Hardy ornamental stock increased in value by 4.7% to £933 million. Trade in 2017 was good across amenity, landscape and the garden retail sector for hardy nursery stock. The production area has remained largely static over the last year. A slight increase in demand across both the retail and amenity sectors saw a slight uplift in plant unit values, which eased the pressure of rising costs. There appears to be a small shift from field to containerised nursery stock for fruit trees, hardy ornamentals and herbaceous production.
Flowers in bloom showed a 30% increase in value at an estimated £121 million. This follows an intensive review of the sector that resulted in better coverage for a wider range of flowers.
The pot plant sector fell by 2.5% to a value of £297 million. Overall production increased in 2017, but prices fell leading to the overall fall in value. Notable exceptions were hydrangea (larger plants are being produced in tubs), and primula / polyanthus (more double varieties), where estimated unit values increased.
The value of ornamental imports cost just below £1.2 billion, a 2.1% rise on 2016. The three key imports were roses, indoor plants and chrysanthemums, which were the main imports from The Netherlands, who accounted for 74% of all imports. Kenya accounted for 6.0% of imports, mainly roses and carnations.
Exports of ornamentals were worth £82 million in 2017, a 36% increase on 2016.