Autumn's Eye Candy

The days are getting shorter, Halloween is around the corner, and my heater kicks on every morning--yes, I think it's safe to say that Fall has arrived.  And with its arrival, so comes new and brilliant floral eye candy.  So as it gets cold, let's take a look at what’s hot in the world of flowers.  

Orange Art Tango Lilies

Color-wise, Fall 2015 is looking lush and radiant.  Traditional autumnal colors of orange, yellow, rust, and gold are always favored, and fire-hued blooms are…well… on fire. My favorite is the vivid coloration of  “flame” zantedeschia.  

Flame Calla bouquet with Protea (photo from Tucker and Marks Design)

Orange and yellow parrot tulips with red ilex (The Best of Flowersand Fall 2015)

The Pantone color-of-the-year, Marsala, is also fully coming into its own this autumn. Its "robust and earthly shade of wine-red" resonates with the naturally changing ambiance.  Many Sun Valley flowers achieve this rich color--Sumatra lilies, Royal Lilies, wine dahlias, mahogany sunflowers, and deep red rosehips are just a few that we offer.  And don't forget the burgundy-hued Royal Purple Cotinus, whose dark color provides a great backdrop while also pairing perfectly with warmer autumnal shades.   

Royal Sunset lilies, cotinus, and montbretia pods

 

Rosehips, Cotinus, and Roses make for an elegant look (Fiori by Lynn)

 This year has also seen the rise of super bright, fresh green hues to evoke the fall season—think green trick dianthus, bright green hypericum, and flowering kale.  

Hypericum, dianthus, limes, and artichokes come together for a fashionably green centerpiece (Flowersand)

For advice on what textural pieces are hot this autumn, we asked our friend and floral expert, J Schwanke of uBloom.  “Anything Lacinated!” was his reply.  The “shredded” appearance of lacinated petals adds focal interest, color, and is a perfect Halloween flower. Some prime examples are dahlias, gerbera daisies, spider mums, and the super-trendy protea—look for these in interesting autumn colors, such as flame, lime green, bronze, and marsala.  

Dahlia and hypericum centerpiece (image found at The Flower Shoppe)

Marsala-hued and lacinated bouquets by MarthaStewart.com

 An element that most of these fall arrangements share are pops of color provided by hypericum berries, rosehips, and ilex.  These focal points are tried-and-true seasonal favorites which come in a variety of colors to add just the touch you need.

Iconic sunflowers rest on a bed of autumn leaves and rosehips. (photo courtesy of flowersand) 

Charming fall bouquet featuring green hypericum and mini yellow gerberas (photo courtesy of Loyalist Flowers).

If you incorporate pumpkins into your fall designs this year, J recommends that you look beyond the typical orange pumpkin—use white, grey, taupe, and lavender.  And the wartier the better! Stacking pumpkins on your front porch or yard is also very hip, and lends a look that is rustic, bucolic, and classy.
 

Stacked Cinderella Pumpkin by LLH Designs

Ornamental Kale and Cinderella pumpkin centerpiece (photo from Kirby and Kraut)

In closing, look for outstanding texture in the form of berries, lacinated petals, mossy dianthus, and specialty branches.  For pivotal color, try fire-hued blooms, bright green accents, and the color-of-the-year, Marsala, and you will be ready for Fall 2015.