Temperatures are rising, summer is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time for a bouquet that brings that holiday feeling into your home, as if you’ve jetted off somewhere without even having to pack a suitcase. Tropical flowers bring exactly that: vibrant colours, striking shapes and a sturdy structure that can handle the heat, even when temperatures outside really start to climb. In this article, you’ll discover 5 tropical flowers that will turn your bouquet into a tropical scene, plus how best to care for them on hot days.
What actually makes a flower tropical?
Tropical flowers originally come from warm, often humid climates, and you can see that in the way they’re built. Thick petals, waxy surfaces and sturdy stems help these flowers cope well with heat and changing conditions, as if they’ve been on a tropical schedule for centuries. That doesn’t just make them fascinating to look at, but also wonderfully practical as cut flowers in summer.
1
Strelitzia
Strelitzia, also known as Bird of Paradise, and the name is no exaggeration: its striking orange and blue flower really does resemble a crested bird’s head, ready for take-off. This flower originates from South Africa, has a sturdy stem and is a real showstopper that can carry an entire bouquet all on its own.
2
Gloriosa
Gloriosa, also known as Climbing Lily, is a distant relative of the common Lily, and every bit as extroverted. Its elegantly curled petals in red, yellow, orange or purple instantly add a playful, fiery accent to a bouquet. Talk about summer.
3
Protea
Protea, also known as Sugarbush, also comes from South Africa and has a robust, almost sculptural flower head that some people think looks a little like an artichoke, although we’d still advise against taking a bite. Just a handful of stems will instantly take a bouquet to the next level.
4
Leucospermum
Leucospermum is also known as Pincushion and is related to the Protea, which you can see in its sturdy, woody stem. The flower head consists of dozens of fine, upright tendrils in orange, yellow or red, making it look rather like a pincushion. Fortunately, the “pins” don’t actually prick, so feel free to give it a cuddle.
5
Anthurium
Anthurium, recognisable by its glossy, heart-shaped bract and striking spadix in the centre, is so shiny you can almost see your reflection in it. This flower looks modern and sleek, and thanks to its sturdy structure, it also holds up well on hot days. It takes more than a bit of heat to knock it down.
How to protect your tropical bouquet from the summer heat
Even tropical flowers aren’t indestructible. Once it gets really hot outside, they can still start to suffer from the heat. So always keep your bouquet out of direct sunlight and preferably away from heat sources, such as directly behind a window. Change the vase water regularly, and remove any flower that starts to droop so the rest of the bouquet stays fresh. You’ll find more detailed tips in our article on how to protect flowers from the heat.
More tropical inspiration?
Love these exotic beauties? Then why not bring that tropical atmosphere into your home with the right houseplants too, so you don’t have to wait for the next heatwave. Discover our tips on tropical houseplants for the full jungle feeling, even when temperatures outside have long since dropped back to your average day in the Netherlands. And if you’re looking for inspiration for the most beautiful summer bouquets, you’ll find plenty here.
