What plants will sell well in 2023?
Kyle’s plant predictions for 2023
Kyle Ross, our Production Manager, recently appeared in HortWeek giving his views on what plants he expects will sell well in 2023. We’ve put together a brief blog covering off the points he raised and the ideas he put forward in the article he wrote for the trade publication below.
Climate change & cost-of-living crisis
Customer plant requirements are evolving. Climate change and the cost-of-living crisis look set to determine what plants will be purchased and used in gardens, and the wider environment.
With many wonderful new plants becoming available, the retail market is going to be spoilt for choice during the next few years. But, as the economy struggles, consumers are going to be watching their pennies and taking care with their green-fingered purchases.
Customer plant requirements are evolving. Climate change and the cost-of-living crisis look set to determine what plants will be purchased and used in gardens, and the wider environment.
With many wonderful new plants becoming available, the retail market is going to be spoilt for choice during the next few years. But, as the economy struggles, consumers are going to be watching their pennies and taking care with their green-fingered purchases.
Value for money
Gardeners and commercial customers will want plants that offer value for money, survive the seasons, have long-lasting blooms and, preferably, are repeat flowering. In principle, this should mean good sales for shrubs and also foliage plants, such as ferns.
Another trend to be aware of now, next year and beyond, is plants for small spaces, as well as climate change resistant shrubs. Many growers are offering numerous shrubs that could fit the bill.
Seasonal interest
For example, award-winning Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Magic Ball’ offers 10 months of seasonal interest with its constantly changing, colourful foliage. It’s also a compact shrub suitable for bijou plots.
It was one of the eight new varieties we entered for the New Plant Awards at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) 2022 National Plant Show in June and was one of our four award-winners.
‘Magic Ball’ scooped a Best in the Shrub Category and a Gold.
Tree planting trend
Another momentous trend in recent years has been tree planting. It has been taken up significantly by garden owners, as well as being a considerable part of Government schemes. All sorts of gardens are suitable for trees and there is a large selection available to choose from.
Customers who want something that doesn’t get too big can benefit from varieties such as Cercis ‘Shirobana’ or Magnolia ‘Jane Platt’.
As the economic situation potentially deepens, amenity businesses need to be smart with their choice of planting too.
Low maintenance
Newly available products like our Hedera Algerian Bellecour® are innovative and save money in terms of the lack of maintenance they require.
This new ground-cover ivy retains its juvenile state, therefore needs less tending and is a more cost-effective alternative to grass, which needs cutting often, and, with climate change, nearly all year round now.
Reduced person power
It also means a significant, if not entire, reduction in person power, time and money with regards weeding in place that are often difficult to reach.
Bellecour® does not climb trees either, therefore reducing damage and further potential financial stress.
Drought-resistance
Increasingly, planting for public spaces and by consumers at home will be selected on characteristics such as drought-resistance.
This is critical after the extreme and sustained summer temperatures seen across the country this year and the ongoing, higher than seasonally normal, autumn warm weather we’ve experienced.
Many regions had long periods with hosepipe bans this summer and therefore plants need to be able to cope with this.
Compact, easy & year-round interest
Many will be drawn to crops such as Cistus, Phormium and Lavandula. These offer a compact form, ease of maintenance and year-round interest. Ticking off many essential requirements on commercial plantspeople, contractors and consumers’ wish lists for 2023 and beyond.
How we can help
To find out how we can help you with plants for your garden centre or retail outlet, or for any larger landscape and commercial projects, please get in touch with our friendly team of horticultural experts.