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Beauty To BeholdArtificial Flowers & Plants
Resplendent and lifelike, artificial flowers and plants come in plentiful varieties to ensure an ever-blooming market More than mere merchandise, artificial flowers and plants from Asia are almost works of art rivalling Mother Nature. This is good news for buyers and end-users alike. The imitation tropical collection from Oriental Fine Art Co Ltd, featuring realistic orchids in various colours such as red, violet, white or purple, is a perfect example. "People like orchids, but the real ones don't last very long, while some bloom only once a year," says Marketing Manager Akachon Tangsirikusolwong. "Our imitation orchids capture the best moment of blooming and make it permanent all year round." Among the company's popular offerings is a 71cm-high Phalaenopsis orchid plant (model CRJ-03-01227-DB) with three sprays bearing soft, lavender-coloured flowers and green leaves in a ceramic pot. Priced at US$20 FOB Bangkok per pot (including plant, pot and packing), the item is a best seller. "People like to buy flowers they are familiar with," Mr Tangsirikusolwong notes. Oriental Fine Art sources raw materials from Thailand, and Mr Tangsirikusolwong maintains the materials are perfect for effecting the colours and look of real orchids. "We use non-woven fabric and coat it with polymer, which makes everything feel real," he says. Turning mundane materials into pretty flowers is also the forte of D'annie Holdings Ltd, which offers artificial roses, lilies and other species in many colours and shapes. "Our flowers rival the best gifts from Mother Nature," claims Managing Director Dennis Li. "Life may be busy, but flowers can help people to create sanctuaries." Clearly up to the task is Victoria (model VC2008003), which features large pink and dark red roses in satin, complete with berries, green leaves and branches, in a white polyresin vase adorned with bird designs. Measuring 32x32x43cm, the item (including plant and vase) is unit-priced at about US$20 FOB Shenzhen. "The product is popular in Europe," advises Mr Li. Vast variety Another major industry player is Michael (Asia) Co Ltd, which supplies an extensive collection ranging from flowers - such as roses, dahlias, sunflowers or peonies - to potted plants, imitation ocean coral and tree bark wall hangings. "We try to be creative," says Manager Bobo Hung. "Our product development team of 10-15 people always has ideas for new designs." Among its latest creations is model 3588H-PCY, an allium spray with small flowers that comes in blue, purple or yellow on a 92.5-cm stem. "We use cloth and plastics, and apply special coatings and many treatments," notes Ms Hung. For holding artificial flowers and plants, the firm also supplies polyresin pots in different sizes, ranging up to large outdoor models. Stemmed styles Delightful selections are also available from Chun Hing Art Plant Co, which offers colourful arrangements of orchids, roses, lilies, peonies, tulips, dahlias and poppies among other species, often in Roman-style pots or vases. "We focus on stemmed flowers, mostly medium- and high-quality," advises Marketing Manager Francis Ngan. "Our flowers stay beautiful. If there is dust, just dip them in water, shake and let them dry and they will be as good as new," he adds. "We pay a lot of attention to design and quality to make the flowers and plants lifelike." The company's designers study real flowers and plants in order to produce better designs. "Then we employ lots of moulds, accessories and assembly work to make our products look as lifelike as possible," Mr Ngan says. The manufacturer sources plastics from Japan, polyester fabrics from Taiwan or the Chinese mainland, metal tubes and wires from the mainland and dyestuffs from Taiwan or Germany. For sale with flowers or as separate items, Chun Hing also supplies pots, urns, vases and pedestals. "Some pots are even designed in the shape of a bouquet," Mr Ngan notes. "We manufacture fibreglass and polyresin pots ourselves, and source terracotta and ceramic ones from other factories." Greener pastures Putting greater emphasis on replicas of green plants and leaves is Wing Shing (HK) Greenery Industrial Ltd, whose creations are often used by client companies in floral arrangements. "Our products are not easily outdated, and they are good to mix and match with flowers," explains Secretary Fanny Ho. The manufacturer's latest range features model 304 FV04F/P2, a 26-inch Flamingo plant with red flowers and 42 leaves in five-stem clusters, all in a wicker pot. "We can design any plant for customers, although it may take a little time, maybe a month," advises Ms Ho, adding that Wing Shing often uses silk for leaves and polyester for stems. With such a magnificent choice on offer, the market for artificial flowers and plants looks certain to keep blossoming. TEXT BY JOHN CAIRNS FAST FACTS
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