When you’re designing a flower arrangement or bouquet with elements from your garden, focal flowers are usually the thing chosen first, designed to draw the eye and become the star of the show. But balance is important, and a bouquet full of focal flowers means you won’t really have a single focus at all.
That’s where bouquet fillers come in. Whether you’re using complementary flowers or foliage, fillers complement your feature blooms and add volume and form to your arrangements. These 27 filler plants are popular among florists and home gardeners, too. Use them as an accent in any design.
Eucalyptus
Consider planting eucalyptus in pots to control its aggressive growth.
Eucalyptus, one of the most widely used foliage filler plants in bouquets, simply has to be first on the list. The silvery leaves and rounded shape are great for adding volume to a bouquet without losing the delicate nature of the flowers. Eucalyptus is also ideal for drying, extending its life, and blending seamlessly with other dried flowers and grasses for long-lasting displays.
Eucalyptus is known for its aggressive growth, so check your local resources before planting in your own garden. Planting in pots will limit the risk of crowding out other plants in your garden and competing for resources. For those in cooler climates (below USDA Zone 8), pots are also helpful to move eucalyptus indoors during winter months to protect it from the cold.
Baby’s Breath
The baby’s breath is a versatile filler flower known for its delicate charm.
Baby’s breath is a personal favorite when it comes to filler flowers. The tiny blossoms have a delicate charm that complements rather than competes with the main flowers in any bouquet.
Though often associated with traditional or old-fashioned arrangements (particularly in bridal bouquets), their versatility means you can use them in unexpected ways to create a design completely unique to you.
Baby’s breath grows incredibly quickly and spreads aggressively, considered a weed in many regions. As the plant is considered invasive in many parts of the USA, it’s best to keep them out of your garden. But if you do want to plant it, restrict growth to a large and deep container and keep the pot indoors or inside a closed greenhouse to stop the seeds from naturally spreading.
Ruscus
This filler plant stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Ruscus is a lush foliage plant that fills in empty gaps in a colorful bouquet. The simple shape and bright green hue complement a wide range of flowers, making it a versatile choice for any style of arrangement. Florists love this foliage for its tough nature, staying upright and lasting up to two weeks in a vase.
In the garden, ruscus is a useful shrub that doesn’t require much attention. It prefers a shady spot, growing to about three feet tall and just as wide, giving you plenty of leaves to harvest for arrangements. It also produces bright red berries that are an excellent food source for birds in winter.
Queen Anne’s Lace
The Queen Anne’s lace must be harvested before seeding to prevent garden takeover.
Queen Anne’s lace, scientifically known as Daucus carota has delicate, lace-like flower clusters that lend it its common name. Similar in use to baby’s breath, the shape and muted color of the blooms complement whatever feature flowers you choose, adding volume without stealing the show.
Unfortunately, this is another weedy plant known for taking over the garden. Related to common carrots, Queen Anne’s lace has a long taproot and seeds that spread quickly after flowering. Be careful where you plant it, and ensure you harvest all the flowers to use in your arrangements before they can go to seed.
Dusty Miller
This plant’s silver foliage complements various colors in arrangements.
Dusty Miller’s striking silver foliage is a wonderful pairing with muted tones or bright hues in an arrangement. The soft leaves bring a unique texture as a filler in bouquets while serving as a light-catching backdrop that allows feature flowers to shine. This is also why they are such popular plants in moon gardens.
While generally grown as an annual, the leaves will emerge again year after year in warmer climates. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and don’t require much attention once established. The plant does produce yellow flowers, but these are usually removed to encourage more leaf growth.
Bouvardia
Adding Bouvardia to your garden attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
Bouvardia is a bright and eye-catching filler flower that adds a pop of color to muted bouquets. Despite their delicate look, the flowers are long-lasting and have a trumpet shape that offers something different from the other filler flowers on this list.
While the flowers are stunning, one of the major benefits of adding this plant to your garden is its pollinator-attracting abilities. The flowers are beloved by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, bringing a buzz of activity to your backyard. Most varieties grow in USDA Zones 8 and up, but some are hardier than others.
Mint
This versatile herb enhances flower arrangements with texture and fragrance.
