Exotic Flowers in Bouquets: Protea, Bird of Paradise, Anthurium and More

Exotic flowers make a bouquet truly memorable: a huge king protea, a bird of paradise that looks like a bird’s head, a glossy anthurium or a spray of orchids. Many of them are very long-lasting too. Here are the exotics florists use most and how to look after them.

Show-stopping bouquets: large rose bouquets and flowers in a box.

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The most popular exotic flowers

• Protea comes from South Africa; the king protea is South Africa’s national flower. Its large heads with stiff bracts last well in a vase and dry beautifully.
• Bird of paradise (strelitzia) has orange and blue flowers emerging from a beak-like sheath. It is also South African.
• Anthurium has a glossy heart-shaped bract with a spadix and comes from tropical Central and South America.
• Orchids: cymbidium, phalaenopsis, dendrobium and vanda. More in “Orchid bouquet guide”.
• Heliconia has bright zigzag flower heads from tropical America.
• Leucadendron and leucospermum are protea relatives with dense cones and pincushion flowers.

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How long they last

Exotic flowers usually outlast familiar ones: proteas and anthuriums two to three weeks, cymbidiums up to several weeks, and birds of paradise about two weeks. The exact time depends on freshness and conditions.

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Caring for tropical flowers

• Warmth. Many tropical flowers (anthuriums, heliconias, some orchids) suffer in the cold: wrap them well in winter and do not leave them for long below 10–12 °C.
• Water. Room temperature or slightly warm; change it every 2–3 days.
• Cutting. Recut stems with a sharp knife; split the woody stems of proteas.
• Bird of paradise. If unopened flowers remain in the sheath, you can gently ease them out with your fingers for a fuller look.
• Position. Away from direct sun, draughts and fruit.

Combining exotics in a bouquet

Exotics look best in simple arrangements with bold foliage: monstera, aspidistra or palm leaves. Proteas go well with eucalyptus and dried flowers, anthuriums with orchids and callas. More unusual bouquet ideas in “Unusual bouquet ideas”. Exotic flowers are popular in bridal bouquets too; see “Unusual bridal bouquets”.

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Exotic flowers in pots

Some exotics can be kept at home as houseplants — a gift that brings joy for years:

• Anthurium — blooms almost all year, likes bright indirect light and humid air.
• Strelitzia — a large plant for a bright room; flowers once mature.
• Phalaenopsis orchid — the easiest orchid to grow at home; cymbidium has its own article.
• Guzmania and aechmea — bromeliads with bright bracts that last for months.

Who to give an exotic bouquet to and when

• For a man — graphic proteas, strelitzias and anthuriums look understated and modern.
• For someone who has “seen it all” — exotics stand out next to roses and tulips.
• For an anniversary or an opening — large blooms add a sense of occasion.
• For a long trip — protea, leucadendron and brunia last long and dry beautifully.

FAQ

Why are exotic flowers more expensive?

Many are grown far away and flown in, and some species grow slowly and produce few flowers.

Can I dry a protea?

Yes, proteas and leucadendrons keep their shape well when dried upright or hanging upside down.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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