Lilies are a commanding presence in any floral design, recognized for their impressive height, dramatic blooms, and often an intoxicating fragrance. They naturally serve as the focal point of an arrangement, drawing the eye with their size and elegance. Pairing flowers with lilies requires selecting companions that enhance their striking features without competing for attention. Successfully combining them requires a strategic approach to color, form, and texture, creating a balanced display. This guidance focuses on maximizing the lily’s impact by introducing supporting elements that complement its drama.
Complementary Colors and Contrasts
Choosing companion flowers based on color is a foundational step in creating a harmonious arrangement. One effective strategy is to employ an analogous or monochromatic palette, which uses hues that sit close together on the color wheel for a soft, serene effect. For instance, pairing white lilies with pale pink spray roses or combining yellow Asiatic lilies with soft orange blooms creates a gentle, seamless flow of color. This approach emphasizes texture and form rather than stark color differences.
Alternatively, a high-contrast scheme generates visual excitement. This involves selecting colors opposite the lily’s hue on the color wheel, such as deep purples or rich blues against the bright white or vibrant yellow of a lily. For example, planting orange lilies next to the spiky, violet-blue flowers of Salvia makes both colors appear more intense and lively.
Balancing Textures and Forms
The large, bold, and often trumpet-like structure of a lily requires complementary shapes to prevent the arrangement from looking heavy or one-dimensional. Companion flowers should introduce variety in shape and size, often by selecting flowers with contrasting textures. Airy and delicate textures, such as the clustered blooms of Baby’s Breath or the fine sprays of Waxflower, soften the lily’s pronounced visual weight.
Introducing linear or spiky forms provides a vertical contrast to the lily’s broad, cup-like structure. Flowers like Snapdragons or Gladiolus can be positioned to draw the eye upward, adding movement and height variation to the design. Mounding or rounded forms, such as Peonies or Zinnias, offer a full, circular contrast that helps fill out the lower and middle sections of the arrangement.
Specific Flower Recommendations for Lilies
Classic pairings often rely on flowers that offer a distinct, elegant contrast to the lily’s form. Roses are a timeless choice, as their tightly spiraled, rounded heads offer a soft, voluminous shape that balances the lily’s open structure. For arrangements aiming for a sophisticated, vertical look, Delphiniums or tall varieties of Stock introduce strong, upright spires that contrast beautifully with the lily’s expansive blooms.
For a more rustic or garden-style arrangement, filler flowers and foliage add complexity and natural charm. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) is a traditional favorite, providing a cloud-like, white texture that fills negative space without overpowering the focal flower. Greenery like silver-dollar Eucalyptus or Ferns introduces a cool, muted color and contrasting leaf texture, serving as a lush backdrop that allows the lily’s colors to stand out. Smaller, lily-like flowers such as Alstroemeria can also be used, as their petite, clustered blooms harmonize with the lily’s shape and add significant volume.
Practical Tips for Arranging and Display
When combining lilies with other flowers, arranging the stems at staggered heights enhances visual depth. Lilies, as the primary focal flowers, should be positioned tallest and most central in the vase. Before placing any stems in water, cut them at a sharp angle to maximize water absorption and increase longevity.
Proper water maintenance is important in mixed arrangements, as decaying organic matter can significantly shorten the vase life of all flowers. Remove any foliage that would sit below the water line to prevent bacterial growth. Lilies typically last seven to ten days, so selecting long-lasting companions such as Carnations or Chrysanthemums ensures the arrangement remains fresh for a similar duration.
For Oriental lilies, gently removing the pollen-containing stamens before they open prevents staining and offers a cleaner appearance without negatively impacting the flower’s vase life.