The 38-year-old from Launceston, who owns and operates Cachet Flower Merchants in the Quadrant Mall, will compete at the Interflora World Cup over three days.

The event is held every four to six years, and Mr Collins will compete against 20 of the world's best at the Shanghai International Convention Centre.

The event will also be televised throughout mainstream China.

Mr Collins won the right to compete after taking out the Australian trials at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March last year.

He was given a $10,000 study grant to improve his skills over 12 months before the international competition.

"I have been practising for over a year and that has included me travelling to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, training with other designers," he said.

In China, Mr Collins will be asked to create four elaborate designs that represent the themes; green tea for two, oriental pearl, flowers on the orient and a surprise section.

"For one design, I will have 1000 chop sticks bound together and there will be a floating arrangement on top. They are like installation pieces," he said.

All the materials needed for his work were shipped over to China a month ago, ready for his arrival.

Mr Collins's parents were keen gardeners and he was a green thumb from an early age.

"I was inspired by the beauty of nature and decided I was fascinated with the forms, textures and possibilities that come from working with flowers to create artistic impressions," he said.

Follow the competition live at www.dutch-creations.com