International color expert Leatrice Eiseman, who has earned international acclaim for her five book titles, including Colors for Your Every Mood and The Color Answer Book, has unearthed the philosophy of Flower Therapy. Eiseman believes that certain color combinations – easily expressed in floral arrangements - can stimulate and relax the senses, release happy memories and enhance our moods.

“Our response to color is intensely emotional, and flowers can be a catalyst for feelings that stimulate more than just our senses of sight and smell,” said Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “An artful floral arrangement has the ability to convey a feeling or create a mood without using words, just color.”

Additionally, scientific research shows that flowers and plants have a beneficial impact on state of mind and emotions. Rutgers University behavioral studies have proven that flowers provide a simple way to improve emotional health – that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.

Throughout our hectic, fast-paced lives, we seek to rejuvenate ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. According to Eiseman, flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our moods.

“Color can help us find the balance we seek from our surroundings. And, flowers are an ideal way to harness the power of color to enrich our lives,” said Eiseman.

The following are Eiseman's five emotional color palettes that are expressed through color combinations in floral arrangements and the flowers that bring them to life. Click the images to get a larger, printable copy, including a list of flowers featured.

Your Florist =Your Flower Therapist

To achieve Flower Therapy, it can take just one phone call to your florist, a profession that for over a century has designed arrangements that make moments special. A good florist will ask questions about what atmosphere or mood you are trying to create and will provide expert advice on gifts that enhance any sentiment or occasion.