The value of ornamental plants and flowers in the UK in 2019 increased by 2.7% compared to 2018, but the value of imports (-1.9%) and export (-5.4%) fell. This is presented in the Horticulture Statistics 2019 report of the Department for Environmental Food & Rural Affairs that has been published this morning. July 2, 2020. Below a more detailed summary, and all statistics, including those of the fruit and vegetable sector can be found in the accompanying dataset.
Value of ornamental plants
The ornamental plants and flowers were worth £1.4 billion in 2019, which is an increase of 2.7% compared to 2018.
- Hardy ornamental stock increased in value by 3.0% to £982 million in 2019 as the sector benefited from a less winter cold and summer heat. Field grown stock experienced problems with planting, lifting and marketing due to wet conditions; however domestic demand was strong and this increased production and unit price offset difficulties.
- The pot plant sector increased by 3.2% to a value of £317 million. Within the sector some plants fared such as hydrangea, cyclamen and begonia (included in the “other category”) whereas poinsettia had problems with tobacco whitefly which caused wastage.
- Flowers and bulbs showed a 1.7% decrease in value at an estimated £119 million. Generally outdoor cut flowers suffered due to poor seed germination, lower yields and flooding in June 2019 whereas protected cut flowers were largely unaffected and the value stable.
Value of ornamentals
(See tables 23 and 24 in the dataset for more details on imports and exports of ornamentals)
Value of ornamental imports
The value of ornamental imports cost £1.2 billion a 1.9% fall on 2018. The three key imports were roses, indoor plants and chrysanthemums, which were the main imports from The Netherlands, who accounted for 71% of all imports. Kenya accounted for 6.0% of imports, mainly roses and carnations and Colombia 4.3% mainly chrysanthemums.
Value of ornamental exports
Exports of ornamentals were worth £76 million in 2019 a 5.4% decrease on 2018.