A Florist Guide to Different Types of Flower Shears

Flower shears, also known as pruning shears or secateurs, are essential tools for gardeners and florists, designed to trim and shape plants, deadhead flowers, and prune small branches. Selecting the appropriate type of shear is crucial for maintaining plant health and ensuring clean cuts. Below is a guide to the different types of flower shears and their specific uses.

1. Bypass Pruners

Bypass pruners operate similarly to scissors, featuring two curved blades that pass by each other to make a clean cut. One blade is sharp, cutting the plant material, while the other is unsharpened, supporting the stem during the cut. These pruners are ideal for cutting live, green plant material, such as soft-stemmed flowers and tender branches, as they provide precise cuts that promote quick healing. citeturn0search2

2. Anvil Pruners

Anvil pruners consist of a straight, sharp blade that closes onto a flat, unsharpened surface, known as the anvil. This design is more suitable for cutting dead or dried-out branches, as the cutting action can crush softer, living stems, potentially causing damage. They are generally bulkier than bypass pruners, making them less effective in tight spaces. citeturn0search2

3. Ratchet Pruners

Ratchet pruners feature a mechanism that allows for easier cutting of thicker branches by performing the cut in stages. As you squeeze the handles, the ratchet engages, allowing you to release and squeeze again, increasing cutting power without exerting additional force. This design is particularly beneficial for individuals with reduced hand strength or for cutting thicker stems. citeturn0search2

4. Floral Scissors

Floral scissors are lightweight tools with long, slender blades designed for precision cutting. They are perfect for trimming soft-stemmed flowers, harvesting herbs, and performing intricate floral arrangements. Their design allows for detailed work without damaging delicate stems.

5. Snips

Snips are lightweight trimmers prized for their maneuverability and are often mistaken for pruners. They feature sharp, pointed blades and spring-loaded handles, ensuring clean cuts. Snips are ideal for delicate and soft-stemmed flowers such as sweet peas, ranunculus, and scabiosa.

6. Loppers

Loppers are heavy-duty, two-handed tools equipped with long handles, providing extra leverage for cutting thicker branches. They are suitable for pruning large branches that are too thick for hand pruners but not substantial enough to require a saw. Loppers are ideal for decorative branches, dogwood, and magnolia stems.

7. Floral Knives

Floral knives are prized by seasoned professionals for their efficiency. They are extremely sharp and should be used only on soft herbaceous stems—never on branches or other woody stems that may dull the blade and pose safety risks.

8. Wire Cutters

Wire cutters are specialized tools designed to create clean cuts on wire and feature two contoured handles. They are essential for cutting wire-edge ribbon, paddle wire, and wired faux flower stems, preventing damage to more delicate cutting tools.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure the longevity and performance of your flower shears, regular maintenance is essential:

• Cleaning: After each use, wipe the blades clean to remove sap and debris.

• Sharpening: Regularly sharpen the blades to maintain clean cuts and reduce plant damage.

• Lubrication: Apply oil to the pivot points to ensure smooth operation.

• Storage: Store shears in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.

By selecting the appropriate type of flower shear for your specific gardening tasks and maintaining them properly, you can enhance your gardening experience and promote the health and beauty of your plants.