Exotics add shape and interest
Add drama with Palms, Cotton bolls, brights and exotics
Exotics in floristry help set the mood – especially for a hot, tropical or summery feel. Make architectural lines using cane coils or add a vertical element with pampas stems.
Proteas
The top image is a variety of Protea called Susanna which is a woody flower, sometimes used en masse for an alternative bouquet. A similar effect can be obtained by using Protea compacta or cedar rose picks.
Palm stems
Palms add tropical charm to a bouquet, or simply place three (or any odd number) in a tall vase for home decor. Choose between exotic fronds, suns, spears and twizzles, dyed or natural. Try using one stem as a backer for a small posy in bright colours.
Cotton bolls aka Gossypium
Evocative of warmer climes, these soft and fluffy “flowers” are held on woody branches. Cotton stems can be displayed alone or as part of a mixed arrangement.
Brights
Choose hot colours of flowers and dyed stems such as orange, red and dark pink to add a summery feel to your arrangement. For example Lagurus grasses are available in a wide range of colours. Hot colours team well with large leaves and foliage for a tropical feel – think Hawaiian shirt!
Natural brights include yellow Billy Buttons Craspedia, Clover Gomphrena comes in a range of strong natural colours such as red, orange and purple, and Amaranth comes in lime green or burgundy.
All these flowers and stems can be found seasonally in our Summer Blooms department from Daisy Gifts Ltd.