This article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Greenery is the invisible framework of a bouquet. It sets the shape, adds volume, separates the flowers, softens transitions between shades and makes the arrangement look natural. Many types of foliage also last longer in a vase than the flowers themselves. Here are the most popular florist greens and which ones you can grow yourself.
Large, glossy, dark green leaves without stalks. Florists loop them, staple them or use them as a collar around the bouquet. They look especially good with red roses, gerberas and anthuriums and last 2–3 weeks in a vase.
Florists mostly use leatherleaf fern (Rumohra) with its tough, finely cut fronds. It creates a dense background around the edge of a bouquet and stays fresh for a long time.
Strictly speaking, it is a filler flower rather than greenery: masses of tiny white or pink flowers on branching stems. It adds lightness, is a favourite in wedding bouquets, and single-variety gypsophila bouquets have become a trend. It dries in the vase without losing its shape.
St John's wort with decorative berries in red, pink, green or cream. The berries add texture to autumn and winter arrangements and last 1.5–2 weeks. They are inedible and toxic to pets.
The leathery, rounded leaves of Gaultheria make a versatile base: they add fullness without competing with the flowers and last up to three weeks.
Thin, stiff blades gathered in bunches. Florists use them to frame bouquets and create loops and "fountains" for a graphic, dynamic look.
The stiff, glossy "leaves" of ruscus are actually flattened stems called cladodes. Ruscus holds its shape well, pairs with roses, orchids and lilies and lasts more than three weeks in a vase.
Silvery blue, rounded eucalyptus leaves ('Cinerea', 'Populus', 'Baby Blue') are the big trend of recent years. It smells fresh, dries beautifully and suits pastel and white flowers.
Small-leaved branches for a full, fluffy base. Pistacia (mastic tree) is loved for its rich green, pittosporum for its pale variegated leaves.
A large split monstera leaf is a statement for exotic and minimalist arrangements with anthuriums, strelitzias and orchids.
Cut greenery in the morning, put it straight into water and let it rest somewhere cool for a few hours before arranging.
We have separate articles on the most popular greenery and fillers: ruscus — why its “leaves” are really shoots and how to dry it; hypericum — berry colours and whether they are safe; ozothamnus — the rice flower for fresh and dried arrangements. The full list of flowers and greenery with short notes is in our florist’s glossary.
No. Single-variety bouquets of roses, peonies or tulips are often made without it and look modern and minimal.
Ruscus, aspidistra, salal and bear grass: three weeks or more.
Order a bouquet made by florists with the right greenery: roses, orchids and other flowers with delivery in Kyiv from UFL.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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