182 Principles of Floral Design Red Arguably, the color with the most emotional impact, red is at the top of the rainbow. It is used to get attention, and is an effective color for sports cars, lipstick, and roses. Red can symbolize anger, blood, debt, and fi re, but it also suggests love, life, and happiness. Poinsettias, anthurium, amaryllis, ranunculus, and dahlias are just a few of the fl owers available in variations of red, Figure 8-14. Yellow Yellow is possibly the most vibrant, recognizable color on the planet, Figure 8-15. It shows well from a distance and is often seen in nature as a warning when placed next to black (think snakes and bees). Humans also use this combination in safety signs to remind people to be cautious. Search for yellow daffodils, yarrow, and euonymus foliage for fl oral designs. Gold and Silver Although gold and silver are not naturally found in plant material, they are often used as accessories or accents in fl oral designs. Metallic gold appears warm, while matte or fl at gold is somewhat cooler in appearance. Gold is highly refl ective, especially when used with black or dark colors. It appears cooler when placed on white because it loses some of its refl ectivity. Silver is a cool metal and takes on the hues refl ected into it, like a mirror. When using metallic backgrounds, rely on shadow to provide a layering of black between the background and the fl oral materials. Did You Know? Women can distinguish more individual shades of red than men can distinguish. William Milner/Shutterstock.com Chaowalit Seeneha/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-14. Red poinsettias are always a favorite for the winter holidays. The bold, red salvia will add vibrant color, height, and interesting texture to any garden. Loskutnikov/Shutterstock.com Michael Solway/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-15. Yellow is one of the happiest and most enthusiastic colors. Tulips have quickly gone from a common garden fl ower to a favorite addition to stylish arrangements. Yarrow is popular in both traditional and modern fl oral arrangements. It is also an excellent choice for dried fl oral arrangements. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.