“Do not keep Heliconias in the cooler!”
Exclusive exotics
The variety of shapes and sizes in exotic foliage is incredible with the heart shaped Anthurium leaf being one of the top-sellers. Next to a wide range of cut foliage, MDK also specialises in Heliconias. Marcel: “We supply top grade products thanks to our colleague Dirk Piet, who has over 40 years of experience in the cultivation of Heliconias. We mainly grow them in our nurseries in Ghana. The climatic conditions there are perfect for this exclusive, exotic flower.”
This brightly coloured flower with its extraordinary shape rises the occasional eye brow however, especially with people who are new to the product. “Florists aren’t always aware of how to treat Heliconias. These flowers are extremely sensitive to cold and will discolour even at the slightest exposure. Keeping them overnight in a cooler is really not done!” according to Marcel.
Quality from a foreign climate
In Ghana, they make sure they return a portion of the benefits to the local community. Marcel: “Our employees receive training and health care. It’s our way of repaying Ghana.” He wants to share the knowledge he gained there with the rest of the industry. “The Ghanaian climate is very warm and humid and ideal for exotic greenery and Heliconias.” Marcel advises: “Try to keep the flowers moist by spraying it with a bit of water every day.”
Standing out from the crowd
FleuraMetz buyer Piet Ravensbergen agrees: “With these unique varieties of greenery you can give every arrangement a stylish, personal twist.” The different patterns, shapes and textures of the foliage are great for in multiple designs. Marcel hopes that florists realise this too. “You can really create your own signature style with our greenery. Use them and the Heliconias in different ways than traditional florists would do. Dare to make original hand tieds, offer consumers a dynamic range.”
Piet: “Exotic foliage and Heliconias are not your run of the mill products and therefore not cheap to buy. The consistent quality and reliability of this Supplier however, makes it worth the investment. You can create such incredible things with them.” Marcel: “We often receive photos of the completed designs and have seen a great number of amazing pieces. Every time you see one, you’d realise: this is what sets one aside from mediocre, supermarket bunches. People will always come back for quality.”
For more information:
FleuraMetz
www.fleurametz.com