Flowers that always bloom

Sonali Seth

Flowers have held several philosophical connotations. Romantics have used these as a metaphor for love, while the sick have found hope in these. And the devout have used flowers in prayers. Indeed, flowers are a thing of joy but there is also a downside. Fresh flowers are seasonal, have a short life and need to be carefully nurtured and stored with their stems dunked in water. As décor accessories, these need to be replaced every week and as bouquets, flowers should give that just-plucked-from-the-garden look.

Bright and colourful

The same explains the growing preference for faux flowers that have become a favourite with interior decorators. A decade or so ago, artificial blooms were made from cheap-moulded plastic. Displaying these was considered akin to wearing cheap clothes.

Today production refinements and new materials have given artificial flowers such a real look that the result is an array of beautiful and colourful stems and blossoms in wrinkle-resistant polyester, silk, latex, parchment and other sophisticated material. These retain the original shape and have a negative static charge, which keeps dust at bay. The hues are more life-like and subtle and colour gradations match that of real counterparts. Artificial flowers, faux flora, permanent botanicals, false blooms... the natural-looking flowers now enjoy a niche market.

 

From the designer houses

Walk into any high-end gift shop like Oma, Beyond Design or Home of the Traveller and you are likely to find designer artificial blooms of chrysanthemums, orchids, gardenias, roses, daisies, violets, lilies of the valley and many more. These are so beautifully crafted that these appear real to the eye and touch. Even leading global designer brands like John Lewis, Kate Spade and others, periodically launch their collections of exotic blooms like peonies, poinsettias, roses, English ivy, geraniums and a host of other faux florals.

Such is their appeal that artificial flowers created by some of the leading designers are treated as works of art. It is not surprising then that designers like Livia Cetti, Mary Delaney, Vladmir Kanevsky and Leopold Blaschka are put on the same pedestal as any accomplished artist of the world. The prices too have matched the sophistication in production. If you could get a bunch of cheap plastic flowers for under Rs 100 some years ago, today these classy polyester flowers complete with silk foliage can be exorbitantly priced. Sometimes a single stem of a lily, gladioli or carnation can cost more than Rs 4,500 even.

Interestingly these faux blooms do not compete with real flowers. A major part of the business comes from high-end hotels, restaurants, corporate offices, showrooms and hospitals, where real flowers are considered an expensive affair.

For a better display

Since these almost look like real flowers, people consider these dahlias, roses, lilacs and peonies as excellent dining-table centre pieces. Other flowers like orchids, purple roses, carnations and tulips are used as attractive display objects that last for years and don't need to be watered, re-potted, sprayed with insecticides and put out in the sun.

A new trend these days is to fuse the real with the fake. Many home decorators will use artificial flowers and leaves on real tree trunks and create a standout piece for any interior space.

However, despite their refinement and booming sales, a section of the people thinks that artificial flowers can never replace the real ones. No man would ever dream of giving fakes to a woman he loves. For every other occasion faux flora work just fine.

How to make the right buy

Though there is a mind-boggling variety of artificial flowers available in the market, one must learn to distinguish the classy ones from the trashy ones. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when buying synthetic flora.Buy only those flowers that are as close to the real ones as possible. The colour and designs of flowers should be nature inspired. Don’t buy if there is cheap imitation.Experts say that a single stem is usually a giveaway so it is better to buy a bunch that will look close to the real flowers when bunched together. Mix and match natural plants and wood with the artificial flowers. You can even get some real moss from a nursery for a natural touch

 

 

 

Closer to nature

Brighten up your house without the hassle of clearing out old flowers with this beautiful faux white orchid by the British upscale designer-chain John Lewis. It is every bit as beautiful as the real flowers. It will liven up any room in the house and give it a touch of freshness.

Price: Rs. 2,500

 

Calming effect

Plants create a peaceful ambience and help us appreciate nature’s bounties. However, if you can't have a live plant, but still want to enjoy the beauty of nature, choose from the life-like-artificial plants in assorted colours offered by Ikea, the world’s leading brand in furniture and accessories.

Price: Rs. 1,500 per arrangement

 

 

 

Natural instinct

This silk-orchid flowers arrangement offered on www.fauxflowersdirect.com

has been created so naturally that it has a combination of blooming flowers, buds, dark-green leaves and even aerial roots. It has all the elements that you need to make the arrangement look as real as possible.