A garden and kitchen staple, mint offers a lot more than culinary benefits when flower arranging. Although a somewhat out-of-the-box foliage choice, mint leaves are great for adding texture and – most importantly – a refreshing scent to flower bouquets. They don’t last as long as some other foliage plants, so are better for popping into short-term displays.
Mint has a reputation in the garden, spreading aggressively and becoming difficult to get rid of. When planting, I recommend planting in a container to stop this plant from taking over your garden.
Lemon Balm
This provides a citrusy aroma in bouquets as an alternative to mint leaves.
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, with a similar leaf shape and texture. But if you want a more citrussy scent in your bouquet, rather than the cool freshness of mint leaves, lemon balm is a great alternative. In the garden, it attracts bees and other pollinators, too, adding to its benefits both indoors and out.
Like mint, lemon balm growth and spread can be vigorous. Luckily, it makes an ideal container plant, whether you’re keeping it amongst your veggies or on your patio. I like to keep the plant close by for its irresistible scent, but the lush leaves will fit in just about any sunny spot in your garden. Trim the leaves back if the plant gets leggy to keep them lush for your bouquets.
Sage
The sage is a resilient herb thriving in full sun and sandy soils.
To add a soft texture to your bouquets along with an earthy scent, sage is ideal. This filler has a fluffy texture, similar to dusty miller, but comes with a wonderful scent that works well in leafy arrangements. The flowers are intricate and tall, fitting in well with other tall-stemmed flowers without stealing attention.
Sage is a tough herb, handling sandy soils and lack of moisture with ease. They grow best in full sun, giving the plant energy the energy to produce a full flush of flowers. And when you’re not using them in arrangements, you can always harvest the leaves to use in the kitchen.
Basil
This herb adds vibrant color and a fresh scent to arrangements.
Continuing with the herb fillers, next up is basil. The bright green leaves fit into any arrangement, with long flower stalks that provide a subtle pop of color. Along with these aesthetic benefits, you also get the fresh basil scent that adds a unique touch to any arrangement.
The downside of using basil is its longevity. The leaves won’t last particularly long in a bouquet. It’s best to use them in arrangements that will be used for a day or two rather than a week or longer. You can grow the plants in containers, but to allow them to reach their full potential size-wise (giving you longer branches to harvest), it’s better to plant in beds outdoors.
Dill
Yellow dill flowers attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory wasps.
Dill is not the first herb people consider planting, especially when it comes to flower arranging. But the delicate and airy foliage and flowers have a lovely ornamental quality that makes them perfect in a vase. The stems and flower stalks are also long, giving you plenty of height to work with after harvesting.
The umbrella-shaped flowers aren’t only useful fillers in arrangements. They’re also helpful in the garden. The yellow blooms attract several beneficial insects, like pollinators and predatory wasps, perfect for slotting into your vegetable garden. They are a host for the black swallowtail butterfly as well. Succession plant dill to keep up with the voracious larvae if you want to support them.
Oregano
This plant is versatile in arrangements and low-maintenance in gardens.
Oregano leaves are slightly smaller than some of the other herbs and not particularly dense – not great as a filler. But when you add their adorable purple flowers in the mix, you’ll struggle to find an arrangement oregano doesn’t work in. Whether you’re looking for color or fragrance, this herb is ideal.
Oregano is relatively drought-tolerant once established, not requiring much attention after planting. The blooms are also pollinator magnets, bringing a buzz to the garden wherever they are planted. When you’re not using them in arrangements, use the leaves fresh in the kitchen or dry them in the oven for long-term storage.
Artemisia
Check local regulations prior to planting since certain types of artemisia can be invasive.
While artemisia species do produce flowers, the foliage is the real benefit in arrangements. The leaves have a silvery sheen and fine texture that make ideal fillers in many designs. There are also many species and cultivars to choose from, allowing you to pick and grow your favorites for arranging.
When choosing a species, it’s important to note that some artemisia species are considered invasive in some regions. Check your local resources to determine which species are not safe to plant. Due to its vigorous growth, this plant is great for filling tough areas of the garden amongst rocks or in sandy soil where other garden plants may struggle to grow.
