
Every floral arrangement needs flowers of various heights to form a complete design. Be it a romantic centerpiece, an eye-catching storefront display, or a wedding altar arrangement, height is what gives your design drama, depth, and fullness. If you’ve ever looked at a design and felt like it was missing something, chances are it needed a little vertical lift. Luckily, at Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we have some favorite tall-stemmed stars to help you elevate your floral game — literally. Today, we’re spotlighting five fabulous flowers that are perfect for adding height and elegance: Delphinium, gladiolus, snapdragon, stock, and Bells of Ireland.
Delphinium: The Dreamy Spire
Delphinium is the tall, willowy bloom who shows up in a flowy dress and turns everyone’s heads (in the best way). These striking blossoms come in beautiful shades of blue, lavender, white, and even blush, making them perfect for romantic or whimsical arrangements.
Heigh in naturet: Often reaches 3 to 6 feet
Vibe: Ethereal, elegant, and soft
Best Uses: Garden-style centerpieces, large-scale installations, wedding arrangements
Delphinium’s vertical structure adds movement and flow, and its delicate blossoms stack beautifully up the stem — like little notes on a musical scale. We especially love them paired with peonies or roses to balance out softness and structure.
Gladiolus: The Bold Statement
If delphinium is dreamy, gladiolus is bold and statuesque. With sword-shaped leaves and blooms that open sequentially up the stem, this flower demands attention.
Height in nature: Up to 5 feet tall
Vibe: Dramatic, structured, bold
Best Uses: Sympathy sprays, statement pieces, tall vases in entryways
Gladiolus comes in a wide array of colors — hot pinks, purples, soft pastels, even deep reds — which makes it a favorite for both modern and traditional arrangements. Because it grows so tall, it’s a fantastic anchor bloom, especially in vertical or triangular compositions.
Snapdragon: The Textured Classic
With their quirky, dragon-shaped blossoms (yes, that’s where they get their name!), snapdragons are a classic in the height elementals playbook. Their upright form and soft texture make them incredibly versatile.
Height in nature: 1.5 to 3 feet
Vibe: Cheerful, charming, and versatile
Best Uses: Everyday bouquets, bridal arrangements, spring displays
Snapdragons come in a rainbow of shades, from creamy white and soft yellow to vibrant coral and deep burgundy. They’re wonderful for creating layers and adding movement. Plus, they play well with others — try them with tulips, ranunculus, or lisianthus for a playful mix.
Stock Flowers: Fragrant and Full
Let’s hear it for stock flowers — the often unsung heroes that bring both height and a wonderful scent. These blooms grow in tall clusters and come with a sweet, clove-like fragrance that adds a whole other layer to your floral experience.
Height in nature: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Vibe: Cozy, romantic, fragrant
Best Uses: Home arrangements, wedding florals, spring events
Available in soft pinks, purples, whites, and creams, stock flowers are perfect for adding vertical interest without being overpowering. They’re also great for adding density and fullness to your design while keeping things airy and light.
Bells of Ireland: The Architectural Accent
Need something super unique? Bells of Ireland bring architecture, texture, and a pop of green that complements almost every palette. With their tall spires and cup-shaped bells, these are statement greens that do the most.
Height in nature: 2 to 3 feet
Vibe: Sculptural, modern, fresh
Best Uses: Event installations, modern arrangements, tropical pairings
Their vivid green hue makes them a natural balancing act for more colorful blooms, and their upright shape provides instant height without heaviness. Bonus: they symbolize good luck — yes please!
Height is more than just a design element — it’s what gives your floral arrangements life, personality, and presence. These tall blooms bring the vertical wow factor that sets your designs apart. To that end, the next time you’re building an arrangement and things feel a little… flat? Reach for delphinium, gladiolus, snapdragon, stock, or bells of Ireland here at Cascade Floral Wholesale — and let those flowers stand tall.