Guide to the Florist's Colour Wheel
The colour wheel is an essential tool for florists, helping to create visually appealing arrangements that resonate with emotions and themes. Understanding how to effectively use colour can elevate floral designs, ensuring that they convey the desired message. Below is a flower delivery guide to the florist's colour wheel, outlining primary, secondary, and tertiary colours and their applications in floral arrangements.
Primary Colours
Red: Symbolises love, passion, and energy. It is often used in romantic arrangements.
Blue: Represents calmness, serenity, and trust. Ideal for tranquil and soothing compositions.
Yellow: Evokes happiness, cheerfulness, and warmth. Utilised to add brightness and positivity.
Secondary Colours
These are created by mixing two primary colours.
Green: Made from blue and yellow, it signifies growth, renewal, and harmony, commonly used as a base for most arrangements.
Orange: A mixture of red and yellow, it conveys enthusiasm and creativity. Great for vibrant and lively displays.
Purple: Formed by combining red and blue, it represents luxury, elegance, and sophistication, often used in upscale bouquets.
Tertiary Colours
Tertiary colours are created by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour.
Red-Orange: A warm, inviting colour, perfect for autumn-themed arrangements.
Yellow-Orange: Cheerful and sunny, suits playful and energetic designs.
Yellow-Green: Fresh and lively, ideal for spring-inspired compositions.
Blue-Green: Offers a calming effect, often used in seaside or tropical arrangements.
Blue-Purple: Regal and serene, suitable for evening events and formal occasions.
Red-Purple: A rich colour that adds depth, often chosen for romantic and luxurious designs.
Colour Harmonies
When creating floral arrangements, consider these harmonies for balanced compositions:
Complementary Colours: Colours opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green or yellow and purple. These combinations create high contrast and vibrant visuals.
Analogous Colours: Colours that are next to each other, like blue, blue-green, and green. These create serene and cohesive designs, ideal for soft and natural themes.
Triadic Colours: Three evenly spaced colours on the wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue. This scheme brings a vibrant yet balanced look, suitable for playful arrangements.
Practical Application
When designing with the colour wheel:
Consider the Occasion: Different colours evoke different emotions and themes. Tailor your selection to suit the event, whether it's a wedding, funeral, birthday, or corporate setting.
Adjust for Seasons: Seasonal flowers often dictate colour choices. For instance, pastel hues may be more fitting in spring, while warm earth tones are perfect for autumn.
Think About Texture and Shape: Colour can be enhanced through the use of varied textures and shapes. Combine flowers of differing sizes and leaf types to add dimension to your arrangements.
The florist's colour wheel is a fundamental aspect of floral design. By understanding the relationships between colours and their emotional impacts, florists can create stunning arrangements that not only look beautiful but also resonate with those who receive them.
