Peach blooms, old man's beard, houseplants and copper are all proving to be big hits at the New Covent Garden Market. 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.
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.
Dried flowers & foliage
Dried flowers are making a 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. Dried roses are in great demand too.
Plus dried Pampas grass is proving to be really popular, especially in its natural cream 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 in demand, but also Shimmer.
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, the pink rose called Kiss Me Kate is well-liked.
Carnations
Carnations are sneaking up in the flower popularity stakes due to the introduction of colours like Viper Wine 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.
Brunia
Brunia was a big hit last year, especially throughout the wedding season, and this trend shows no signs of waning.
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.
