Calgary winters are long, and there is something quietly rebellious about filling a room with tropical flowers while snow gathers outside. Orchids, birds of paradise, anthuriums and tropical lilies bring shape, drama and a splash of the exotic to a prairie home. They are not your everyday grocery-store bunch, and that is exactly the point.
Petals ‘N Blooms, a family-owned Calgary florist working in the city since 1997, designs bold tropical and modern pieces alongside its classic bouquets. This guide covers the most striking exotic blooms, how to care for them, and how to order specialty varieties so they arrive in perfect condition.
What Makes a Flower Tropical or Exotic?
Tropical flowers come from warm, humid climates and tend to share a few traits: dramatic architecture, waxy or sculptural petals, and long vase life. Because their forms are so distinct, even a few stems can carry an entire arrangement. That structural quality is why designers love them for modern, high-style work.
The current modern and tropical designs collection shows how these blooms are layered into pieces that feel contemporary and gallery-worthy rather than fussy.
The Star Players
Orchids
Orchids are the icon of elegant exotic flowers. Cymbidium and phalaenopsis orchids offer long, arching sprays of blooms in whites, pinks, greens and deep purples. They read as refined and modern, and they last impressively long, both as cut stems and as potted plants.
Birds of Paradise
Few flowers make a statement like a bird of paradise, with its vivid orange and blue crest shaped like a bird in flight. A single stem adds instant height and drama, which makes it a favourite for tall entryway pieces and modern events.
Anthuriums
Glossy, heart-shaped and almost sculptural, anthuriums come in reds, pinks, whites and greens. Their waxy finish gives them an exceptionally long vase life and a clean, contemporary look.
Tropical Lilies and Accents
Lilies bring fragrance and a graceful, open form, while accents such as monstera leaves, palm and ti leaves add lush greenery that frames the bolder blooms. Together they create that full, jungle-luxe feeling.
Pairing Tropicals With Classics
Tropical flowers do not have to stand alone. Some of the most beautiful designs pair an exotic focal flower with more familiar blooms. A cluster of elegant rose arrangements softened around a bird of paradise, or orchids threaded through a mixed bouquet, blends the drama of the tropics with the romance of a classic. A skilled designer balances the two so neither overwhelms the other.
Caring for Exotic Blooms
Tropical flowers are hardy, but they do have preferences:
- Warmth over cold. Unlike many temperate flowers, tropicals dislike very cold water and cold rooms. Room-temperature water suits them better, and keeping them away from drafts helps.
- Clean water, trimmed stems. As with any cut flower, fresh water and a fresh angled cut every couple of days extend their life.
- Mist the foliage. Because they come from humid climates, a light misting of leaves like monstera and palm keeps them looking crisp in dry Calgary air.
With this care, many tropicals outlast a standard bouquet by days.
Ordering Specialty Varieties
Because exotic flowers are not always kept in everyday stock, it is worth planning ahead. Some unique varieties take three to seven days of lead time to source and guarantee for your date, so an early order is the safest path to getting exactly what you want. A custom floral design request is the ideal way to specify particular tropical blooms, and the design team can advise on availability and pairings.
Petals ‘N Blooms delivers finished arrangements across Calgary and to surrounding communities including Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular tropical flowers?
Orchids, birds of paradise, anthuriums and tropical lilies are among the most requested, often accented with lush greenery like monstera and palm leaves. Each brings a bold, sculptural look to an arrangement.
Do tropical flowers last longer than regular flowers?
Many do. Orchids and anthuriums in particular have an excellent vase life when kept in clean, room-temperature water and out of cold drafts, often outlasting more delicate temperate blooms.
Can I order specific exotic flowers in Calgary?
Yes, though it is best to order ahead. Some specialty varieties need three to seven days of lead time to source, so a custom order placed early ensures availability.
How should I care for tropical flowers at home?
Use room-temperature water rather than cold, re-trim the stems every couple of days, keep them away from cold drafts, and lightly mist tropical foliage to counter dry indoor air.
Are tropical flowers suitable for events?
Absolutely. Their dramatic shapes and long vase life make them excellent for weddings, corporate events and statement pieces. A custom design can coordinate them to your colour scheme.
To bring a little of the tropics to a Calgary room or event, Petals ‘N Blooms can design and deliver bold exotic arrangements. Call (403) 220-0123 to discuss specialty blooms and lead times.