Basic Knowledge of Plants

Plants are, of course, essential to ikebana. The impression of a piece changes significantly depending on which floral materials are chosen and how they are combined. For beginners, learning about the types and characteristics of floral materials is the first step. Here, we introduce the classification of plants commonly used in ikebana and their relationship with the seasons.

Major Categories of Floral Materials

Plants used in ikebana are broadly divided into three types: “flowering plants,” “foliage plants,” and “branches.”

  • Flowering Plants These materials feature the flower itself as the main focus. Their vibrant colors and shapes define the impression of the arrangement. Representative examples include tulips, roses, lilies, and carnations.
  • Foliage (Hamon) Materials centered around green leaves. They add volume and depth to the arrangement and serve to highlight the flowers. Commonly used staples include calathea, monstera, and new zealand flax.
  • Branches (Edamono) Woody branches or plants bearing fruit, used to express strength and movement. Characteristically, many of these materials strongly convey a sense of season, such as plum, willow, cherry, and red-bud willow.

Combining these elements creates balance and harmony in the arrangement.

The Relationship Between Seasons and Floral Materials

In ikebana, conveying a sense of season is highly valued. Even the same flower carries different meanings depending on whether it blooms in spring or summer.

  • Spring: Cherry blossoms, tulips, rapeseed flowers, etc. ― Materials evoking new beginnings
  • Summer: Hydrangeas, sunflowers, horsetails, etc. ― Express coolness and vigor
  • Autumn: Pampas grass, gentian, chrysanthemums, etc. ― Materials evoking harvest and transition
  • Winter: Pine, nandina, camellia, etc. ― Express vitality and auspiciousness within the harsh season

When selecting flowers, consciously considering “which flowers truly shine precisely because it is this season” adds depth to your work.

Techniques to Improve Flower Longevity

It’s disappointing when flowers wilt quickly, ruining a carefully crafted arrangement. Basic techniques include “water trimming”—cutting stems at an angle to improve water uptake—and removing excess leaves to prevent transpiration. Additionally, it’s important to tailor treatments to each plant’s characteristics, such as splitting the base of branches to increase water absorption points.

Starting with easy-to-handle, readily available materials is reassuring. For example, roses and carnations are ideal for practice because they hold their shape well and last longer. Among foliage, haran (Hosta) is simple and easy to use, while willow and snowbell branches are straightforward choices.

Ikebana is an art form that involves arranging flowers and branches not merely as materials, but with respect for their individual lives and the seasons. Understanding the types and characteristics of floral materials is the first step toward appreciating the deeper charm of ikebana. Start by incorporating seasonal flowers readily available around you.