Stabilized Plants?

This is something quite bizarre that I stumbled upon accidentally through my mother a few months ago. She had been given a "stabilized rose" in the Czech Republic that apparently lasts for over a year if kept in its original packaging. This seemed a little odd to me so I searched for some more information. The company responsible for this new fad is Smeraldino. According to their website the roses and other plants are imported from South America and Europe. Furthermore they are then dipped in a "unique liquid mixture" which is what keeps them looking fresh all year. What I find strange about all this is how long these plants last. Flowers are guaranteed for 2-5 years while trees, grasses, and leaves for 5-10 years! In addition these plants require absolutely no maintenance that in fact adding water would do more harm that good. I can't help but wonder if this is the future of flowers and if so it is quite frightening!

To read more on Smeraldino: Stabilized plants? or a similar company in Italy: Linfa Decor