Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for my annual spring stem hunt. I’ve looked high and low for the most realistic branches and florals to save you time searching, and rounded up this year’s best (plus my tips on how to style them!)
Between staging vacation rentals full time and a busy schedule, I rely heavily on realistic faux greenery to bring life to our spaces. I’ve refreshed my list with a ton of new finds this year, along with top rated best sellers I reach for again and again.
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Where to buy artificial flowers and stems
There are several trusted sources I turn to for the best selection of realistic faux florals:
- Afloral
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Target
- Pottery Barn
- Crate & Barrel
- Magnolia
- McGee & Co
- House of Jade
- Michaels
- Walmart
- Wayfair
- West Elm
Here’s what made the cut this year, followed by some of my favorites styled in our homes.
Realistic faux stems and branches
Out of all the new stems I found this year, these dusty mauve berry branches are at the top of my list, and they transition beautifully throughout the seasons. I used five below in my McGee & Co wood vase.
These $7 wisteria stems are in the top 3 most realistic I’ve seen, and the price can’t be beat. I used six in the terracotta vase below, and keep them displayed year round in our living room.
These extra long italian ruscus branches are a long time Afloral favorite. They can be cut and styled in many ways, and I particularly like them in this large konos vase.
If you’ve got a big space to fill, I love this privet branch. Super realistic, and the seeded detail feels like a breath of fresh spring air. You can make a big statement with three branches in this terracotta floor vase.
The best faux spring florals
In the past I’ve typically reached for leafy stems first when styling, but this year? I’m all about the florals. Maybe it’s because the selection and variety is better than ever lately, but I just can’t get enough. Flowers bring life, beauty and softness to a space, and I believe no room is complete without them.
Hydrangeas are my go-to floral for styling these days (both preserved and faux). I’ve acquired quite the collection, and these $5 beauties are my new favorite. I ordered them in “brown” (they’re more mauve in person) and used 10 stems in a glazed ceramic vase for an extra full arrangement.
After spotting these peonies all over, I had to see them for myself and they definitely live up to the hype. I used a set of 6 in cream in this terracotta vase.
Cherry blossoms are popping up everywhere this year, and these 36″ branches in blush are one of the most realistic I’ve seen (they come in white, too). I used six in this large handled vase.
For a more budget-friendly option, I’m loving these $5 white cherry blossom stems. One set of 4 are all you need for a perfect arrangement.
This delicate baby’s breath comes in many colors and is perfect for smaller spaces like bathroom vanities, nightstands and dressers. I used two bundles in ‘fall white” below.
Vases
If you’re in need of pretty vase to display your spring stems, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a roundup of my favorites, from simple everyday vases to organic and earthy handmade vessels at every budget.
Tips to make faux florals look real
How you style your stems matters just as much as which ones you choose. After years of experimenting, here are my best tips for creating arrangements that look full, natural, and realistic.
- Choose the right vase. Tall branches require large vases, while small florals are best suited for shorter vases. My general rule of thumb is to make sure the floral arrangement is at least 1-2x the height of the vase.
- Don’t skimp on quantity. Minimal arrangements can work in the right setting, but I often wish I had ordered more stems. A full arrangement looks intentional, while too few can fall flat. When in doubt, get more than you think you’ll need.
- Fluff your florals. Faux stems are often compressed during shipping, so they’ll need a little reshaping. A handheld steamer works best—simply run a few passes over the flowers and leaves to relax any creases and help the petals open up naturally.
- Use wire netting. You’ll need a way to keep the stems in place, and this floral wire is the easiest way to do that. Just fold a section of it into your vase, and arrange the stems as you’d like.
- Vary the length and direction. Trim the stems to different lengths and angle them in various directions. Place them at staggered heights so it feels natural instead of uniform.
- Bend and shape. Real branches have a natural curve, so take the time to gently bend each stem into a soft ‘S’ shape for a more organic look.
And there you have it—all of the florals, branches and vases I’m loving this season. Do you have any other favorites I should know about? Do share in the comments!
Dana L says
Do you ever share favorite wreaths for spring? I’m on the hunt 🙂 thank you!
Jenna Sue says
Hmm I actually haven’t! I don’t shop for non-holiday wreaths very often but I will keep them in mind for a future roundup idea!
Sandra says
I love theses posts. I would love them even more if you could share your super favorite pick!
Jenna Sue says
Ahhh don’t make me choose! I’d say, out of the ones I personally have, it’s hard to top the $6 wisteria stems. The privet branch is great for XL vases and the gingko stems might be the most convincing.
