(Image credit: diignat)

The creation of your own fresh flower arrangement is a fun and exciting garden project. Even the smallest of cutting gardens can bring color and vibrancy to jars and vases. While it is important to plant several varieties of focal flower, it is often easy to overlook the vital role that filler and foliage plants play in the making of home-grown floral arrangements. With the addition of various shades of dark green, bouquets created from garden flowers can have a polished and professional look. Below, we will explore some of the more common foliage options for those who wish to design stunning green floral arrangements. 

Dark Green Bouquets and Floral Arrangements

  1. Boxwood - Arches, centerpieces, and dark green wedding bouquets often make use of boxwood. This evergreen shrub is frequently found growing in the home landscape, as it is prized for its glossy foliage. Stems of boxwood can be trimmed and used to add texture to flower arrangements throughout the entire growing season. Boxwood stems also have an exceptional vase life. 
  2. Camellia - Various types of camellias are also among the best producers of dark green foliage for bouquets. Like boxwood, camellia branches are usually available year-round. This makes them a popular choice for use in holiday and winter home décor. 
  3. Eucalyptus - Without doubt, eucalyptus is among the most popular dark green leaves for flower arrangements. Though tender to frost, most fast growing eucalyptus types can be grown in cutting gardens as an annual. Leaf size, shape, and form may vary between cultivars. Those planning to grow eucalyptus in the garden should order plants or seeds early, as most varieties sell out exceptionally quickly. Common varieties for cut flower gardens include ‘Silver Dollar,’ ‘Willow,’ and ‘Lemon Bush.’ 
  4. Fern - Hybrid ferns, specifically bred for use in the cut flower industry, are a good choice for those looking to add shades of dark green to arrangements. Types of ferns can vary, but generally grow in the same fan-like form. Most cultivars will behave as a perennial in shaded landscapes. 
  5. Magnolia - The leaves of magnolia trees can offer dramatic appeal to flower vases and centerpieces. The deep green color is often complimented by darker shades of brown or tan. Magnolia is also popular when used for crafting and home décor projects like wreaths and garlands.
Tonya Barnett
Writer

Tonya Barnett has been gardening for 13 years. Flowers are her passion. She has trasformed her backyard into a cut flower garden, which she regularly chronicles on her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/@tonyawiththeflowers.