Floral designer Klaus Wagener is fascinated by the anthurium’s versatility. Design and trends are his business.He has been involved in translating the latest lifestyle developments into contemporary floral arrangements for years, and is the only designer to have won the florists’ World Championship for Germany. His books and magazines, published by BLOOM’s, inspire florists and lovers of design around the world and lead the field when it comes to floral beautification.

Anthuriums come to life

In his unending quest for the new answers that flowers and plants can provide for a lifestyle which is always a little different, this impassioned designer has found inspiration from the many types of anthurium. The excellent results which growers have achieved in this field in recent years have inspired Wagener in a remarkable way. “Enormous changes have taken place with regard to anthuriums in recent years, and that’s precisely the way to bring this amazing range to life.”

Eye-catching and rugged

In a classic setting the anthurium projects so much elegant and enigmatic charm that almost no other plant can beat it. “With its eye-catching red, purple or white flowers the anthurium is better than any other plant for providing colourful accents which often set the mood, while simultaneously having a rugged look – whether it’s in a private home or within the project sector,” believes the German floral designer. “I have therefore referred to the anthurium extensively in my book Architektur und Pflanze.”

Easy and relaxed

The rich colour palette of the various anthurium types mean that it has also become a perfect plant for family life. It’s easy and relaxed as it enhances the kitchen, the living room or the bathroom. Wagener feels it is particularly the attractive small-flowered varieties which provide new opportunities in design. They fit into any setting, have a long lifespan and are easy to look after. The white, pink and purple tones in particular are thereby perfectly displayed.

Revival of the Anthurium

The floral design also sees great potential for the anthurium in the context of the current retro-trends. In a world which is perceived as frantic and rushed, it is increasingly the ‘old’ values and products which provide some sort of foothold. As a popular plant with the typical look of the 50s, 60s and 70s the anthurium thereby also provide the inspiration for new, distinctive styling ideas for a young target group. “It’s a cult product,” says Wagener. “Something that represents tradition on the one hand is also becoming avant-garde again on the other hand. I believe the anthurium is a genuine rediscovery, with great potential for innovation!”