Written by Rona Wheeldon
January 21, 2019
Learn about the hottest trends in flowers, foliage, plants and sundries with our annual round-up of New Covent Garden Market traders' opinions.
Peach blooms, old man's beard, houseplants and copper are all proving to be big hits! Read on to discover more. And not only will you find out what was in demand last year, but also what's set to continue over the next 12 months.
FLOWERS
Style
British Flowers
Last year, British flowers, particularly cottage garden favourites, were highly sought after. For example Zinnias, especially the pale lime variety.
One of the traders even describes scenes reminiscent of a Harrods sale (!), when florists come on to their stand to buy home-grown blooms. These less uniform flowers with a 'just-picked-from-the garden' look are so very popular! And thankfully this trend certainly shows no sign of abating.
Dried Flowers & Foliage
Without doubt, dried flowers are making a massive comeback! Interest in these everlasting blooms is increasing as more and more varieties are becoming available. Not only Helichrysum, known as strawflower, but also dried Rodanthe which is a daisy-like bloom from the Aster family. It's pictured below. Dried roses are in great demand too.
Plus dried Pampas grass is proving to be really popular, especially in its natural cream colour.
Colour
Peach & Coral
White roses are always bestsellers, but peach is proving to also be a favoured choice by florists and their customers. Not only were roses like Pearl Avalanche below in demand, but also Shimmer which was featured in this month's In Season report.
Less common varieties of Lisianthus in peach and brown hues were also bestsellers. And with 2019's Pantone Color of the Year being Living Coral, it looks like a warmer colour palette will be seen in abundance throughout the coming months.
Bright & Vibrant Hues
Several traders are seeing an increase in sales of brighter, more vibrant flowers, especially during the wedding season. For example, this dazzling pink rose called Kiss Me Kate is well-liked.
Varieties
Carnations
Carnations are sneaking up in the flower popularity stakes due to the introduction of some truly beautiful colours, like Viper Wine pictured below and Lege Marrone, which is pale apricot.
Peonies
Romantic blooms with delicate petals continue to be highly sought after, in particular peonies.
But also butterfly ranunculus, cloni ranunculus and anemones. Plus delphiniums, hydrangeas, dahlias and gypsophila.
Grasses
Several of the traders are remarking on the rise in interest in grasses. Not only Lagurus, also known as bunny's tail grass, but also Panicum, Chasmanthium latifolium and Miscanthus. This ties in with the current trend of the wild, unstructured and garden-inspired style of floristry. If you'd like to discover more about the different grass varieties available at Nine Elms, take a read of this special Grasses report. It features not only fresh cut grasses, but also dried, plants and artificial.
Brunia
Brunia was a big hit last year, especially throughout the wedding season, and this trend shows no signs of waning.
FOLIAGE
Old Man's Beard
The soft, wispy seed heads of clematis, commonly known as old man's beard, is highly coveted. Looking wonderful in trailing bouquets, it also adds movement and texture to large arrangements like pedestals, or even fashioned into a circle as a base for a wreath.
Asparagus Fern
The natural form of this fine feathery leaved foliage continues to grow in popularity.
Autumn eucalyptus
With the Latin name of Eucalyptus stuartiana, this particular variety of Italian eucalyptus is also very much in demand.
Beech
And continuing to be in vogue is both green and copper beech.
Also favourites for florists are Abelia, Honeysuckle, Teasels, Jasmine, Mimosa, Artichokes and Artichoke foliage.
PLANTS
Houseplants
Without doubt, the indoor plant trends of the 1970s and '80s are back with a vengeance. Houseplants are HUGE! Driven in part by social media, more and more people are bringing them into their homes, shops, hotels and restaurants to add a touch of greenery. From Chinese Money Plants to Ceropegia woodii, cacti and succulents, to orchids and palms, many varieties of indoor plants are suddenly in demand again.
Kentia Palm
Asplenium antiquum Osaka
Hanging varieties are also highly sought after including Rhipsalis pulchra ...
...and Senecio rowleyanus. If you need any assistance in making your selection, simply have a word withCraig at Quality Plants
Geraniums
Adorning one of the entrances to last year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a Geranium installation by florist Grace & Thorn. They also used them inside at The Garden Room at The Town Hall Hotel.
And as part of Chelsea Fringe, Indoor Garden Design and Claudia de Yong Designs created this 'Geraniums at the Door' installation at the iconic entrance of the Zetter Town House in Clerkenwell.
The increase in fashionableness of this well-known garden plant applies not only to Zonal Geraniums, but trailing varieties too. White may always be popular, but for an instant splash of colour, you can't really beat these annual bedding plants in pink and scarlet.
SUNDRIES
In tandem with the 1970s revival of houseplants, geometric and hexagonal vases with a retro vibe are also on trend, as are bamboo planters.
Geometric Vases
Bamboo Planters
Recycled glass vases and glazed ceramic pots also continue to be popular. Plus anything that looks distressed or shabby chic.
Cement Pots & Tanks
Copper & Brass
Not only containers, but also copper sprayed foliage at Christmas, were a real hit.
LED Candles
Made with real wax and a flickering flame, LED candles are proving to be a must-have for public spaces like hotels.
Silk Flowers
The trend for faux blooms continues to grow. And last year, the traders noticed in particular a huge increase in demand around Chelsea Week, as these 'ever-lasting' flowers are the perfect floral ingredient for flower walls and shop window displays.
Artificial Greenery
Due to the ever-increasing number of new buildings in the London area and smoking areas outside pubs and restaurants, easy to maintain greenery like plants and trees are best sellers.
And with regards to packaging materials, frosted cellophane, especially in white, and bouquet bags are in high demand.
So, that's our annual round-up of the hottest trends in flowers, foliage, plants and sundries. We hope enjoyed this comprehensive overview and don't forget, if you need any assistance whatsoever, simply send an email to hello@cgma.co.uk or call us on 020 7720 2211.
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