Is artificial flowers a good business?

Today's ultra-realistic permanent botanicals are taking the world by storm, most notably trendy, high-end restaurants, hotels, and fashion brands—and increasing numbers of flower businesses are working with faux flowers, foliages, and plants almost exclusively.

Shuoliang supplies professional and honest service.

By Jill Brooke

When Floratorium's Carlos Franqui began his journey as a florist after leaving a career in fashion and advertising, he observed that many other florists focused on indoor arrangements, weddings, and bouquets. "I wanted to stand out," he recalls. He asked himself what could set him apart. "Then it hit me. Instead of only concentrating on the inside of a shop, I realized the exterior of buildings deserved flowers too."

However, using fresh flowers for his outdoor vision would be impractical due to their cost and perishability. Too many were needed, and in winter, tulips were not readily available. While faux flowers were an option, "they had a bit of a stench around them," laughs Franqui, recalling how many people dismissed them as decor fit only for nursing homes.

Yet Franqui recognized the myriad benefits of faux flowers. Fast forward ten years, and from his headquarters in Wood-Ridge, N.J., Franqui has built a thriving empire centered around his faux flower installations. He opened a new Floratorium 'La Botánica' location in the Little Haiti area of Miami, Fla., just last December. The faux-flower trend has gained such momentum that The New York Times recently posed the question, "Why Are Restaurants Filling Up With Fake Flowers?" and another publication noted that "Fake Flower Décor is the New Trend."

As reported by the Times, "Sprawling, towering, flamboyant installations of faux flowers and leaves are fast becoming a new hallmark of restaurant design, the florid successor to past fixations like open kitchens, Mason jars, and cordless lamps. In recent years, they have emerged across the United States and cities like London, Paris, Toronto, and Lagos, Nigeria. These displays create soaring arches, ascend dining room walls, and flourish deep into social media, transforming many weekend brunch posts."

Sabir Taheraly, managing partner of Jamali Garden in New York City, which initially began by providing vases and gardening supplies to New York's floral market, clarifies another reason behind the popularity of faux flowers. "The pandemic heightened public interest in flowers, resulting in 20 million new gardeners," Taheraly explains. Yet, simultaneously, fresh flower costs skyrocketed, impacting supply chains.

"Prices of fresh flowers have quadrupled, and some varieties are no longer readily available," he adds. "A bouquet that used to cost $10 is now $25. Our collection [of faux flowers] beautifully mimics the real thing, making them a perfect choice."

Pop culture has also had its influence. Shows like Netflix's Bridgerton prompted cravings for cascading Wisteria blooms, which have become a top seller, alongside Bougainvillea.

Now, if a florist is missing a flower due to a poor shipment, there's no panic. If Hydrangea blooms are wilting, a faux replacement can easily fill the gap.

"There’s an incredible variety of colors available today," adds Brenda LaManna, founder and president of Damselfly Florals & Events, with locations throughout New York City, as well as in White Plains, N.Y., and Wilton, Conn. LaManna is recognized for her commitment to sustainable practices, opting for biodegradable packaging over plastic.

It’s not contradictory to appreciate faux flowers, which are durable, while enhancing mindfulness regarding packaging waste. Personally, I adore faux flowers so much that I sprinkle faux Zinnias and Peonies in my boxwoods during winter for a splash of color to cheer me up. I also adorn pots of Hyacinths with faux petite Forsythias to give them a fuller appearance. The English actor John Barrie once remarked, "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." But today, flowers need not be merely nostalgic, regardless of the season.

Moreover, the faux-flower trend coincides with advancements in manufacturing that yield superior products. "It is now often hard to differentiate between the real and the artificial," says Mary Ragon, founder of Ragon House, a distributor of high-quality permanent botanicals and home decor based in Bolivar, Ohio. "Many of today’s artificial florals are crafted by hand, with exceptional attention to detail, lifelike textures, and realistic colors."

Patricia Gonzalez, project developer at Floratorium, estimates that the company has installed faux flowers in over 300 restaurants within the U.S. and Canada, as well as at hotels, businesses, and luxury residences. Notable clients include renowned establishments like Marea, Avra Estiatoria, and the Tao Group's LAVO Italian Restaurants, as well as fashion brands such as Versace, Sézane, and Intimissimi.

Real estate agents are also appreciating florists who can work with both faux and real flowers. "During presentations, particularly in luxury properties, a blend of low-maintenance real flowers and high-quality faux arrangements brightens the space and helps maintain its appearance for weeks," notes Diana Rice, a distinguished agent at Sotheby's International Realty in Manhattan. "I wouldn't dream of photographing a property without them, as they are essential."

Franqui is certainly not alone in acknowledging the potential of these innovative botanicals. Across the nation, florists are discovering new revenue streams and dedicated fans through the use of faux flowers. According to data from Circana, sales of artificial plants and dried flowers in the U.S. reached $2.3 billion last year—a staggering 52 percent increase from the previous year.

In Fargo and Bismarck, N.D., Melissa Reichert, special events and culture lead at Love Always Floral, is also finding success with faux florals. Store openings and corporate events now demand Instagram-worthy floral displays, she reveals. "At first, we were hesitant; our hearts were always set on using live flowers," she admits. "However, many retail and corporate clients seek unique experiences for their customers. Live installations wilt within a week or even a day. But faux flowers? Their beauty lasts."

Reichert mentions that witnessing "the smiles and joy [they] bring customers and corporate clients" has convinced her of their value. "It's transformed into an integral part of our business, positively influencing how the public engages with flowers."

So widespread is the faux-flower trend that people eagerly anticipate local pop-ups or new restaurant designs. "Customers now expect fresh floral displays just as they look forward to new menu items each season," remarks Rosanna Scotto, who collaborates with Lawrence Scott, owner of Lawrence Scott Events in Hicksville, N.Y., to create floral installations at her family's Italian restaurant in New York City, Fresco by Scotto. For the restaurant's spring and summer decor, Scott included pots of Hydrangeas alongside faux embellishments.

For those seeking more information on Artificial Flowers Supplier, feel free to reach out to us.

These installations don't come cheap. On average, a single installation can cost around $40,000 from these floral experts, with others averaging over $10,000 nationwide. Premium flower budgets for upscale restaurants previously reached $5,000 monthly in top cities.

"We've demonstrated to business owners and hoteliers that they can attain ROI from this with minimal maintenance," reports Floratorium's Gonzalez. "With fresh flowers, you're replacing them weekly. We alleviate overall flower budgets and reduce the hassle for businesses—often florists need to arrive at 5 a.m. to restock before guests show up! The quality of faux flowers is now exceptional, making it a game-changer."

Ragon House

Contact us to discuss your requirements with an Artificial Gypsophila Manufacturer. Our seasoned sales team can assist in identifying options tailored to your needs.