Artificial flowers have improved considerably over the years, and can be a fantastic alternative to fresh blooms. Fake flowers certainly have an enduring reputation for looking cheap, plastic and tacky, but many modern offerings now defy this stereotype and can be stunningly realistic. Whether you are looking for refined arrangements in your home, business, or events such as weddings - modern faux florals can now play a quality, respectable roll, that would have been unthinkable in the past

Why Choose Faux Flowers?

Quality faux flowers avoid the countless hassles that real ones present. Asides from the obvious fact that real flowers will wilt and die within several days at best (Magnolias will die within the day!), create no mess, and are perfect for people with allergies. Stargazer lilies accentuate this best. While gorgeous, their pollen rich stamen are particularly noxious to those with sensitivities, and easily cause stains that are practically unremovable. Furthermore, real flowers can be magnets for unwelcome insects, especially in the warm Australian climate. It’s not that real ones don’t have a valuable time and place (nothing beats real red roses on Valentines Day), but if you are looking for high quality decorum that requires no maintenance and looks as good as the real thing - good imitation flowers can be a godsend. 

What are silk flowers?

The term ‘silk flowers’ is simply another byword for artificial flowers. Very few realistic flowers are made from silk anymore, but the first ones (from over 1,000 years ago) from China were, and the term has stuck. Advanced combinations of latex, PVC, EVA and other polymers are what are generally used today - in order to maximise realism. 

Attention to Detail

When searching for the ideal faux florals, paying attention to details both big and small. Real flowers are rarely flat and uniform in colour, so artificial blooms should feature subtle gradients and blended tones. Examine the petal shape. Real flowers aren’t perfectly symmetrical, and neither should your fake ones. Choose blooms that have variations in petal placement, such as slightly frayed edges and individual colour highlights, as these small imperfections make them appear more natural. Even the stems matter - they should be textured in both feel and colouration. High-quality fakes will have a textured, slightly rough surface rather than a smooth, overly glossy plastic finish. Truly high quality options will even incorporate real touch technology that feels organic to the touch. Expect to pay more for these - but this is as good as it gets!

Durability Matters

A well-made artificial flower needs to last. The best ones have sturdy, flexible stems that allow for easy arranging and reshaping. Petals and leaves should be securely attached to avoid shedding over time, as well as standing up to repetitive and robust handling. Another key factor is the inclusion of easily maneuverable wire inside the stems, and in larger blooms (such as magnolias), the petals - to provide stability and customized shaping. A quality magnolia bloom constructed in such a manner can be positioned into various states of bloom, from budded to radiantly open.  

Seasonal Considerations

To make artificial flowers look more convincing, choose varieties that match the current season. In spring, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips, and cherry blossoms are great choices. During the summer, roses, sunflowers, and daisies provide a vibrant and cheerful touch. In autumn, opt for warm-toned blooms like dahlias, dry hydrangeas, and marigolds. Popular Winter/Christmas include botanicals like poinsettia, holly, magnolia and amaryllis. Others, like roses and orchids, are welcome year round. 

Where to Buy Quality Artificial Flowers in Australia

Buying from reputable online retailers is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting high quality artificial flowers. Australia has several trusted stores that specialize in lifelike floral arrangements. Prestige Botanicals is a relative newcomer, but are famous for their quality and lifelike realism. Before making a purchase, it’s always a good idea to check customer reviews and product descriptions to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money. Prestige Botanicals currently has a 4.6 out of 5 on the Trustpilot review site - which is the highest in the industry. 

Enhancing the Realism of Artificial Flowers

If you want your artificial flowers to look maximally authentic, consider mixing them with real foliage or dried flowers. This trick helps blend the textures, making it harder to tell which elements are fake. Another tip is to bend the stems slightly and fluff out the petals, as this prevents them from looking too rigid or uniform. Adding a touch of water to the vase can also create the illusion of freshness. These details go a long way in making artificial flowers appear more convincing. You needn’t consider this if you’re just sticking to premium options, but to get the most out of them, incorporate faux greenery and a combination of budded sprays, as well as fully open blooms

Caring for Your Artificial Flowers

You only need a little maintenance to get years or even decades out of your new faux florals. A little dusting with a damp cloth will keep them looking surreen. Keep them out of harsh direct sunlight or their colouration will start to fade.  Unless they are specifically labelled as UV resistant, or for outdoor use - keep them inside.