How many? Three stems make a full arrangement. It is a wide, branching stem, so allow for the spread.

Choosing a vase. In a tall vase of 30cm to 40cm, use it close to full length. On a console, cut it down so the arrangement stands about one and a half times the height of the vessel.

Deeply lobed oak leaves with raised veins, running from deep rust to pale bronze, often several tones on one leaf, with paler undersides. The papery, slightly curled finish is how real autumn leaves look.

Woody branch with textured bark and irregular side shoots, wired throughout so the whole branch can be opened out and shaped. The bare lower section can be trimmed. For indoor use only.

Dust with a hairdryer on the cool setting, handle the papery leaves gently, and never stand it in water. Cut with secateurs or wire cutters rather than scissors. Keep it out of strong direct sun, which fades the copper tones unevenly.

It arrives with the branches compressed. Spend a few minutes bending the side shoots outwards after unpacking.

Place three stems in a tall, pale stoneware vase rather than glass, and open the branches outwards and slightly down. Rust and bronze glow against a pale wall or cream vessel, especially beside candles or a table lamp.

Use it from September to the new year, then swap to green faux foliage for spring and summer.

It ships as a long parcel. Current timescales and charges are on our delivery page. See also our returns and guarantees pages.