Our Favorite Greenery for DIY Floral Arrangements
We all get a little distracted by the flowers when we’re getting our floral design game on (and for good reason — they’re stunning). But if you’ve ever tried to create your own arrangement, you know that greenery is what makes the whole thing sing. Think of it like the supporting cast that brings out the best in your star blooms. Whether you’re going for lush and romantic or clean and modern, the right greenery transforms your DIY bouquet or centerpiece into something magical. At Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we’re sharing our top five favorite greenery picks that we reach for time and time again, no matter the occasion.
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus – The Versatile Beauty
We can’t talk greenery without shouting out silver dollar eucalyptus. With its soft, round leaves and muted sage-green color, this stunner brings a relaxed elegance to just about any arrangement. It’s especially dreamy in wedding florals — bouquets, garlands, centerpieces, you name it — but don’t box it in.
Silver dollar eucalyptus plays well in both formal and casual designs. Its floppy, romantic vibe adds a soft texture that complements everything from fluffy peonies to spiky proteas. We love draping it across mantels or weaving it into wreaths for that “effortless but intentional” look.
Tip: Want to create a boho bridal bouquet? Pair silver dollar eucalyptus with garden roses, ranunculus, and wispy bunny tails for a soft, flowing look.
Monstera – The Bold Tropical Statement
For those of us who love a tropical aesthetic, monstera leaves are a must. These giant, glossy leaves instantly make any arrangement feel bold, modern, and a little bit exotic. Perfect for summer parties, destination weddings, or adding a splash of drama to your space.
Monstera is often used solo in tall vases (hello, minimalism!), but it also pairs beautifully with tropical blooms like anthurium, birds of paradise, or orchids. It’s basically the ambassador of the island mood.
Tip: Use one monstera leaf as a charger or placemat for a tropical tablescape — it’s a subtle way to tie your florals into your table design.
Italian Ruscus – The Cascade Queen
Italian ruscus is the greenery you want when you’re going for drama. Long, elegant, and slightly glossy, its slender stems are ideal for cascading bouquets and hanging installations. It’s like the ballerina of greenery — graceful, flexible, and always photo-ready.
Because it’s so airy, Italian ruscus doesn’t steal all the attention from your blooms but still adds that lush, layered texture we all love. And it lasts a long time, so it’s perfect if you’re designing ahead of time or want your florals to stay looking fresh for days.
Tip: Wrap Italian ruscus around a hoop or arch for a whimsical, floating greenery effect — it’s easier than it looks and totally Pinterest-worthy.
Sword Fern – The Height Bringer
If you want to bring some structure and vertical movement to your arrangement, sword fern is your friend. With its upright, pointed fronds, this fern adds height and a wild, garden-inspired vibe to line arrangements or taller centerpieces.
We love sword fern for its texture — it’s feathery, yet bold — and how it plays off more delicate elements in a design. It’s especially lovely in rustic or woodland-inspired arrangements (think moss, berries, and deep jewel-toned flowers).
Tip: Place sword fern in first when designing a vase arrangement to establish the shape and height — it’s a strong foundation without being overpowering.
Dusty Miller – The Soft, Silvery Accent
Dusty miller is truly a standout in the world of greenery. With its velvety leaves and cool, silver-gray tone, it brings a soft, wintry elegance to floral designs. It’s a cold-weather favorite, especially around the holidays, but honestly? Dusty miller works year-round.
Because of its color and texture, it balances out brighter blooms and adds contrast without being too bold. It’s especially beautiful in bouquets with pastel tones or white-on-white arrangements. It’s also surprisingly hardy, making it a favorite for corsages and boutonnieres.
Tip: Use dusty miller as a filler in a winter centerpiece with white roses, blue thistle, and pinecones for a soft, frosty look without going full holiday.
At Cascade Floral Wholesale, we know that greenery is not just an afterthought. Each of these five picks — silver dollar eucalyptus, monstera, Italian ruscus, sword fern, and dusty miller — brings its own personality, texture, and structure to your design. Play around, mix and match, and see what speaks to you. The beauty of DIY is that there are no hard rules — just gorgeous greens and the joy of creating something fresh and personal.