage to select.

3. Introduction
Factors to consider in selecting materials for floral arrangements include:
Color scheme or theme
Seasonal availability of floral materials
Cost of materials

4. Forms & Functions of Flowers & Foliage
Individual shapes and forms of floral materials in an arrangement influence the overall pattern of the design. A floral designer must, therefore, consider the unique characteristics of floral materials when selecting them to include in an arrangement.

5. Forms & Functions of Flowers & Foliage
Floral designers classify flowers and foliage based on their shape, form, and use within an arrangement. Classifications based on these characteristics include:

6. Forms & Functions of Flowers & Foliage
Floral designers use floral materials from any single group or combination of groups to create an attractive floral arrangement.
A specific flower or foliage type is not limited to one group.

7. Functions of Line Flowers
develop the outline and geometric shape of the design.

8. Functions of Form & Mass Flowers
Form flowers create the focal area. Mass flowers add visual weight and balance to the arrangement.

9. Functions of Filler Flowers
Filler flowers provide an accent or finishing touch to the arrangement.

10. Line Flowers
Line flowers are tall spikes of blossoms with florets blooming along the length of the stem. Most have larger, more open blossoms toward the base of the stem.

11. Line Flowers
Line flowers with natural curves are effective for establishing curvilinear lines and creating a more dramatic effect.

12. Line Flowers Snapdragon Delphinium Liatris Gladiolus Stock Cattail
Pussy willow

13. Line Flowers

14. Linear Foliage
Foliage with linear shapes is effective in repeating and complimenting the lines established by the line flowers. Incorporating linear foliage with line flowers creates repetition and unity within the design. The natural curve of linear foliage is also effective for adding motion to a design.

15. Linear Foliage Bear Grass Flax Flat Fern Scotch Broom
Spiral Eucalyptus
Ivy

16. Linear Foliage

17. Form Flowers
Form flowers are the most unique and distinctive flowers within an arrangement. They are positioned in the focal area of an arrangement because their unique shapes and colors attract viewer attention.

18. Form Flowers
By using the design elements of space in the focal area of an arrangement, the designer allows the form flowers’ unique characteristics to be clearly visible, and thus, each flower maintains its own individuality.

19. Form Flowers
Iris
Anthurium
Calla
Bird of Paradise
Lily
Orchid

20. Form Flowers

21. Form Foliage

22. Form Foliage
In contemporary floral arrangements, altering the natural appearance of a common type of mass foliage creates unusual and unnatural form foliage.

23. Mass Flowers Mass flowers characteristically:
Consist of a single stem with one solid, rounded head at the top of the stem.
Add mass or visual weight to a design.
Draw viewer attention to the form flowers.
Create depth in a design.

24. Mass Flowers
Carnation
Daisy
Gerbera
Rose
Chrysanthemum

25. Mass Flowers & Foliage

26. Mass Foliage
Mass foliage adds mass and visual weight to a floral arrangement. It accents the shape of the arrangement and fills in areas not occupied with flowers. Mass foliage also functions to cover the floral foam and hide other design mechanics.

27. Mass Foliage
Floral designers often use more than one type of mass foliage in an arrangement to create variety and to avoid monotony.

28. Mass Foliage
Leatherleaf fern
Lemon leaf
Chamaedorea palm

29. Filler Flowers
Filler flowers consist of small sprays of flowers. They function to fill in open spaces among the mass flowers within the framework of an arrangement.

30. Filler Flowers
Filler flowers accent the other floral materials within the arrangement and add an additional dimension to the arrangement. Filler flowers also add a finishing touch to the arrangement.

31. Filler Flowers

32. Filler Foliage
The small leaves of filler foliage is effective as an accent in creating unity and harmony. Fine textures of filler foliage lighten or soften an arrangement. Coarse textures provide contrast.

33. Filler Foliage

34. Summary
Flowers and foliage are classified as line, form, mass, or filler based on their form, shape, and function in a design.
Line materials create the framework for an arrangement.
Form materials define the focal area.
Mass materials provide visual weight.
Filler materials add gentle accents.

35. Acknowledgements
Jane Gloyd, TMF, AAF, Horticultural Professor (retired), Richland College, Dallas, Texas organized and developed the information used in this PowerPoint presentation.
Christine Stetter, Artist, Instructional Materials Service, developed and illustrated this PowerPoint presentation.
Keith Zamzow, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Materials Service, edited and reviewed this PowerPoint presentation.

36. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reproduction or redistribution of all, or part, of this presentation without written permission is prohibited.
Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University
2588 TAMUS
College Station, Texas
2006