In Hengelo, millions of silk flowers are imagined and crafted each year, finding their way to some of the world’s most iconic names. Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone dazzled in a Louis Vuitton campaign surrounded by a sea of silk blossoms from this small Dutch city. At Harrods in London, exquisite displays of these lifelike florals fill the windows. Behind it all stands Patrick Oude Groeniger, widely recognized as the “Silk Flower King.”

Silk flowers are truly an art form. No other industry in the world is as specialized in creating lifelike imitations of nature. And Patrick Oude Groeniger has mastered this craft to perfection. For over 33 years, his company Silk-ka, based in Hengelo, has been setting the global standard in high-quality artificial florals. Today, you can confidently call him the “Silk Flower King of the Netherlands.”

Many people still smile at the idea of “fake flowers” — recalling wooden tulips in souvenir shops or cheap plastic imitations. But as Oude Groeniger explains, the industry has undergone a radical transformation:

“In the past, artificial flowers were stiff and obvious, made from wood, silk, or plastic. In the last ten years, we’ve approached things differently, and now they’re widely accepted. It’s become fashion. We follow the latest trends just like the fashion world does. And it’s incredible how realistic some flowers look now. Feel this one — it’s ‘real touch.’”

Holding a soft pink-and-white rose, complete with a thorny stem, it’s almost impossible to distinguish it from the real thing. The petals feel exactly like fresh rose petals thanks to an innovative ‘real-touch’ coating developed in Silk-ka’s factories. “This is a true mind trick,” says Oude Groeniger. “If someone isn’t convinced by the look, I let them touch it — their reaction is priceless: ‘Wait… what?!’”

Every year, Silk-ka sells over six million stems and branches to major garden centers, international exhibitions, high-profile events, and luxury private gatherings. Step into his showroom and it feels like every flower lover’s dream: over 3,500 meticulously developed designs in stock.

Interestingly, Oude Groeniger grew up in his parents’ luxury flower shop in Hengelo and was destined to take over the family business. But life took an unexpected turn:

“I developed an allergy to fresh flowers,” he recalls. “At first it was mild, but by my twenties, it had become severe. I would get contact eczema and shortness of breath. I still can’t stand among real flowers.”

This challenge became a blessing in disguise. Today, Silk-ka employs 38 people in the Hengelo office and hundreds more in their manufacturing facilities in China, where the flowers are made. The designs and developments all happen in Hengelo.

“We know exactly what’s possible in China. Our goal is to make each design look even more lifelike, while also creating new varieties to stay ahead. We’re now global trendsetters. Look at this branch with glitter flowers — you’ll see this everywhere soon.”

Silk-ka’s flowers have a very different price tag than supermarket bouquets. A single ‘real-touch’ rose retails for around €50. “Expensive?” says Oude Groeniger with a smile. “One flower can have up to 60 components, from stamens to individual petals, all painted by hand for perfect color gradients. When people see the process, they realize it’s worth every cent.”

The company serves a high-end clientele. “We don’t do mass production. Our flowers last for years, even decades. In Switzerland, some clients take an entire bouquet of artificial roses — worth €1,000 — as a dinner gift. It’s extravagant, but also unforgettable.”

Silk-ka is a trusted supplier for Harrods, Al-Fayed department stores, and many major garden centers. Their creations have appeared in campaigns for Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.

“For a commercial starring Emma Stone, Louis Vuitton ordered €80,000 worth of silk blossoms from us. They staged the entire shoot in front of the Louvre in Paris. It was an incredible sight. What happened to the flowers after the shoot? I have no idea!” he laughs.

“The more a silk flower resembles the real thing, the better,” says Oude Groeniger. “An artificial flower is an illusion. Underneath, there’s steel and oil… but that’s not what you see. What you see is the perfect, lifelike bloom. Flowers make people happy — it’s about color, texture, and form. A well-crafted silk flower achieves the same effect… except for the scent.”