Written by Rona Wheeldon
January 08, 2018
Dark winter mornings are brightened up no end at the Flower Market with stunning anemones in an array of rich jewel colours, like this cerise variety.
Read on to discover which other bright blooms, seasonal foliage and plants, plus sundries you'll find on your next visit to Nine Elms.
British Flowers
At Pratley, there are boxes upon boxes of homegrown mixed tulips.
And it's where you'll also be bowled over by the heady, intoxicating scent of Soleil d'Or Narcissi from the Scilly Isles.
Whilst you're at Pratley, do look out for their range of daffodils, which include this one called Narcissus 'California', an all-yellow variety.
World Flowers
Heavenly hellebores are back! There's not only beautiful Helleborus orientalis 'Queens White', but you'll also find 'Queens Red' at Bloomfield.
Returning for January is lilac, in white and lilac! Syringa vulgaris 'Madame Florent Stepman' is the name of this particular variety. By the way, if you missed them first time around, do have a read of our special Product Profile Reports about Hellebores and Lilac, for in-depth information about these popular seasonal blooms.
Isn't astrantia such a stunning filler flower? This is one of the white varieties, Astrantia major ‘Million Stars’. But you'll also find Astrantia major 'Star of Love' with its pretty purple blooms at the market.
As mentioned in our Hottest Floral Trends for 2018 Report, cloni ranunculus are gaining popularity. And this variety called 'Hanoi' is still the most requested. It comes in different shades of pink - some have petals with just a hint of blush, whilst others are more saturated. So, if you need a specific tone to complement your colour palette, simply let your salesman know your preference.
Other cloni varieties include Mambo Extra (orange), Grand Pastel (peach), Sangria (red), Renoir (magenta) and Commedia (yellow).
Just one of the many different types of tulips available at Nine Elms this month is ‘Aafke’, a single early tulip. Its shimmering lilac pink petals fade to pale pink. You'll find it at R French & Sons.
Over at J H Hart Flowers, there's Hyacinthus orientalis 'Anna Liza', tight in bud. In bloom, it has single pale pink flowers with darker pink veins. If you're looking for another colour of this fragrant flower, do have a read of this Product Profile Report.
We're starting to see lots of different colours of standard ranunculus at the market this month, including this gorgeous variety called ‘Pauline Violet’. You'll find it at DG Wholesale Flowers.
If you're hunting for Vanda orchids to add a touch of luxury to an arrangement, there's an incredible selection. Here are just a few examples of this exotic bloom. Left to right are 'Dark Chocolate Brown', 'Amber Mahogany' and 'Lipstick'.
On adjacent stands are the wonderful, and always so helpful, Trevor (left) at DG Wholesale Flowers and Eddie (right) at Dennis Edwards Flowers. Nothing is ever too much trouble for these guys, so don't hesitate to ask if you need any assistance whatsoever.
And whilst you're chatting to Eddie, do check out their very photogenic display. For the last few weeks, they've been adopting the Dutch way of displaying flowers and are now grouping flowers in colours. It makes it so much easier to see complementary blooms at a glance. And also makes for a very Instagrammable photo!
British Foliage
British berried ivy continues to be available in abundance at GB Foliage.
And if you're after the variegated variety, pop along to Porters Foliage.
Homegrown camellia, with flowers tight in bud, is also still available from our foliage specialists.
Laurel, which is ideal for wreaths and funeral designs, can be found by the container load.
Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, often pink-tinged in bud can be found adorning homegrown Viburnum tinus. You'll also find it available at the foliage wholesalers this month.
World Plants
All manner of bulbs in pots are in plentiful supply. For heavenly scented Narcissus 'Paperwhite', head to Quality Plants. And do have a read of our Narcissi and Daffodils Product Profile Report, if you'd like more details of varieties.
At Quality Plants, you'll also find these huge tubs brimming with the ornamental evergreen shrub, Leucothoe walteri ‘Zeblid’. In the winter months, their dark green leaves transform into a spectacular ruby red. And in the spring, they bear small white flowers.
Dean and Craig also have these very cute cacti plants in time-saving ready to sell rustic pots.
Meanwhile, over at Arnott & Mason, there are trolley loads of Monstera pertusum. Commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, this climbing shrub is perfect for a conservatory, large room in a hotel or restaurant foyer.
Sundries
The Flower Store, part of Bloomfield, have come up trumps again with a fabulous selection of on-trend containers. How about these rustic terracotta troughs for planting up bulbs?
They also have these wonderful aged urn-type vases and pots. Kim is always getting new stock in, so do pop by the next time you're at the market.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this month’s 'In Season' report and it’s given you lots of inspiration! As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Simply fill in the boxes below.
P.S. Don't forget, if you add our new hashtag, #behindeverygreatflorist, to your photos on Instagram, you'll be in with a chance of being featured on our account, @marketflowers! We'd love to see your designs created using flowers, foliage, plants and sundries from the Flower Market.
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