What Types of Flowers Do You Use for Japanese Ikebana/Kado?

Plant Materials and Form

• Ikebana emphasizes form and minimalism over color in floral arrangement. Flowers and plant materials are selected for their form according to the style of Ikebana being practiced. Some Ikebana styles, such as the Moribana (slanting), use a lot of horizontal branches and stems, and flowers that look best sideways rather than upright are used. Flowers and plant materials used for horizontal placement include flowering tree branches and pine branches, and flowers with large stems in which flexible wire can be inserted for bending and holding in place, such as tulips. Some Ikebana styles, such as the Moribana and Nageire (both are upright styles), use straight flowers and plant materials, such as iris flowers and their swordlike leaves and bamboo canes. Other plant materials used artistically or symbolically in Ikebana include fruit and seed pods.

Large Flowers

• Chrysanthemums, peonies and lotus flowers are three large flowers used in Ikebana. Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity because their blooms last so long. They also symbolize the sun and are the heraldic flowers of Japan used on crests of the imperial family and in the military. Peonies symbolize riches and splendor. Lotus flowers symbolize purity and immortality. The flowers represent the present, the buds represent the future and the seed pods represent the past.

Flowering Branches

• Flowering branches are used in Ikebana both vertically and horizontally. They create height and length and represent flowing movement. Flowering cherry, plum and peach branches are commonly used in Ikebana. Cherry blossoms represent clouds and mortality. Plum blossoms represent hope and resistance to injury.

Other Flowers

• Ikebana is a revered art form in Japan that is taught and practiced widely, and is a part of Japanese reverence for nature. Besides chrysanthemums, peonies, lotus flowers and fruit tree blossoms, other flowers used in Ikebana include wisteria, forsythia, camellia, orchids, jasmine, narcissus, rose, azalea, aster and magnolia.