'A Gothic Pair' Florals

I present to you… a pair of richly, saturated blooms arranged in vintage brass coupe vessels. Appropriately, I’ve named them ‘A Gothic Pair’ of florals. I created these to complement my floral pop up a few weeks back at the Commodore Perry Estate. I love these fraternal arrangements as they have the exact same blooms and have their unique differences. These are smaller arrangements, but with the deep and bold color palette, it really stands out. Not to mention, there are two! The dark burgundy ranunculus embraces its purple tones in the light, but pulls in almost black petals in the shadow. Rubicon spray roses almost mimic the tonality of black magic roses and is the perfect counterpart for this gothic-style arrangement. A hint of blue thistle adds texture and a unique shape to the arrangement and a touch of plumosa fern for drama and drape. The ‘Mahogany Splendor’ hibiscus leaves are so reminiscent of the Japanese maple in its shape and splendor and the color of the leaves play right into the overall gothic tones beautifully. This floral pair would work well for a dinner centerpiece or even stand alone to add a punch of drama to any corner.

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‘A GOTHIC PAIR’ FLORALS

FLORALS + SUPPLIES

• 2 brass coupe vessels

• 1” mesh chicken wire

• 1 stem burgundy cymbidium orchids

• 1 bunch of burgundy ranunculus

• 1 bunch Rubicon red spray roses

• 4 stems of blue thistle

• 2 stems plumosa fern

• 2 hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’ branches

STEPS

1. Using the chicken wire, create a small mesh cage that sits within the brass coupe. The wire cage structure will give you support as you arrange the florals.

2. Begin with the ranunculus to create the base of the arrangement. These tubers tend to have a more delicate stems and require access to water to stay alive. Arranging them early on ensures the stems remain intact and can pull water into the bloom.

3. Layer in the hibiscus leaves and rubicon spray roses. A few closer and few further away to create texture and depth.

4. Cut the orchids from the larger stem and arrange the blooms in focal areas of the arrangement. Because it’s a smaller compote-style arrangement, one stem of orchids will provide enough blooms to fill the arrangement.

5. Use the blue thistle to add additional texture and color. I like to arrange them with a few pulled away from the arrangement.

6. Add the plumosa fern for a touch of green and a natural cascade.

7. Fill the coupe vessels with water. Spritz the arrangement to hydrate the blooms. Make sure to refill the vessels every day as these blooms are quick to drink up the water.