Flowers for a Pedestal

Gladiolus

• The long, sturdy stems of gladiolus are more suited for floral arrangements than left in the garden where, as the blossoms open, the long stem becomes top heavy and may bend. Gladiolus can be found in a wide range of colors, including blooms with bi-coloring or containing two colors. As a cut flower, the gladiolus will continue to open up the buds on the stem, making the flower a longer lasting bouquet flower than most. The symbolism of gladiolus is remembrance, honor and faithfulness; thus, the blooms are particularly ideal for pedestal arrangements used at weddings, funerals and anniversaries.

Lilies

• Elegant, with a long vase life, lilies are ideal for large pedestal floral arrangements. Like the gladiolus, the colors available for lilies are extensive, depending on the lily variety. Favorite lily varieties often found in pedestal bouquets are calla lilies, Peruvian, and Oriental lilies because of the long stems and classic appearance. Lilies are a common flower to include in funeral arrangements, symbolizing sympathy and innocence after death.

Roses

• Roses have long been a favorite for any type of floral arrangement, but because roses are known for long stems, they are frequently included in pedestal arrangements. A simple, inexpensive, yet elegant display can be made using only a few long-stemmed roses and greenery. The greenery will accent each rose when the roses are spaced within the arrangement. Roses can also blend and complement the addition of other flowers in a pedestal arrangement, like lilies, carnations and daisies.

Orchids

• Orchids, along with other long-stemmed tropical blooms, like bird of paradise and anthurium, are nice arrangements that are placed on a pedestal. Dendrobium and Vanda orchid flowers blend and complement other flower varieties in the arrangement while Oncidium and Cymbidium orchid stems are a good choice for an airy, simplistic pedestal arrangement with an Oriental Ikebana flair.