Tropical Flowers for Summer

Berenice Ruiz
3 days ago
2 min read

When summer hits, it’s time to go big, bold, and beautiful. Tropical flowers are the ultimate way to bring vibrant color and dramatic texture to your floral designs. Whether you’re arranging for a summer event, backyard gathering, or just want to experiment as a DIY florist, these exotic flowers are guaranteed to make a statement. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic tropical blooms like anthuriums, heliconias, birds of paradise, gingers, and more—and give you tips on how to work with them like a pro.

1. Anthuriums – Glossy, Bold & Long-Lasting

Known for their waxy petals and striking shape, anthuriums are among the most beginner-friendly tropical flowers. They last long, hold up well in hot weather, and come in stunning shades like red anthuriums and pink anthuriums—perfect for bold summer bouquets or tropical centerpieces.

Tips for DIY Florists:

Use them as focal points in arrangements.

Don’t overcrowd, anthuriums shine with space around them.

Great for mixing with greenery or tropical roses.

2. Heliconia – The Statement

The heliconia flower is tall, architectural, and unmistakably tropical. Often called “lobster claws”, these blooms scream jungle flowers with their vibrant red, orange, or yellow bracts.

Tips for DIY Florists:

Use sturdy containers, they’re heavier than typical flowers.

Pair with strong stems like gingers or birds of paradise.

Great for large arrangements or outdoor displays.

3. Bird of Paradise – The Showstopper

Nothing says tropical quite like the bird of paradise tropical flower. With its bird-like shape and vivid orange and blue hues, this red tropical flower alternative adds height and movement to your design.

Tips for DIY Florists:

Open the bloom carefully if it hasn’t popped yet.

Use in modern, linear arrangements or dramatic centerpieces.

Combine with tropical greens for a sleek, minimalist look.

4. Gingers – Bold Color and Texture

Gingers offer lush texture and a sense of fullness. Available in red, pink, and even white, they’re often used in tropical flower mixes for weddings and summer parties.

Tips for DIY Florists:

Use them in bunches for a voluminous effect.

Great for vibrant bouquets or to line large vases.

Combine with amaranthus upright for dynamic movement.

5. Amaranthus – The Unexpected Texture

While not always considered “tropical,” amaranthus upright adds elegant structure to any tropical flower arrangement. Its tall, linear form contrasts beautifully with rounder blooms like pink tropical flowers.

Tips for DIY Florists:

Add height and line to cascading designs.

Pairs well with pink anthuriums or heliconia.

Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the arrangement.

Tropical Rose: Bonus Tip!

A tropical rose isn’t a specific species—it’s often a term for vibrant rose varieties that pair well with tropical themes. Look for saturated colors like coral, orange, and fuchsia to blend seamlessly with tropical blooms.

Ready to Try Tropical Blooms This Summer?

Whether you're experimenting as a DIY florist or preparing for a special event, tropical flowers bring drama, color, and flair to any design. Start with one or two statement blooms like birds of anthuriums or heliconia, and build your confidence from there.