A Guide to Floristry Styles Around the World
Floristry is an art form that varies across cultures, influenced by history, traditions, and aesthetics. From structured Japanese arrangements to lush English gardens, floristry styles worldwide reflect the unique beauty of their regions. Here’s a guide to some of the most well-known floristry styles across the globe.
1. Ikebana (Japan)
Key Features: Minimalist, structured, asymmetrical, spiritual
Famous Style: Sogetsu, Ohara, Ikenobo schools
Ikebana, meaning “the way of flowers,” is a Japanese floral art that emphasizes balance, harmony, and simplicity. Unlike Western floral arrangements, Ikebana uses space deliberately and often features branches, leaves, and a focus on seasonality. Arrangements follow strict rules and are deeply connected to nature and Zen philosophy.
2. English Garden Style (United Kingdom)
Key Features: Romantic, abundant, natural-looking
Common Flowers: Roses, peonies, delphiniums, hydrangeas
Inspired by English cottage gardens, this style embraces a loose, overflowing aesthetic. Bouquets often mix soft pastel colors with lush greenery, creating an organic yet refined look. The emphasis is on fullness and layering, mirroring the wild beauty of nature.
3. French Floral Style (France)
Key Features: Elegant, airy, effortless luxury
Common Flowers: Peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, anemones
French floristry focuses on an effortless, natural arrangement with a touch of sophistication. Bouquets often feature a mix of fresh and dried flowers, with asymmetry and negative space playing a key role. The style is chic yet relaxed, much like French fashion.
4. Dutch Master Style (Netherlands)
Key Features: Rich, dramatic, classical, opulent
Common Flowers: Tulips, lilies, hydrangeas, dahlias
Inspired by 17th-century Dutch still-life paintings, this style is known for its vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and luxurious, overflowing compositions. It often incorporates fruit, vines, and dramatic lighting, resembling a work of art.
5. American Floral Style (USA)
Key Features: Bold, diverse, contemporary
Common Flowers: Sunflowers, dahlias, roses, lilies
The American style is highly versatile, influenced by European and Asian traditions but often more freeform and experimental. Modern trends include organic, textural arrangements with unexpected color palettes, as well as bold, large-scale event florals.
6. Scandinavian Minimalist Style (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland)
Key Features: Clean, simple, modern, neutral tones
Common Flowers: Eucalyptus, tulips, white roses, baby’s breath
Scandinavian floristry reflects the region’s design principles—minimalism and functionality. Arrangements are often simple, with a focus on seasonal flowers and natural textures. Neutral color palettes and airy designs create an understated elegance.
7. Korean Floral Art (South Korea)
Key Features: Cute, pastel, contemporary, soft textures
Common Flowers: Baby’s breath, tulips, pastel roses, carnations
Korean floristry has gained popularity with its delicate, pastel-colored bouquets wrapped in stylish paper. Many arrangements are small, whimsical, and aesthetically pleasing, making them popular for gifts and social media trends.
8. Mediterranean Floral Style (Italy, Spain, Greece)
Key Features: Rustic, warm, sun-kissed, natural
Common Flowers: Olive branches, lavender, sunflowers, citrus blooms
Mediterranean floristry emphasizes earthy, sun-drenched arrangements with a relaxed yet elegant feel. Olive branches, wildflowers, and dried elements often feature prominently, reflecting the region’s warm climate and nature-inspired lifestyle.
9. Russian Imperial Style (Russia)
Key Features: Grand, luxurious, formal
Common Flowers: Roses, orchids, peonies, chrysanthemums
Russian floristry is known for its opulent and grand arrangements, often featuring large bouquets wrapped in elaborate paper. Formal and meticulously structured, these arrangements are popular for celebrations and high-end events.
10. South African Indigenous Style (South Africa)
Key Features: Bold, exotic, earthy
Common Flowers: Protea, fynbos, strelitzia (bird of paradise)
South African floristry celebrates the country’s diverse flora, particularly the iconic protea, which symbolizes strength and beauty. Arrangements often feature native plants and grasses, creating a rugged, natural aesthetic that reflects the wild landscapes of the region.
Floristry is a reflection of culture, tradition, and nature’s beauty. Whether it's the precise art of Ikebana, the romance of an English garden, or the boldness of African proteas, each style tells a unique story through flowers.
