The Unsung Heroes: Importance of Foliage in Floral Arrangements

In the art of floral arrangement, foliage plays more than just a supporting role; it is foundational in creating designs that are both visually striking and structurally sound. At Carobeth, we celebrate the natural beauty and diversity of foliage, from the lush greens of Viburnum Tinus to the delicate variegations of Pittosporum. Foliage does more than fill space; it provides essential contrast, enhances colour and contributes depth and texture to every piece. Often overshadowed by the vibrant allure of blooms, foliage is our secret to crafting arrangements that captivate and charm, lending every bouquet a touch of the wild, natural landscapes of Devon.

Types of Foliage and Their Characteristics:

Viburnum Tinus and Abelia: Both Viburnum Tinus and Abelia are celebrated for their robust and voluminous nature, making them perfect for creating lush, green backdrops in any arrangement. Viburnum Tinus, with its dense, evergreen leaves and winter blooms, provides a sturdy base for softer, more delicate flowers like peonies or ranunculus. Abelia, with its glossy leaves and small, fragrant flowers, offers a subtle charm when paired with vibrant tulips or daisies. Historically, these shrubs have been garden staples, known for their durability and year-round beauty.

Hazel and Hawthorn: Hazel and Hawthorn branches bring a touch of rustic elegance to floral designs. Hazel is prized for its long, straight wands that add height and structure to arrangements, ideally complementing tall flowers like delphiniums. Hawthorn, with its gnarled branches and early spring blossoms, pairs beautifully with wildflowers to create a countryside bouquet. These branches have been used in traditional folk practices for centuries, and are believed to offer protection and good fortune.

Ivy Trails and Variegated Pittosporum: Ivy trails are perfect for adding a romantic, cascading effect to floral arrangements. Their long, draping vines elegantly soften the edges of a display, working well with wedding bouquets or table centrepieces featuring roses or hydrangeas. Variegated Pittosporum, with its bright, creamy streaks, offers a striking contrast to darker foliage and blooms, enhancing arrangements with tulips or irises. Both types of foliage have been used decoratively for generations, symbolising fidelity and protection in various cultures.

Alchemilla Mollis and Copper Beech: Alchemilla Mollis, or Lady's Mantle, with its soft, scalloped leaves and dew-catching properties, adds a whimsical touch to cottage garden-style arrangements. It pairs wonderfully with pastel florals like garden roses or sweet peas, emphasising their delicacy. Copper Beech, known for its rich, reddish-purple leaves, provides a bold contrast that is particularly striking with bright yellow blooms like sunflowers or chrysanthemums. Both types of foliage have rich histories in herbal medicine, and are valued for their healing properties and magical associations.

How Foliage Enhances Floral Arrangements:

Far from being merely green, foliage offers a palette ranging from deep viridian to bright lime and from silvery tones to rich purples, all enhancing the visual appeal of arrangements, especially during the colour-sparse winter months.

The structural integrity provided by foliage is crucial. Many varieties used in floristry are woody, lending not only their own robust beauty but also supporting delicate floral stems. This support is vital for maintaining the arrangement’s form. 

Moreover, the diversity in texture among foliage types – from the glossy, smooth waxy leaves of ivy to the soft almost feathery leaves of chickpea plants – adds depth and interest to any arrangement. These varied textures can transform a simple bouquet into a complex, intriguing display, sometimes even allowing the foliage to take centre stage, proving that sometimes, you can indeed do without flowers entirely.

Embracing foliage in floral designs means appreciating its role as the quiet but powerful force that binds the colours and shapes of an arrangement into a harmonious whole. Whether it's creating a lush, green foundation or adding a splash of colour, foliage is the unsung hero of floral aesthetics, making every arrangement not just seen, but felt.

At Carobeth Flowers we think that empty space is just as important as flowers when it comes to creating the perfect floral arrangement. Creating air and space between stems allows each individual to shine, representing how they appear in their natural habitat. This gives each stem the space to be appreciated, and your eye flows from one stem to the next. 

Care Tips for Foliage:

Maintaining the freshness of foliage in floral arrangements is crucial for preserving the overall beauty and longevity of your display. Here are some best practices to keep your foliage vibrant alongside your flowers.

1. Preparation and Initial Care: Before arranging, ensure all leaves that might sit below the water line are removed to prevent bacterial growth, which can cloud the water and shorten the lifespan of your display. Use a sharp tool to cut the stems at a steep angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption, which is crucial for keeping your foliage hydrated and fresh.
2. Acclimatisation: After cutting, immerse the stems in deep, cold water and, if possible, leave them in a cool, dark place for a few hours or overnight. This helps the stems fully hydrate before they are arranged. A quick dunk in boiling water before placing them in cold water can help immensely. This technique also helps enhance water uptake.

At Carobeth, we are committed to sustainable practices, both in how we grow and how we gather our foliage. Our farm cultivates a variety of plants specifically for their leaves, ensuring that we have a year-round supply of fresh, beautiful foliage.

By following these care tips and supporting sustainable practices, you can enjoy longer-lasting, more vibrant foliage in your floral arrangements, all while contributing positively to the environment.

Embrace the Green: Completing Your Floral Arrangement

Foliage is the unsung hero of floral arrangements, vital for its aesthetic completion and the overall vitality of the bouquet. Its presence brings balance, contrast, and a natural feel that cannot be achieved with flowers alone. We encourage you to experiment with different types of foliage in your next arrangement – mix textures, colours and shapes to discover new visual harmonies.

Share your floral creations with us online; we love seeing how you bring Carobeth’s natural beauty into your own spaces. Ready to start creating? Order your Carobeth in a Box today and explore the lush diversity of Devon's finest foliage and blooms delivered directly to your door.