Price: 3,300

 

 

 

 

Exotic variety

Although the flower, bird of paradise is found in South Africa, it is now grown in many other countries. Even then, if you can’t find the real flower in the market, then this replica in silk will look as good. The beautiful flower also makes for an ideal gift on any special occasion.

Price: Rs. 2,500 for a dozen

Treat to the eyes

This sturdy long stem has full bloomed 18 silk flower heads and its luxurious mauve colour sets it apart. Each petal has exquisite intricate detailing. Also known as the boat orchid, it looks chic in an arrangement that is done up with a collection of stems and a few large leaves.

Price: Rs. 4,500

 

Sweet nothings

This pink lily flower arrangement in a designer ceramic platter looks so real and fresh and is guaranteed to add class to any indoor setting. Being offered on www.pepperfry.com, the white ceramic pot and red flowers will provide a soothing effect and are easy to maintain.

Price: Rs. 3,420

 

A pot of colours

A perfect addition to brighten up any room, these artificial pink and white potted flowers with green leaves, look exactly like a real plant and the ceramic tray adds to its charm. Available at www.zansaar.com, the arrangement will add colour to your desk or table and make you feel closer to nature.

Price: Rs.2,450

 

Grace guaranteed

This beautiful gladioli arrangement set in a ribbed-glass vase is a perfect piece to add a touch of elegance to your living space. Exclusively designed by www.houseoffraser.co, each of its stem is around two feet in length. The arrangement is guaranteed to make your place look stylish.

Price: Rs. 5,000

 

 

 

Perfect match

This stunning, hanging basket has an artificial wisteria plant with attention-grabbing dark violet flowers perking it up. The large-floral basket being offered on www.snapdeal.com with a diameter of two feet is perfect for home decor and is sure to make an unmatchable style statement.

Price: Rs. 13,783

 

Pretty & pink

A very ‘real’ artificial flower, the linea pink casablanca lily available on Amazon makes a chic statement on its own or can be combined with any number of other stems to create a beautiful bouquet for a lovely display. Being almost three feet in height, it requires a huge vase for a nice display.

Price: Rs. 1,800

 

A thing of beauty

Bursting with colour, this beautiful silk flower arrangement available on www.ebay.com, features orchids. It is one of the most popular flowers. The arrangement has lively blooms and buds complemented by a green stem, which makes it look so real.

Price: Rs. 1,980

 

 

Queen of flowers

 

From times immemorial, rose has been a thing of beauty and a joy to behold. You too can create the perfect display in your home with this silk rose flower available on www.homestreet.com. The meticulously crafted purple silk rose stem looks beautiful in this vibrant colour.

Price: Rs. 550

 

All that glitters

Believe it or not, this is a real rose dipped in 24k gold. Artisans first preserve the flower in a lacquer shell and then through the electroplating method dip it in pure gold. The hand-crafted rose available on www.shopclues.com is a breathtaking masterpiece and will make a valuable gift for someone you love.

Price: Rs. 1,390

 

 

Dramatic appeal

These nylon roses are truly stunning and can make excellent gift items or even a dramatic centre piece. Available on www.artificial-flowers.com, the arrangement comprises a flower stem made of 11 roses of different sizes including closed buds, and comes in a twisted glass vase.

Price: Rs. 1,100

 

Allure of silk

Whether displayed in your living room or outdoors, this phalaenopsis stem resembles a real plant. Carefully crafted in silk, the stem is a true masterpiece and a treasure to behold and touch. It is available on Amazon and is sure to add cheer to any indoor setting.

Price: Rs. 4,800

 

Hit on the list

Carnations are among the most popular flowers in the world with each colour having a unique charm. This silk carnation stem in purple colour being offered on www.afloral.com is crafted meticulously to look real. It makes for an excellent gift.

Price: Rs. 650

 

Celebrating nature

Natural to touch and rich in colour, sunset tulips are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Being offered on www.etsy.com, these tulips look like just plucked. Use a bunch to create bouquets or decorate these in a vase .

Price: Rs. 2,520 for two dozen

 

Dine with flowers

Brighten up your home with this rosebud silk flower arrangement. Available on www.overstock.com, it sits in a beautiful vase, making it ideal for your home decor. This full-leafed tall flower is perfect for the dining room.

Price: Rs. 2,085

 

Crafted to perfection

Better than a bouquet, the fleurology sunflower stays beautiful forever as it is carved in crystal by Waterford Company. It is delicately moulded and makes a stunning accent piece among real floral. It will make a style statement on its own.

Price: Rs. 5,000.