What’s a Flower Frog?
If you Google “flower frog,” the first thing that comes up is “a device used by florists to hold flowers in place.”
People have been decorating their homes with fresh flowers for centuries. Flower frogs were used to secure the flowers in the vase. Today, they are used for more than just flower arranging.
Yesterday, while shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, I bought some flower frogs. I posted a picture and story on Instagram of the three flower frogs I bought (for $5 each) and received over thirty messages asking, “What is that?” and “what are they for?”.
These are all called flower frogs and they are used to help arrange flowers.
What is a Flower Frog?
Flower frogs are usually made of lead or glass or bronze. They are placed in the bottom of a vase to hold flower stems. I have two kinds of flower frogs that are vintage and made of lead. I have flower frogs with spikes (they are sharp so be careful!) that are good for thin stems. I also have the metal cages that are well suited for thicker stems. All of them are vintage flower frogs.
I love the different shapes and designs of these vintage flower frogs.
Some people call them floral frogs or frog flowers but I am old fashioned. I always refer to them as flower frogs.
Flower frogs were very popular in the mid-twenties and thirties during the flapper era yet they can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe. The oldest flower frog in the US can be traced back to a patent issued in 1875.
The name “flower frog” is somewhat of a mystery. In fact, no one seems to know how the name came about.
Other names for the flower frog include flower blocks, flower bricks, flower holders and floral arrangers.
Not only are flower frogs decorative, but they are also very functional. I use them almost every time I arrange flowers. They are so helpful in holding the flower stems upright! They are also a lot heavier than they look so they won’t tip over once the stems are placed in the frog.
Other Uses for Flower Frogs
Because I own so many flower frogs, I use them for reasons other than supporting flowers.
I used them on this Charcuterie Board. You can read more about it here.
If you look closely in this photo you can see I used my flower frogs as place cardholders. You can see more here.
The art of collecting flower frogs has become very popular and prices have risen. I have seen flower frogs priced as low as three dollars and as high as forty! Most of the flower frogs in the photos here were priced at about $5.00. A lot of the vintage flower frogs on Etsy and eBay are priced closer to $10.00. I suggest checking your local vintage flea markets for the best prices.
Source – Flower Frog Gazette
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I had this conversation with my teenage boys this week. I explained to them what they were for and that I would like more. My grandmother was a florist for a while and had a collection. I think my mom has them. The two I have are glass. She must have all of the metal ones. I did see several at out local flea market this weekend. I did not get them this trip and I didn’t even price them. Our flea market doesn’t turn over merchandise very fast. Thanks for the inspiration!
They look so great just on their own, don’t they? I’ve never owned one but love them. Time to put them on my hunting list.
They look like they could loosen dirt when planting I had not seen these before so I learned something new today.
I’d love to see you post a story making an arrangement using them. I use the flat marbles I’m assuming Frogs would hold flowers better
I have a collection of frogs and love to display them on a window seal.
Ok..so I have seen replica Flower Frogs under glass Cloche coverings?? For arrangements that only last a few hours ??
Just wondering
Cheers
Mallalea
How do you clean them? I bought a set on eBay and they are covered in floral putty on the bottoms. I can’t get it off. Any suggestions to remove it? Thanks!
I’m wondering the same thing… did you manage to get it cleaned?
Oh Leslie I wish you would have kept them a secret 😉
I have a few of these and never knew what they were for… thank you!!
Love it, so glad you can put them to use!
Thank you for a fun article on flower frogs. You have a great collection! And, btw, I live in the Northwest now but have a home full of items purchased at the Rose Bowl flea market.
I collect ceramic and glass flower frogs, which you can see on my website http://www.MyFlowerFrogs.com.
Also, as a child I spent a lot of time at my grandparents in their home which looks very much like yours. Same color scheme and structure.
They built it in Flintridge, CA, now La Canada-Flintridge, and it was featured in newspapers as the first big construction in the area after the stock market crashed. So I guess it’s not as old as your beautiful home!
Wow, that is so awesome! I love hearing that. Thank you for sharing and for following along with me 🙂
I am concerned about the use of lead flower frogs. As they sit in water I expect they leach lead into the water, and when one disposes of the water one is disposing of lead.
This is a delightful piece about your collection of flower frogs! It’s clear you have a passion for these unique and functional items.