Flower glossary
Short definitions for the words florists and wedding planners use. These are practical terms, not a Victorian codebook.
- What is a bouquet?
- A gathered bunch of cut flowers, usually meant to be held or placed in a vase. In shops it may be hand-tied, wrapped, or already arranged in a container.
- What is a hand-tied bouquet?
- Stems bound together in the hand so they spiral and can stand in a vase when the wrap is removed. A common European and British florist method.
- What is a spray rose?
- A rose stem with several smaller blooms instead of one large head. Used for texture in mixed bouquets and wedding work.
- What is a garden rose?
- A rose with a looser, many-petalled, old-fashioned form — often more fragrant than a tight hybrid-tea florist rose. Popular in weddings.
- What is a boutonniere?
- A small floral accent worn on a lapel, traditionally on the left. Often a rose, spray rose, or other compact bloom with a bit of foliage.
- What is a corsage?
- A small arrangement worn on the wrist or pinned to clothing, common at formal dances and some weddings. Gardenias and spray roses are frequent choices.
- What is a floral foam?
- A water-absorbing plastic foam used to hold stems in place. It is convenient for some designs but is not biodegradable. Many florists now offer foam-free mechanics.
- What is a flower food?
- A sachet of sugar, acidifier and biocide designed to feed stems and slow bacteria in vase water. It helps when used in a clean vase; it is not a substitute for changing dirty water.
- What is a posy?
- A small, round hand-tied bouquet. Historically a compact gift bunch; today a common bridal and everyday size.
- What is a nosegay?
- A small, fragrant handheld bunch. The word comes from the idea of a 'gay' (pretty) thing for the nose — a scented posy.
- What is a floriography?
- The Victorian-era practice of assigning coded meanings to flowers and colours. It is a historical language, not a scientific fact, and it was never used the same way in every country.
- What is Florist's choice bouquet?
- A design where the florist selects the best stems available that day within a colour or budget brief. It usually looks fresher than forcing an out-of-season named flower.
- What is a vase life?
- How long a cut flower remains attractive in water. It is a range that depends on cultivar, harvest stage, transport and home care — not a guaranteed number of days.
- What is a cut flower?
- A flower harvested for arranging, as opposed to a potted flowering plant. Cut flowers need a vase; plants need light and watering as living specimens.