Chapter 8 Flower Selection 183 Earthy Colors Earthy colors such as browns are made by mixing unequal proportions of primary colors. Artists refer to these as broken hues, and they are warmer and less intense than other hues. In fl oral designs, earthy colors are found in fl owers, stems, leaves, roots, and fruits. They work well with all colors because their parent hues are the primary colors red, yellow, and blue. White White fl owers are often associated with heaven and bridal bliss therefore, fl oral designers often use various white fl owers for sympathy designs and bridal bouquets. The color itself is clean because it is pure light. When used without contrasting colors, it may seem like the fl ag of surrender to some people. Others may fi nd it too bland or too cold. Baby’s breath, Shasta daisies, Easter lilies, and larkspur are just a few of the fl owers that are available in white. See Figure 8-16. Gray Gray can be a strong support color or, depending on the material’s form, it can highlight a focal area, as with eryngium, Figure 8-17. The weeping habit of seeded eucalyptus can provide both physical and visual “movement” to a design. Placed along the lip of a container, the downward droop can visually connect a holiday centerpiece to the table on which it is placed. Middle values of gray make hues adjacent to it appear stronger, and a hue surrounded by gray seems more colorful. Nina B/Shutterstock.com MARKABOND/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-16. Shasta daisies are often used in arrangements to achieve a clean, uncomplicated effect. For many people, daisies are a “happy fl ower.” White hybrid delphinium will complement almost any type of fl oral arrangement. Sebastian Knight/Shutterstock.com arka38/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-17. Gray fl owers and foliage with interesting shapes, such as this eryngium, can form the focal point of an arrangement. Succulents often have a gray tint and are popular in bouquets and other arrangements. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.