Silk flowers aren't actually made from silk, but from polyester. They hold their shapes well, and come in a variety of qualities, from inexpensive stems in plain solids to more realistic blooms with shading and veining.

These silk flowers have a crinkled look to them, with curled edges that simulate the effect of true drieds.

Silk or parchment flowers that have been assembled by hand and had their stems wrapped with tape. These tend to be higher quality and more realistic, and also harder to cut due to the amount of wire used in the leaves and stem.

Parchment or silk flowers that have been dipped in latex, giving them a slightly rubbery feel. They tend to have a very realistic look, and add richness and elegance to arrangements.

Real flowers that have been air-dried, and sometimes dyed. They can be somewhat delicate, and should be handled carefully.

Real flowers that have been preserved with glycerine. They are a bit hardier than true drieds, and do not crumble or shatter as easily.

Silks that have been assembled to look like flowering plants or greenery, with multiple stems clustered together. Some bushes are made from several varieties of flowers or plants, creating combinations that are already coordinated to work together.

Flowers or greenery worked in lengths from 2 to 9 feet. These can be used as bases for other materials such as drieds or additional silks, woven with ribbons and draped in a variety of shapes, or cut apart and used in arrangements.

Short stems of clustered flowers, greenery, berries, or novelty items. These are usually inexpensive, and can be inserted into arrangements or used to decorate wreaths or potted plants.