When you think of flower arrangements, it's not just the big, bold blooms that count. Tiny flowers also help bring a bouquet together, creating a stunning visual impact. They might be small, but they fill in the spaces, add a pop of colour, and make everything else look even better.
This article will show 18 small flower types you'll love using in your next bouquet or floral arrangement.
1. Baby's Breath (Gypsophila)
Baby's Breath is a real favourite. You've probably seen these tiny white flowers in lots of dried and fresh flower arrangements. Originating from Eastern Europe, these tiny flowers are like little clouds that make everything else stand out. Baby's Breath goes well with roses. Its softness against the sleekness of roses creates an appealing contrast. But whether you're putting together a big, fancy bouquet or something simple, Baby's Breath is a great choice.
2. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum, native to the Mediterranean region, are small, fragrant flowers with long blooming periods. Most florists pair them with larger, bold flowers like Tulips, Hydrangeas, or Dahlias, creating a delightful contrast in size and form. Often found in white and tiny pink flowers, it's a popular choice for adding a honey-like fragrance and dense colour to garden beds and floral arrangements. It's especially nice in springtime arrangements.
3. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is really pretty with its little bell-shaped white flowers. It smells great, too. It's a bit like Baby's Breath in how it makes other flowers look even better. They can be used in bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, centrepieces, and decorations, adding a touch of elegance and romance. Aside from Roses and Peonies, they also complement greenery like Ferns or Eucalyptus, creating a fresh, natural look that accentuates its woodland charm.
4. Spray Roses
Spray roses are like the younger siblings of regular roses – smaller but just as pretty. They come in bunches on each stem, adding a cosy, full look to your bouquet. They're great for when you want something fancy but not too over-the-top.
Spray roses, with their small, clustered blooms, pair wonderfully with soft, fluffy flowers like Hydrangeas or Peonies. They also go well with linear flowers like Calla Lilies or Delphiniums, adding depth and texture to more structured arrangements.
5. Wax Flowers
Wax flowers are tough little guys with a sweet, citrusy smell. They have small, star-shaped flowers in colours like pink, white, and purple. They're not just pretty; they last long, too, making your bouquet stay fresh-looking for longer. Arrangements featuring Wax Flowers can add a touch of sophistication without being overly extravagant.
6. Forget-Me-Nots
Forget-me-nots are tiny and have this beautiful blue colour like a bit of the sky in your bouquet, vase, or bloom box. They're all about adding a splash of colour and a hint of something wild and natural. They're perfect for when you want to make your flowers feel a bit more like a garden. Forget-Me-Nots are popular small flowering plants for various occasions, including Mother's Day, anniversaries, and birthdays.
7. Freesia
Freesia is among the small flower types with a big fragrance that can help turn a bunch of flowers into something special. It's got these lovely little trumpet-shaped blooms and comes in lots of colours. Freesia adds a bit of class and a wonderful smell to your arrangement. It's a good addition to Roses and Lilies bouquets.
8. Pansies
Pansies are little but bold, with bright colours and fun patterns. They can make a bouquet pop and are super versatile. Pansies can fit right in whether you're going for a playful look or something more elegant. Try these tiny flowers when arranging Marigold or Zinnia bouquets. You can blend them with soft, airy greens like Baby's Breath or Ferns.
9. Bells of Ireland
The bells of Ireland are really interesting – they're tall and have a green, bell-like shape. They're not just about colour; they add a cool shape and a bit of height to your bouquets. Pair Bells of Ireland with bold flowers like Sunflowers or Gerbera Daisies for a striking and vivid contrast. Complement them with softer blooms like Lavender or Snapdragons to add a unique structural element to delicate arrangements.
10. Sea Lavender (Limonium)
Sea Lavender, or Limonium, adds a wild, beachy feel to your flowers. It has these small, delicate blooms and comes in purple, pink, and blue. Sea Lavender lasts longer than others, which is why they are good for drying and keeping in your bouquet for a long time.
11. Veronica Flowers
Veronica flowers are long and spiky, but in a good way. They come in blues, pinks, and whites and add a touch of elegance to any bouquet. They're great for giving your arrangement a bit of height and a lot of character. Combine Veronica Flowers with larger blooms like Hydrangeas or Peonies to create a dynamic and textured bouquet. You can also accentuate them with wispy greenery like Ammi Majus or Fountain Grass.
12. Thistle
A thistle might not sound like a flower you'd want in a bouquet, but it's cool. It has a unique, spiky look and a lovely blue-purple colour. It's great for adding some texture and a bit of an edgy look to your flowers. Pair Thistle with soft, feathery greenery like Pampas Grass or Silver Dollar Eucalyptus for a balanced and rustic look.
13. Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's Lace is delicate and looks like lace – hence the name. It's white and adds a soft, airy feel to your bouquet. It's perfect for filling in gaps and making everything look more dreamy. When adding Queen Anne's Lace to floral arrangements, use it to create a soft, lacy backdrop or filler that complements bolder flowers without overwhelming them.
14. Matricaria (Chamomile)
Matricaria, which is like chamomile, is small and daisy-like. It's cheerful and a bit rustic, great for a country-style bouquet. It adds a touch of simplicity and warmth to any arrangement. Matricaria (Chamomile) pairs beautifully with pastel-coloured flowers like Lavender, Roses, and Peonies, creating a gentle and soothing aesthetic.
15. Fairy Foxglove
Fairy Foxglove is as magical as it sounds. It's a tiny flower, usually pink or purple, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your bouquet. It's like a little bit of a fairy garden right in your arrangement. You can get as creative as you can with these tiny flowers, like pairing them with pastel blooms such as Sweet Peas or Anemones to craft a romantic bouquet.
16. Grape Hyacinth
Grape Hyacinth isn't a grape, but it kind of looks like one with its clusters of small, purple, bead-like flowers. It adds a lovely pop of colour and a fun, grape-like shape unique to bouquets. Many florists like to combine Grape Hyacinth with bright Tulips, Daffodils, and other spring flowers for a vibrant and cheerful bouquet.
17. Primrose Flowers
Primrose flowers are small and come in lots of bright colours. They're great for adding a splash of cheerfulness to your bouquet. Whether you choose yellow, pink, blue, or another colour, they're sure to make your arrangement pop. When working with these flowers, add contrasting greenery, such as Ferns or Ivy, to highlight the Primroses' vibrant colours and delicate nature.
18. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed is a bright and cheerful flower, usually orange or yellow. It's not just pretty; it's also great for attracting butterflies. Adding it to your bouquet brings a lively, joyful feel, perfect for summer arrangements. When creating floral arrangements with Butterfly Weed, consider adding purple flowers like Lavender or Salvia for a striking colour contrast. You may add some greenery like Eucalyptus or Ferns for fullness and texture.
How To Add Small Flowers To Your Arrangements
Adding small flowers to floral arrangements can greatly enhance their beauty and complexity. Here are some tips to keep in mind when incorporating these tiny blooms:
- Balance and Proportion: Ensure the small flowers are proportionate to the larger blooms and foliage in the arrangement. They should complement, not overpower or get lost within the design.
- Colour Coordination: Choose small flowers that either contrast or complement the main colours in your arrangement. For example, bright yellow tiny blooms can add a pop of colour in a predominantly purple arrangement.
- Texture Variation: Use small flowers to add different textures. For instance, the softness of Baby's Breath against the sleekness of roses creates an appealing contrast.
- Highlighting Focal Points: Use small flowers to draw attention to the focal point of your arrangement. They should lead the eye towards the main blooms or the most striking part of the design.
- Mind the Fragrance: Some small flowers have strong scents. Be mindful of how these scents blend with other flowers in your arrangement, ensuring they create a pleasant aroma and not an overwhelming one.
- Use as a Focal Point: In some cases, a cluster of small flowers can be the focal point of an arrangement, especially in minimalist or modern designs.
- Securing Them Properly: Small flowers might need extra support due to their size. Use floral foam, wire, or tape to keep them in place, especially in larger arrangements.
Conclusion About The Types Of Small Flowers
So there you have it: 19 small flowers that can make a big difference in your floral arrangements. Whether you're going for something fancy or casual or just want to try something new, these little blooms will surely add something special.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Small Flowers
What Are The Most Popular Types Of Small Flowers For Bouquets?
Popular small flowers for bouquets include Baby's Breath, which adds a delicate touch to any arrangement, Sweet Alyssum with its honey-scented blooms, vibrant Pansies for a pop of colour, and the classic elegance of Spray Roses.
What Kind Of Arrangements Can I Make With Small Flowers?
Small flowers are perfect for creating delicate and intricate floral arrangements, such as charming table centrepieces, beautiful hand-tied bouquets, or elegant corsages and boutonnieres for special occasions.
Can I Mix Different Types Of Small Flowers In One Arrangement?
Mixing different types of small flowers in one arrangement is a great way to add diversity and visual interest. Ensure there's a cohesive element, like the colour scheme, flower type (all wildflowers, for instance), or theme (such as a garden look), to harmonise the arrangement.
How Do I Care For Delicate Small Flowers In Arrangements To Ensure They Last Longer?
Keep the water clean and change it regularly to care for delicate small flowers. Trim the stems at an angle every few days to ensure they can absorb water efficiently. Place the arrangement in a cool spot from direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
