Thought chrysanthemums and gladioli were too naff for your living room? This winter they're bang on trend - and here are six other funky floral fashions to make your home autumn-ready

  • Flower lovers traditionally went for warmer tones after bright summer hues
  • Experts say they now want flashes of colour to add warmth to the season
  • They also predict a comeback of the chrysanthemum and potted trees
  • M&S flower expert Simon Richards says hot pink gerberas and bright gladioli are back in vogue

The autumnal flower palette has evolved: now we're opting for bold flashes of colour to add warmth, with chrysanthemums, as seen here with Miranda Kerr, coming right back into fashion

The autumnal flower palette has evolved: now we're opting for bold flashes of colour to add warmth, with chrysanthemums, as seen here with Miranda Kerr, coming right back into fashion

With meadows and gardens strewn with an abundance of wild and beautiful flowers, stunning blooms are a spring and summertime given.

But as the days shorten and luscious gardens begin to wind down, many flower lovers find themselves struggling to carve out their own autumnal style.

Traditionally, as autumn approached, flower lovers went for warmer tones to provide a much-needed romance and intensity following the bright colours of summer.

But the autumnal palette has evolved over the years and experts say people are now opting for bold flashes of colour to add warmth to those gloomy pre-winter days.

They even predict a surge in the unlikely but ever faithful chrysanthemums, previously seen as a pervasive and somewhat unexciting bloom.

Simon Richards, flower expert at Marks & Spencer, says: 'Traditionally everyone thought russets, orange and gold was the only way to go for autumn arrangements in the home.

'But we're now much more sophisticated and varied in our choices, with people choosing to inject more flashes of vibrant colour – like hot pink gerberas - in autumn instead.' 

There's also a growing trend for potted trees - which hark back to the natural, more foraged style of horticulture - as well as bright, rich tones for the blushing autumnal bride.

So, what should you be picking - or, more likely, buying - now summer is on its last legs? We give you the top new floral trends from autumn: 

Roses will always be popular and are available in almost any hue at this time of year to add to create an autumnal colour scheme. Bi-colour roses, like this £35 Classic bunch from M&S,  look great mixed with green foliage, or alone in a contemporary vase

Roses will always be popular and are available in almost any hue at this time of year to add to create an autumnal colour scheme. Bi-colour roses, like this £35 Classic bunch from M&S,  look great mixed with green foliage, or alone in a contemporary vase

1) ROSES

The delicate rose will, of course, always be a popular choice to prettify the home. But because they are available in almost any hue, these beautiful and opulent flowers are perfect for an autumnal colour scheme.

Bi-colour roses really stand their ground during this season and are great either mixed in with some dark green foliage or simply standing alone in a contemporary vase.

Popular colours include deep oranges versions that run into misty colours such as peach, and dark red that run into cerise. Mix both together for an burst of excitement which will bring masses of colour into your home.

2) ROSEHIPS

The British public has always gone mad for rosehips in autumn - and this year is no exception.

The cherry-sized red fruits are available until November, meaning they can provide a freshly-picked, almost stripped-back feel right through the autumn months.

This pretty wicker basket from Marks & Spencer contains rose hips along with pittosporum and dyed eucalyptus and will add a splash of colour to the home during the gloomy autumn days

This pretty wicker basket from Marks & Spencer contains rose hips along with pittosporum and dyed eucalyptus and will add a splash of colour to the home during the gloomy autumn days

The red-orange hedgerows can look as good on their own as they do mixed up with strong, deep-green foliage and soft, classic cream roses.

'Foliage in general really picks up in autumn – with rosehip and hypericum berries most popular,' says Simon. 

'After the brightness and vibrancy of summer, autumnal berries, fruits and seasonal foliage can add new and different texture and character.' 

A perfect example is this stunning wicker basket of rose hips, pittosporum and dyed eucalyptus, which is available from M&S for £35.  

3) THE COMEBACK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM

Previously seen as ubiquitous and naff, flower experts are predicting a comeback for the reliable chrysanthemum, as flower lovers seek to inject a bold splash of colour into their vases.

'We're not talking the all-year-round garage forecourt style versions but instead, beautiful versions in autumnal colours that are also English grown,' says Simon. 

