Tropical Elegance is composed around three anthuriums in three different colours. A deep burgundy spathe stands highest on the left, two peach anthuriums veined in pink open to the right, and the contrast between them sets the temperature of the whole piece. Anthurium comes from the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador, and its glossy, almost lacquered surface is what allows it to hold its own against everything else here.
Green does most of the structural work. A spray of green cymbidium orchid arches out at the top right, green gladiolus spears rise in tight bud above the centre, and a green trick dianthus sits low as a textural full stop. Beneath it all, white hydrangea massed at the base gives the arrangement its weight and stops the composition from floating.
The accents are deliberately unlike one another. A king protea, dried to cream and dusty pink, brings an ancient, almost fossilised texture. A cascade of magenta phalaenopsis trails down the left. Bird of paradise leaves cut across in grey-green blades, copper magnolia leaves catch the light in bronze, and fine yellow oncidium sprays thread through the gaps. Pussy willow and a curl of red ting ting finish the outline.
The carved stone vase matters as much as the flowers: raw, pale and irregular, it grounds an arrangement that would otherwise read as purely exotic. This is a piece for a considered interior, a reception desk or a dining table where it will be looked at properly. It suits anniversaries, openings and gifting for someone with architectural taste.