Vines Used in Floral Arrangements

Ivy

• Old English ivy is familiar to most of us. It clings to old brick or stone buildings and is used as ground cover in shady spots. It has shiny deep green leaves that complement traditional floral arrangements and wedding bouquets. To make a simple arrangement of flowers with ivy, begin with a slender clear glass vase and fill it 3/4 full with clear marbles and water. Arrange several roses in the vase and add baby's breath and a few stems of ivy that will trail slightly down the sides of the vase.

Grapevines

• Grapevines are sturdy vines that can be coaxed into various shapes. These vines are harvested commercially and made into wreath and swag forms, which are readily available in craft stores. The dried vine is woody and fairly thick, which makes it an ideal base for silk flower projects. Simply hot glue the silk flowers onto the wreath and add faux greens and sheet moss. You can also cut lengths from the vines in the wreath to insert in the center of floral arrangements. Adding a few twisted branches to your arrangement adds texture, height and interesting lines.

Bittersweet

• Bittersweet is a vine that twists and mats as it grows in drier upland areas. In the autumn, the vine produces small, bright orange berries. These berries are decorative and often used in seasonal floral arrangements. An impressive arrangement is to fill a willow basket with sunflowers, mums and asters. Add trailing stems of bittersweet with berries to create graceful trailing lines in your display.

Honeysuckle

• Honeysuckle is native to the eastern United States. You will see it growing in the countryside, climbing over fences and abandoned buildings. The vine produces small yellow or pink and white flowers with a heady fragrance. Honeysuckle vines are thin and very pliable, making them especially suitable for delicate arrangements. Use this vine in summer floral arrangements displayed in a vase or basket.