Bells of Ireland
These are commonly seen in St. Patrick’s Day arrangements due to their bell-shaped green flowers.
Bells of Ireland are not Irish in origin but often feature in St. Patrick’s Day floral displays. Their name comes from the bell shape of their flowers and the green hue of the calyxes – not often something you see in arrangements. The flowers are also long-lasting, maintaining their vibrancy in a vase for a week or longer.
Bells of Ireland produce better flowers in cool temperatures and thrive in full sun to partial shade. As they don’t reflower, they are grown as annuals and replanted each year.
Germination is quite slow, so start seeds early indoors if you can and be patient when sowing. If you want to grow more the following year, collect the seeds or allow the flowers to mature to self-seed.
Bee Balm
The distinctive spiky shape of the bee balm flower draws in pollinators.
Bee balm is a staple in native pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Another member of the mint family, the interesting flowers are available in a variety of shades to suit any floral arrangement as a filler. They have a unique spiky shape that adds interest without taking away from the feature flowers in your bouquet.
Bee balm is also wonderfully easy to grow, adapting well to a range of garden conditions. It’s susceptible to powdery mildew, so ensuring good air circulation around plants is crucial, especially if you live in a humid region.
Ferns
This plant adds whimsical charm and texture to bouquets.
Ferns are not the first filler to come to mind when flower arranging. But the long fronds work surprisingly well in bouquets or in a vase. They have a whimsical quality that matches other woodland plants in arrangements. Plus, they have a wonderful shape and texture that can be used to frame central feature flowers.
If you have a shady and moist area of your garden, possibly under trees or in the shade of a structure, ferns are perfect for filling the gaps. They pair well with other shade-loving plants like hostas, creating a lush foliage garden you can harvest from throughout the year. Depending on which varieties you’re growing, you can also use the fern fiddleheads as decorative elements in arrangements, too.
Ivy
Ivy’s trailing vines and classic leaves are ideal for enhancing bouquets.
The trailing vines of ivy are perfect for hanging over the side of vases or slotting into elaborate bouquets. The classic shape of the leaves adds a foresty touch, pairing particularly well with white blooms and other foliage.
Another vigorous grower, planting ivy outdoors and uncontrolled is not recommended in most areas. It’s known for taking over gardens and even damaging nearby structures it attaches to if left unchecked. Luckily, they make great container plants for patios or even indoors. Clip the vines whenever they get too long and use them as decorative filler in your arrangements.
Grape Vines
These vines add both practical and aesthetic value to gardens.
Grape vines are understandably grown for their fruit, first and foremost. But the foliage also has ornamental value if you’re looking to fill empty space in an arrangement. Like ivy, the leaves look stunning hanging from the side of a vase, drawing your eye to all parts of the arrangement.
There are many benefits to growing grapes in the garden, too. My favorite way to grow them is over a pergola, creating a living canopy for shade and privacy when dining al fresco. In the right conditions, you can harvest the delicious fruits to snack on while experimenting with your arrangements.
Flax
This versatile plant is ideal for crafting unique floral arrangements.
Flax is a versatile plant with delicate flowers and edible seeds. These flowers make ideal small fillers in arrangements, along with the wispy leaves that grow along tall stems. They’re not the most common filler flower, but are definitely one you should consider growing if you like crafting unique designs.
In beds, flax is the perfect addition to rock gardens and wildflower meadows. The slender stems and vibrant flowers stand out wherever they are planted. They’re also great for planting in tough spots, adapting well to many soil types (bar heavy clay).
Scented Geranium
This plant’s leaves emit a range of scents like apple and chocolate when crushed.
Scented geraniums (plants in the Pelargonium genus with scented leaves) bring an unexpected and sensory experience to flower arrangements, especially as you’re working with them. They may not smell like much on their own, but the leaves of these species release a range of interesting scents when crushed, from apple to chocolate.
This variety allows for plenty of creativity, matching the scent to the theme of the arrangement. There are endless opportunities for playful combinations, like pairing rose-scented geranium filler foliage with roses as the focal flower. While they do produce blooms, the leaves are the most useful as fillers.
Ninebark
The ornamental foliage of Ninebark serves as a colorful backdrop for arrangements.
