Flowers: Landofhope And Gloriosa

Jun 29 2008 Vivienne Lee And Nick Priestly

Fiery Lilies Add A Touch Of Drama To Displays

If you are looking for a red-hot flower for a sensational summer arrangement, try out the vibrant Gloriosa Rothschildiana.

More commonly known as the flame lily or gloriosa lily, this flower originates in Central and Southern Africa and is now commercially grown in the Netherlands. The bright red or cerise colour of the petals is fringed with yellow which makes this flower a superb choice for modern interiors.

The fiery colours work well with other flowers in the same palette, such as bright yellow calla lilies, scarlet roses, fuchsia gerbera. Or for a funky edge mix with zingy lime green shamrock blooms.

Gloriosa lilies are still a relatively unusual cut flower, so you may have to ask your florist to order them as they might not be readily stocked.

These sensational blooms are worth the extra mile you go to get them. They will reward you with a magnificent display.

This week we have designed an arrangement to show off these fabulous flowers, plunged in water to magnify their fiery beauty.

You will need..

5 stems of gloriosa lilies

Silver wire

Tall cocktail vase

Cost of flowers £18-23

STEP ONE

Take first head and push down to bottom of vase.

STEP TWO

Trap under piece of coiled silver wire.

STEP THREE

Add water

STEP FOUR

Place second head and add next piece of wire

STEP FIVE

Fill vase with water

STEP SIX

Let final stems cascade over top of vase.

BIG IDEAS

Try wrapping lilies inside fishbowl vases then stack the bowls for maximum impact.

Float a bunch in a large glass dish for a simple but stylish look