Warm and striking, this gorgeous set of blooms consists of Ruscus, purple standard carnation and orange chrysanthemums, which are predicted to make a comeback this autumn

Warm and striking, this gorgeous set of blooms consists of Ruscus, purple standard carnation and orange chrysanthemums, which are predicted to make a comeback this autumn

Boasting an extensive variety of hues, chrysanthemums can be suited to almost any colour scheme, but work particularly well for autumn in shades of white and pale pink, teamed with foliage or berries.

This warm and striking bouquet, consisting of Ruscus, standard carnation and orange chrysanthemums, is available from M&S for £35

This mix of glorious British gladioli - seen by many as the summer tulip - makes a fabulous gift

This mix of glorious British gladioli - seen by many as the summer tulip - makes a fabulous gift

4) CELEBRATE VALUE 

With several types of flowers nearing the end of their season, there is some great value to be found in autumn.

Recently back in fashion after several years off-trend, gladioli - seen by many as similar to the summer tulip - are still in season for the next four weeks and, with their structure and elegance, are a cheap and striking way to make a statement in the home.

Simon advises picking deep purple gladiolis before placing them in a tall vase.

This stunning bunch of gladiolis makes a fabulous and dramatic gift, and costs just £25 online at M&S, while smaller bunches are available in-store.

5) SUNFLOWERS 

Everyone's favourite summer bloom, sunflowers are still in season until the end of September, meaning they are not only easy to find but come at exceptional value.

The gloriously vibrant flowers look fabulous on their own but can also be mixed with autumn foliage and a flower such as the orange gladioli to create a more earthy ambiance.

6) DARING AUTUMN COLOURS

Choosing occasion flowers during spring and summer is a no-brainer: any pastel or bright, sunny colour scheme feels appropriate.

But for the bride that dares to be different, picking flowers during the autumn months can be invigorating, with a huge range of bolder colours with an autumnal twist to choose from. 

This bright orchid and rose collection, available to order from M&S, includes a bride's bouquet and two bridesmaids' bouquets, and allows brides to enjoy bolder colours with a seasonal, autumnal twist

This bright orchid and rose collection, available to order from M&S, includes a bride's bouquet and two bridesmaids' bouquets, and allows brides to enjoy bolder colours with a seasonal, autumnal twist

While darker richer tones - such as burgundy Chocolate Cosmos and Scabious - often appear in arrangement, the likes of hot pink gerberas and refreshing orchids are also becoming increasingly popular.

This orchid and rose collection, specifically developed with autumn weddings in mind, consists of one brides's bouquet and two bridesmaids' bouquets featuring pink orchids and deep pink roses, elegantly tied with cream ribbon. It is available to order for £175 from M&S.   
7) PLANTED FLOWERS

A new trend spotted among horticultural experts are planted flowers, which make a great contrast to cut flowers at weddings and other formal occasions. 

A new trend spotted among horticultural experts are planted flowers at weddings, which make a great contrast to cut flowers. These pots contain pale pink flowers and cascading ivy 

A new trend spotted among horticultural experts are planted flowers at weddings, which make a great contrast to cut flowers. These pots contain pale pink flowers and cascading ivy 

This collection of potted plants, which is brimming with stunning soft pink roses and cascading ivy, not only looks divine, but could be used instead of written boards to show guests where they are to sit at the tables. 

A collection of soft pink roses and cascading ivy comes with a white wooden crate with cut-out heart detail to show the seating plan for the top table, plus five white terracotta planters filled with a soft pink rose plant to represent the seating on the other tables. 

There are also wooden chalkboards to write names or table plans on, and 50 wooden plant labels on which you can write your guests' names.

It is available at M&S for £70.

8) BACK TO BASICS 

The natural, 'just picked from the garden' style continues to heavily influence wedding flower designs this autumn, with captivating dahlias and garden roses taking centre stage.

The natural, 'just picked from the garden' style continues to heavily influence wedding flower designs this autumn, with captivating dahlias and garden roses in soft taking centre stage

The natural, 'just picked from the garden' style continues to heavily influence wedding flower designs this autumn, with captivating dahlias and garden roses in soft taking centre stage

Wedding planners should also look out for textural elements in the form of berries, grasses and ferns - all essentials for autumn flowers - to spruce up an existing arrangement.

Free-flowing bridal bouquets are sought after, with arching branches of foliage and vines providing movement and interesting textures. 

 

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