How to Arrange Flowers in a Container

Overview

Flower arrangements don't have to be complicated. Some of the most beautiful look like they're freshly picked from a country garden and placed in a handy container. Others are simple--a few stunning flowers in a beautiful crystal vase. Hallways and living rooms are lovely when a bouquet is placed on a table.

Step 1

Select flowers of various shapes and heights. Spiked flowers include snapdragons, gladiolus, larkspur and delphiniums. Flowers that are full and round include roses, gerbera daisies, carnations and chrysanthemums. Filler flowers are mini carnations and baby's breath.

Step 2

Remove any leaves that would be under water and snip off 1/2 inch of the stem. Immediately put the cut stems in water and let them soak up water for at least an hour.

Step 3

Select a container or vase one-third to half as tall as the arrangement will be. If the tallest flowers are 24 inches tall, the container should be 8 to 12 inches tall. Fill the container halfway with water.

Step 4

Arrange the greenery in the vase with large-leaved greens at the back of the vase.

Step 5

Arrange the spiked flowers first, with the tallest stem in the center toward the back of the arrangement. Place a slightly shorter spiked flower on each side of the tallest stem and an even shorter stemmed spike toward the front.

Step 6

Place the full flowers in the vase using the same method, tallest flower in the center and so forth. Fill in with the filler flowers.

Step 7

View the arrangement from the sides and front and make any adjustments to maintain the overall shape. Top off the vase with water.