Ninebark is a popular shrub in home gardens for its wonderful ornamental foliage. That ornamental benefit can be put to good use in your arrangements, too. Ninebark foliage, which can range from deep purple to bright green depending on the variety, provides a colorful backdrop for matching flowers.
In winter, the peeling bark becomes a focal point. The branches can be trimmed and used to add an architectural element to your arrangements. As an added bonus, these branches will last a lot longer in a vase than fresh flower bouquets. The plants produce clusters of flowers from spring and into summer, but when it comes to fillers, the foliage is the star.
Chamomile
Easy-to-grow chamomile plants are versatile for both gardens and tea-making.
Whenever I hear the word chamomile, my brain immediately goes to tea. But these plants are much more than that, often planted as lush groundcovers and used to decorate cottage gardens. In arrangements, the small daisy-like blooms and feathery foliage add a delicate touch and work particularly well in minimalist bouquets.
Chamomile is great for beginner gardeners as it is easy to grow and care for. Plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny area, and it will flower happily year after year. It’s an excellent plant for attracting beneficial insects and harvesting to make your own teas straight from the garden.
Statice
Ensure the regular deadheading of statice plants to promote optimal blooming.
Statice is a favorite in both fresh and dried floral arrangements. While it can be used as a feature flower, it also makes a great filler in larger arrangements, with the clusters of flowers adding a bright pop of color. The flowers retain their color when dried, pairing well with other dried leaves and grasses.
Statice is accustomed to coastal conditions, tolerating salty air and harsh soils well. Its native habitat makes the plant quite tough, handling a range of conditions as long as the soil drains well enough to prevent rot. Plant them in full sun and deadhead often to encourage maximum blooms.
Yarrow
The yarrow plant attracts beneficial insects with its colorful flowers.
Yarrow is a popular companion plant in the garden for its ability to attract beneficial insects. The clusters of small, colorful flowers and ferny foliage look just as good in a vase as it does out in the garden. Yellow is one of the most recognizable flower colors, but there are many varieties available with different hues, suitable for any arrangement.
Yarrow is able to withstand both drought and poor soil, blooming from summer into fall without much additional care. If you’re a low-maintenance gardener or want something that won’t give you any trouble, yarrow is the perfect choice.
Jasmine
Select sunny spots near climbing structures when planting jasmine.
Jasmine is the filler I use most often in my bouquets, and not only because I have a garden fence covered in the glossy leaves. The vines have an interesting shape to them, adding form to a vase without completely collapsing over the sides. The scented flowers are an added benefit, although they don’t last very long once trimmed from the plant.
When planting jasmine, choose a spot near trellises, fences, and archways that the vines can climb along. You’ll be surprised how quickly and densely the leaves grow once established. They prefer full sun to partial shade rather than deep shade, giving them the energy required to bloom in summer.
Viburnum
This offers diverse options with unique leaf shapes and flower colors.
Viburnum is a beautiful shrub that ticks all the boxes – interesting leaves, adorable flowers, and endless variety. There are so many species and even more cultivars to choose from, each with unique leaf shapes and flower colors. It’s hard not to find a viburnum you’ll instantly fall in love with.
The smaller, flat viburnum flowers are easier to slot into arrangements as fillers, while the snowball types look best when used as feature flowers. The foliage also adds great ornamental value, although it may not last as long in a vase as other foliage fillers.
Citrus
Grow citrus trees in containers in cooler regions for better resilience.
Citrus trees are most famous for their colorful and delicious fruits, but don’t look past the leaves when you’re flower arranging. Thinner branches are great for adding height and texture, with scented leaves easily filling gaps around feature flowers. For shorter arrangements, you can even use the fruits themselves or dry slices to dot around the table near your display.
Although some species are more resilient than others, citrus generally doesn’t handle cold well. If you live in a cooler region, it’s better to grow these trees in containers. Larger species are suitable for outdoor containers, while the dwarf varieties are great for growing indoors in sunny positions.
Final Thoughts
We may think arrangements are all about the focal flowers, but these can’t stand out without the fillers used to add volume and complement the other additions. Try growing one of these 27 species in your garden for easy harvesting.
