Look & Wonder Winter Flowers

Cymbidium: Alice In Wonderland
Cymbidium are a type of orchid, and their freckled noses remind us of the mischievous face of Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole. Like Alice, they're the star of this tale; whether used as individual flowers or as a complete stem, they're a flower the eye immediately rests on. They're very robust and can last for up to a month, and sometimes they have a very delicate, faint scent. Watch out for deep, rich burgundy tones, or mini varieties for smaller vases.

Lisianthus: sleeping beauty
These flowers are so delicate and tissue-soft, but aren't fragile or fussy. In fact, they can last up to three weeks and will surprise you with tiny buds that unfurl in the palest shades. The 'double' varieties (which means they have more than one row of petals and are the type featured in this trend) look like a full-blown English rose, and are often mistaken for such.  The single-petaled varieties look like tulips or poppies. They come in pastel shades of lilac, peach, pink, green, white, and cream, as well as rich purple and white with a purple or pink edge.

Carnation: My Fair Lady
With hundreds of petals, the carnation resembles a princess's gown with all her petticoats. They are deservedly enjoying a fashion revival, probably due to their ladylike appearance and myriad of colourways they now come in, from vintage peach/green tones, to vivid purples and two-toned colourings, like the jewels from a crown. They're great lasters, and will stay fresh for up to a month if you cut their stems regularly and change the water every other day. Cut the stems on a slant  in between the knobbles on the stem and keep the water nice and clean.

Gypsophilia: Snow White
Gypsophilia has been popular for years, and is now being used in fashionable, appealing designs by top florists. It now comes in a pretty pink colour, as if it has been splashed in paint by fairy hands. It's appearance in a  bouquet resembles a snow-storm, but you can cut it and use little sprigs of flowers for low arrangements. If you keep the water clean and clear it will last very well. The way the branches can entangle reminds us of an enchanted spider's web, but if you want a cleaner look, go for 'Million Stars' gypsophilia, which has smaller flowers and sturdier stems.

Anthurium: Beauty & the Beast
This is a wonderful flower for this trend, as it brings the male and female aspects together in one beautiful form, like a marriage that will be forever happy. The colours used in this trend are pale, pastel shades, with sometimes unusual patterns or markings on the leaves. They do come in more vibrant, rich tones, if you are more of a red-lipped, fur-coated fairytale character! Don't touch the delicate fleshy petal and they'll last for up to four weeks. The central spathe can be decorated with wire or jewels, very becoming in a Princess's boudoir.

Limonium: Cinderella
Limonium is a delicate-looking, pretty  flower that can be overlooked in favour of other members of its family, called 'statice'. It comes in purple, white and pink, and instantly makes any other flower look softer and more feminine. It dries very easily , so you can spray it in fairy colours to match other flowers, or spray it silvery for winter. It grows in coastal areas, hence its resemblance to heather and its common name, 'sea lavender'.  It will last for weeks, but beware: if you don't change the water often enough it will let out a nasty pong!