Gloriosa superba — Flame Red

This artificial Gloriosa lily comes in Flame Red. Narrow petals curve back from the centre, opening the flowers from the front and sides. Fine stamens extend from the middle, while long leaves and slender curling tips continue along the stem. Each stem carries two blooms, with a bud at the tip of an upper branch. The slim branches allow the flowers to sit at different angles and move independently in a breeze.

For a single stem, turn the two blooms towards different angles and balance them across the main viewing side. One flower can face forward while the second turns towards the side, giving the stem two clear directions.

When using several stems, place some blooms through the upper part of the arrangement and guide others towards the sides. The stems can also cross the arrangement in a loose Z shape. These changes in direction carry Flame Red through different areas and break up dense groups of round flowers.

Dimensions (indicative)
Overall length: ~75 cm (stem to tip)
Bloom span: ~8 cm

Design notes

A tall clear glass cylinder shows the full stem and the backward curve of the petals. A narrow Japanese porcelain vase suits a single upright stem. A low ceramic vessel allows several stems to spread at wider angles.

Pair Flame Red with bone, parchment or dove grey. Scarlet, vermilion and coral continue the red and orange colour range. Indigo, teal and charcoal provide stronger contrast.

Place roses lower in the arrangement to introduce fuller rounded flowers. Gladiolus can continue the height through the centre or back. Sunflowers add a broad round flower head between the narrower Gloriosa forms.

Styling suggestions only. Vessels and companion stems are sold separately unless expressly stated.