Fake flowers vs the real deal - can you tell the difference?

They may have once been a dreary feature of 70s UK homes, gathering dust in the downstairs loo - but now, decades later, it seems faux flowers are in full bloom again.

Artificial blooms have made an appearance at flower shows for the first time - and royal florist, Philippa Craddock, has even launched her own range of faux flowers.

They're not how you remember - realistic texture, colour and intricate attention to detail is key, while tell-tale, tacky nylon is out for good. Gardener Michael Perry joins us with his pick of the best.

Here are the flowers featured

Roses

Real: £4 a stemBudget: £8 a stem, from Peony at John LewisBlowout: £16 a stem, from Neptune

Hydrangeas

Real: £5 a stemBudget: £1.49 a stem, from DunelmBlowout: £15.50 a stem, from Posy & Pot

Dahlias

Real: £1.50 a stemBudget: £4 a stem, from OKA - in the sale down from £10Blowout: £18 a stem, from Fox Flowers

Foliage

Real: £4 for a small bunchBudget: £5.95, from Rose & GreyBlowout: £14.50, from Wyld

Peonies

Real: £5Budget: 85p a stem, from IKEABlowout: £22 a stem, from Philippa Craddock