Bird-of-paradise flowers. You’ve no doubt seen these striking blooms at events or hotels – they really do make an impression. Their geometric shaped spiky petals in yellow, orange and purple burst from the green stem and are ideal exotic choices for dinner party flowers. Their official name for these native South African plants is ‘strelitizia’, but they earned their more familiar name because of their resemblance to the beautiful birds found on the islands of the South Pacific. Like these colourful birds, the bird-of-paradise flower really steals the show – whether gracing a vase on its own or arranged with other exotic flowers and plants like palm leaves, calla lilies or orchids.
Parrot tulips. Parrot tulips are really stunning, flamboyant flowers. With their frilled petals and bright stripes, these are no ordinary tulips – this large variety stands up and wants to be noticed! They can be grown in gardens or made into arrangements for the home. They are available in a huge variety of two-tone colours: from yellow and red, to deep purple and red to more subtle versions in white and green. There are also varieties that come in many rainbow colours that will really prove a talking point at a summer party.
Allium flowers. These pale purple spherical flowers are a true joy to behold. You might see them in parks and gardens this time of year, and they’re also available from lots of florists. They are also known as ornamental onions and although the most popular shade is purple, they’re also available in yellow, white and blue. With their tall stems and full flower tops, they make great flowers to showcase in tall stemmed vases. Or they can be added to arrangements featuring peonies, roses and lilies. They can also make a lovely choice for bridesmaids to hold – with their many tiny flowers, they’re a bouquet all in themselves!
Green curiosities. Why not choose a flower that isn’t technically a flower? Kale flowers are lovely, unique choices for summer flower arrangements. These delicate, ornamental cabbages have long stems and can be found in shades of green, white and purple. Either arrange on their own or add to arrangements of hydrangeas, ranunculus or dahlias for example.
Succulents are another interesting green choice bound to make a talking point – whether planted or made into a floral arrangement. These plants have thick leaves that some varieties form into spiralling petal shapes and come in lots of shades from dark green to pale, purple-silver. They resemble flowers and look beautiful with white roses and sprigs of wildflowers, with peach coloured blooms like peonies or paired with bright yellow flowers like freesias.
