How can I get a different color in the white area of the "flower petals", than what I put in the background, inside the circle?

If I select the circle, and put in a fill color, the white area of the "petals" gets the same color.
The only thing I can think, is to make a copy of the "flower" shape (without the holes), make it white, and put it underneath, between the filled circle and the "flower". Is that the best way?
What if I wanted to put a different color in the white area of each "petal"? Would I make a copy of the "flower" (without holes), make each "petal" a different color, and put it between the "flower" and the filled circle?
Any help appreciated, as always, from ye wise Inkscape folks