Michele M. says
but the ginko you linked are no longer available, unfortunately
Michele M. says
Thank you!! Funny just the other day I looked up your LAST year stems/florals recommendations out of desperation to breathe some freshness into my home. May I please be reminded what color you used on your cabs in your rental with the pic of the seeded eucalyptus stems in the ivory 7 inch vase?
I love your recommended various vases too.
Happy springtime, JS.
Jenna Sue says
I’ve actually been updating the clickable photos as I find new ones so you were ahead of the game! 😉 The cabinet color is BM October Mist.
Leah says
As much as I would love to have fresh flowers in the house every week, it’s not always in the budget and investing in some faux stems is a great alternative. Thank you for this round-up!
Angie says
Thank you so much for this round up. I especially love the fact you actually use in your own homes.
Jenna Sue says
Always happy to share my favorites! Hope the photos are helpful 🙂
Katie T's Home says
Love these flowers and branches. They all look so real! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Carissa says
Hello! Do you happen to know where else I can buy the Smilax Stems? I can’t find them anywhere on the Afloral website. Thanks in advance for all your help!
Jenna Sue says
If the link isn’t active, that means they’ve sold out! These stems have gone in and out of stock a few times over the years, so keep checking back for a restock. I’ll keep an eye out for them too!
Joy Vita says
Hi Jenna Sue, would you be able to tell me the color of your roman shades in your kitchen. I did follow the link that you have in your kitchen blog post but I wasn’t sure of the exact color. Also, are they the relaxed style and do they have a valance?
Thank you so much! I love everything you do in your homes.
Jenna Sue says
Hi Joy, I have the camdyn pumice color in the relaxed style. No valance. I hope this helps!
Emie says
I love these arrangements, especially the eucalyptus in the black vase Would you mind sharing your source for the potted tree in your living room please? I saw it in a different picture and I love it. Thanks, Emie
Jenna Sue says
Hi Emie, you can see how I made that here: https://www.jennasuedesign.com/diy-faux-real-indoor-tree/
Emie says
OMG, you MADE that? Holy smokes is that beautiful!!! Thanks, off to see how you did it and to try and do it myself.
Alison says
I wanted to respond to your “Budget blinds post you wrote but I didn’t see an option. Thank you so much for sourcing and writing that post. Window treatments are so tough and so expensive. It will be a. Big help in dressing all the windows in a new house we are buying. Love the work you do.
Jen says
Love all the arrangements. What is your secret to make them all look so good? Do you use foam blocks or anything to separate them and have them lay so nicely? Would love any tips on arrangements for us!
Jenna Sue says
Hi Jen, for short and wide vases I’ll use foam sometimes but I prefer chicken wire, or laying clear tape across the opening in a grid pattern. For larger branches, you can tie them together so they’ll stand more upright. It’s just a lot of experimenting and little tweaks to get them how you’d like!
Tracy Gunn says
Hi, Jenna.
I’d love for you to post DIY directions for some of your arrangement tips! It is always helpful to get step-by-step instructions with pictures for us visual learners. 🙂
Kerri Hansen says
Hi Jenna,
I love these faux florals you have used, I wish that Afloral would deliver to Canada…sigh…
Sarah says
Thank you so much for sharing! These are beautiful!! Could you please add a link for Artificial Eucalyptus Branches and Faux Smilax Stems. I don’t see one listed above
Thank you!! Loveeee your channel
Sarah says
I found it!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Sarah! Glad you were able to find it 🙂
Sherri says
Hi, I have the same question about the branches in your black jug. I don’t see a link. Thanks
Jenna Sue says
Hey! Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3vjH8CA
Vicki Vaughn says
It doesn’t seem like all the links are working.
Jenna Sue says
Hi Vicki, which links are you having trouble with? They’re working on my end! Did you click on the prices in the list at the top, next to the name of the product?
Vicki Vaughn says
Operator error on my part!! Sorry for the inconvenience. Just placed an order with AFloral. The 20% discount was just the prodding I needed.
Jenna Sue says
Oh yay! So glad you found something that caught your eye. Hope you love it too 🙂
Madhu says
These are beautiful!! Could you please add a link for Artificial Eucalyptus Branches and Faux Smilax Stems.
marjana vončina says
Well I love faux flowers a lot. Every spring I have artificial tulips and daffodils in the garden. Peonys bloom late in winter, chrysantemums bloom all winter long. But one must be careful not to put too much blooms in the real bushes, just a tuch. My fence around the garden is overgrown with ivy and with a touch of white faux flowers the garden is beautiful.
Love you blog.
Marianne, Europe, Slovenia
Jenna Sue says
That sounds beautiful, Marjana! It’s too hot for a lot of flowers to grow here in central FL (and I also just don’t have a green thumb or the patience) so faux florals are the way to go!