How to Arrange Very Short-Stemmed Flowers

Select a shallow bowl or vase, then arrange the short-stemmed flowers. For instance, arrange flowers of similar heights, so they fill in the entire space and the flower heads touch one another. This creates a short but dense flower arrangement. You can also let the flowers float on top of the water in a bowl.

Fill stem extenders with water and insert the short stems inside. Stem extenders are available in a florist shop or in the floral department of a large retail or grocery store. Arrange the flowers in a vase the same way you would flowers with longer stems. You do not need to add water to the vase, unless you add other flowers without stem extenders.

Place marbles or decorative rocks in a vase until the short stems can touch them and the flowers are at a desired height. Insert the stems in the vase. You can then add one more layer of marble or rocks to help anchor the flowers in place. If you are arranging flowers with longer stems, cut them to length so they also fit.

Insert a piece of moistened floral foam inside a vase or bowl, then insert the flower stems in the foam. Floral foam helps keep flowers, including short-stemmed ones, in place and well-hydrated.

Create a large floral arrangement with varying colors, heights and flower types. Arrange the tallest flowers in the center of the arrangement, surrounded by medium-height flowers. For the outer perimeter of the floral arrangement, use the short-stemmed flowers. The water in the vase should reach the shortest stems. If necessary, you can use stem extenders or floral foam.