The Secret Language of Florists

Floral designers have their own unique language and terminology. But you too can be a behind-the-scenes expert – and talk shop like a pro – with this handy dictionary.

These terms describe the major components of any flower design.

Mass flowers/materials: These elements, typically round and full and often with a single flower per stem, anchor many designs and provide volume. Roses, hydrangeas, carnations and asters are good examples.

Form flowers/materials: These are flowers and foliages with distinctive shapes that call attention to them, such as irises, orchids, birds-of-paradise or Monstera foliage.

Line flowers/materials: These elements have a clear directional quality and are typically tall and thin. They provide the framework and primary lines in a floral design. Good examples are gladioli, liatrises, larkspurs and snapdragons.

Filler flowers/materials: These small flowers, leaves, buds or seed pods usually come in large quantities on a single stem and are used to fill in open spaces and connect the other flower placements. Examples include baby’s breath, goldenrod (solidago) and waxflower.

Watch for future articles with more floral-related terms to expand your knowledge. Just for fun see if you can pick out the different flowers in this floral arrangement!