Plant a Serene Paperwhites Tree

The clean parallel lines of a ceramic vase echo the straight stems of paperwhite narcissus or, paperwhites, in this restrained, well-balanced design. The display looks stunning on its own or in a matching pair in a spot that needs symmetry.

Excerpted from Fresh Flower Arranging
Filed under: Centerpieces, Trees, White, How To

Materials

Flowers
30 paperwhite narcissus

Substitute white daffodils, if you prefer.

Other Materials
ceramic flared vase (10 inches high)
florist’s scissors
raffia
cellophane
floral foam
decorative shells, gravel, sand, or colored glass

How to Arrange

1. Paperwhite stems are quite fragile, so carefully arrange them as a hand-tied bunch with straight (rather than spiralled) stems. Turn the bunch around slightly in the same direction every time you add a flower, and arrange the last stems a little lower around the edges of the bunch to give an all-around domed effect.

2. Tie the stems with a length of raffia wrapped just below the flower heads so it can’t be seen (image 1). Don’t tie them too tight, or you could crush the stems. Trim the ends of the stems so that they are all the same length.

3. Pack a piece of cellophane or similar material into the base of the vase to give the stems added height. Place the bunch in the vase. Wedge squares of soaked floral foam around the stems to support them so they stand upright. The top of the foam should sit 1 inch below the rim of the vase. Fill the vase almost to the top with water and cover the top of the foam with a layer of shells (image 2). This display should last up to a week if you keep the foam moist.