A Floristry Glossary for Men: 20 Words to Understand Your Florist

You open a flower shop catalogue and see a “single-variety bouquet of garden roses with eucalyptus in kraft paper”. So that such descriptions don’t put you off, we have gathered the 20 words florists use most and explained them in plain language.

View full-size photo

Types of bouquets

1. Single-variety bouquet — a bouquet of one kind of flower, for example only roses. Simple and stylish.
2. Mixed bouquet — a combination of different flowers and greenery. More colours and textures.
3. Duo bouquet — a bouquet of two kinds of flowers or two colours.
4. Compliment bouquet — a small bouquet “just because”, as a token of attention.
5. Arrangement — flowers set in floral foam in a box, basket or planter. Read more in the article bouquet, box or basket.

Flowers worth knowing by name

6. Eustoma (lisianthus) — looks like a rose or a poppy, delicate, with thin petals; lasts a long time.
7. Garden rose — a rose with a lush, many-petalled bud that resembles a peony. Popular varieties include David Austin English roses.
8. Spray rose — several small buds on one stem; adds volume and lightness.
9. Gypsophila — a “cloud” of tiny white flowers; adds airiness.
10. Alstroemeria — looks like a small lily, hardy, lasts up to two weeks.
11. Ranunculus — the buttercup family; a dense round flower that looks like a miniature rose.
12. Hydrangea — a large round head of tiny flowers; gives a bouquet volume.
13. Gerbera — a large bright “daisy”. Other similar flowers are in the article flowers that look like daisies.

View full-size photo

Illustration 1. Eustoma is a delicate alternative to the rose.

View full-size photo

Illustration 2. A garden rose combines the shape of a peony with the durability of a rose.

View full-size photo

Illustration 3. A spray rose has several buds on one stem.

View full-size photo

Illustration 4. Gypsophila makes a bouquet light and airy.

Greenery and decor

14. Eucalyptus — silvery-green round leaves with a light scent; the favourite greenery of modern bouquets.
15. Pistacia, ruscus, salal — popular greenery for volume and contrast.
16. Kraft paper — thick brown wrapping paper with an “eco” look.
17. Felt, film, designer paper — other types of wrapping.

View full-size photo

Illustration 5. Eucalyptus is modern florists’ favourite greenery.

Techniques and terms

18. Spiral technique — a way of making a bouquet in which the stems are laid in a spiral, so the bouquet keeps its shape and stands well in a vase.
19. Floral foam (oasis) — a moist porous base into which flowers are inserted in boxes and baskets.
20. Preserved flowers — real flowers treated with a special solution; they don’t wilt for years and need no water.

How to use this

Now you can give a florist a clear request: “a mixed bouquet in pastel shades with garden roses, eustoma and eucalyptus, wrapped in kraft paper”. The florist will understand straight away what you want. To choose the colour and number of flowers, see the articles on rose colours and on how many flowers to give.

In short. Twenty words, and a flower shop catalogue is no longer a mystery, while talking to a florist becomes quick and productive.

And if someone gives you flowers, see flowers for a man.