Adding oranges, lemons, and limes and other fruit in fresh flower arrangements has become very popular for weddings and events. Citrus fruits bring a natural bright element and texture to centerpieces. Many times DIY’ers avoid the use of citrus fruits in fear that they will damage the flowers or even because they are not sure how to mechanically piece these types of arrangements together. Well now you have the answers…
Here’s what you need to know:
- The acidity of citrus fruit can shorten the vase life of fresh flowers, so a floral liner or use a smaller vase inside a larger vase to keep the flowers and fruit separate. Just fill the center smaller vase with flowers and the outer, larger vase with fruit!
- Flowers can be arranged with citrus fruit without a barrier, but the vase life will be decreased.
- Any type of citrus fruit can be used, whole or sliced. Including lemons, limes, and oranges.
- Cut apples, pears or bananas will brown and should not be used. Fruits like grapes will float in water.
This lovely centerpiece from Lee Forrest Design, photographed by Andi Mans Photography uses sliced oranges to add a pop of color to this elegant flower scheme. The oranges also cover up the floral foam used to construct this gorgeous arrangement.
The arrangement below is featured on Better Homes and Gardens as an easy DIY project! Be sure to check out this great tutorial! It is important to keep in mind that citrus decreases the vase life of fresh flowers. To combat this, place a smaller vase or glass inside the pitcher to hold the flowers. Wedge the lemon slices in between the two vases, which will hold them securely in place.
Slices aren’t the only way to use citrus! Check out this gorgeous table setting by One Charming Party, photographed by Nicole Hill Gerulat and featured on HGTV! The arrangements use halved blood oranges on floral picks, and whole oranges on the table. The perfectly smooth, round shape is uncommon and unexpected in floral design, adding to the visual interest.
Use oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit – choose a color to enhance your flowers! These brilliant centerpieces were featured on Hostess with the Mostess and photographed by Le Blanc Lifestyle Photography. A floral liner was used to keep the floral foam separate from the lemons.
What do you think of these charming centerpieces? Share your ideas with us!
Diana DeVito
Diana has crafted hundreds of flower recipes and floral-design tutorials for Blooms By The Box to the delight of its customers. A skilled and vibrant designer, Diana helps Blooms Brides make their wedding flower dreams come true, no matter what the budget. Her original tutorials appear on many popular wedding sites, including A Practical Wedding,Elizabeth Anne Designs, and many more!
I love this! PERFECT timing! I am doing this with mason jars and white stock for aisle runners this September. Will the floral liners work for mason jars with a wide opening? If so where can I find them?
We’re do you get floral lining or foam?
The arrangements look beautiful
Thanks, Anne! You can find our selection of floral foam here:
https://www.bloomsbythebox.com/pub/showvariety.cfm?categoryid=137
How beautiful! The citrus enhancement adds life and, of course, a pop of color to any floral arrangement(s). Ideal dΓ©cor for a variety flowers. #PerfectDIY
These centerpieces along with citrus fruits and fresh flowers looks amazing. This information was really helpful. Thanks!
Hi Lily! Thank you for the kind words!
Does cut fruit make your flowers last longer?
Hi Geri! No, the fruit will not make the flowers last longer.
Hi I’m hoping do this type of arrangement for my sister in laws Birthday party, do you need to add anything to the lemon slices to preserve them as I’d like to prepare them a day or two in advance if possible? Julie
Hi Julie! I would recommend to add the fruit to the container as close to the event as possible. Create the design on top of the container a day or two ahead with floral foam and add the fruit the day off. The fruit may not keep fresh if cut too far ahead of time.
Will fruit flies be a problem with the cut fruit? I will luke to do these centerpieces for an outdoor event.
Hi Marcia! If kept outdoors, fruit flies should not be a problem!
Hi Emily Please give us some advise we wanted to make a sliced lime or Lemon centrepiece for my sons engagement we have tried it but the fruit flies keep coming a day later. Kep inside. We are in Queensland and it has been very hot the engagement is in Mid March and we are concerned the flies will come in on the day and attack all the fruit at the event.
Have you any advise please
Hi Charmaine, My advice would be to wait until the last minute to do this. Also, have you tried adding water to the fruit? This may help keep bugs away!
Do you add water to keep fruit from drying up?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you can pour water into the vase to keep the flowers hydrated and fruits looking fresh!
Hope this helps!
How long will the fruit look nice if you keep water in it? Will it help to change the water regularly?
Hi Susan, the fruit will last about a week and I would definitely recommend changing out the water at least every other day to keep it fresh! I hope this information was helpful!
That is pretty amazing. How long does those last? I would like to try it at home, seems to provide positive vibes.
Hi Christensen! The flowers if in clean cool water, the flowers should have a vase life of about 5-7 days!
Iβm wanting to use fruit in water with floating candle. When I put the fruit in water I did get some pulp. How do I prevent this and keep water clear?
Hi Kay, Keep the skins on the citrus fruit. Rinse gently before placing in your arrangements. You may get some pulp.