Top-Selling Garden Plants in the UK: Nurseries Disclose Popular Choices and Reasons Behind the Demand
**Top Sellers and Popular Plants Shine in UK Gardens**
Gardening enthusiasts across the UK are reaping the rewards of a bountiful season, as some of the nation's most renowned plant suppliers unveil their top-performing and most-loved varieties. From Thompson & Morgan to David Austin Roses, these leading horticultural companies have been providing gardeners with a cornucopia of choices, catering to every taste and preference.
Thompson & Morgan, a household name in the gardening world, has seen their Tuberous begonia 'Apricot Shades Improved' reign as a best-seller for over a decade. With over eight million plants sold in the past five years, this hard-working summer performer has proven its worth, thriving in various weather conditions and offering an abundance of vibrant fiery color from late spring to late autumn, with each bloom reaching up to 10cm across.
Sempervivum Assorted 3034, a popular choice for beginner gardeners, is easy to care for and propagate, making it a compact and versatile addition to any garden. Beth Chatto Plants, specialists in plants suitable for dry shade and ecological gardening, have found this plant to be a favourite among their customers.
Dahlias have long been cherished for their ability to show up late in the year when many other plants have died back, providing extra months of colour and blooms. Dahlia 'Café au Lait', a bestseller at Farmer Gracy, is no exception, with its neutral colour, large flowers, and ease of growth making it a firm favourite among gardeners.
Another top-performing plant at Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants is Geum Scarlet Tempest ('Macgeu001') (Tempest Series). This brightly coloured, repeat blooming, long-season plant starts flowering in early spring and continues into the early winter, making it a valuable asset for any garden. In fact, around 500 plants of this variety are sold each year at Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants.
Crocus, specialists in plants for shady areas, have found Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' to be a standout choice. This shade-loving perennial boasts attractive foliage and vivid blue flowers, making it an ideal selection for those seeking to bring a touch of colour to shady spots under trees.
David Austin Roses, famous worldwide for their English Roses, have a wide range of best-sellers, though specific varieties were not named in the search results. However, one rose that has garnered attention is Rosa Claire Austin(Ausprior), named after David Austin's daughter Claire Austin. Known for its creamy white blooms, myrrh fragrance, and versatile habit, this climbing rose is sure to be a hit with rose lovers.
Jekka's Herb Farm, renowned for a wide range of culinary herbs, has seen lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) emerge as their best-selling herbs. They also offer a new book titled "100 Herbs to Grow" and an "All about herbs" blog series, including guides on growing lemon verbena and French tarragon.
Knoll Gardens, noted for ornamental grasses and perennials, has found Hakonechloa macra to be a top-selling grass, appreciated for its ability to grow in dry shade and its versatility in pots. Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is another popular choice at Knoll Gardens, recognised for its upright stems and use as an informal screen.
Sarah Raven, known for quality and stylish plant selections, favours hellebores and offers a variety of shade-loving perennials. While specific top sellers are not detailed in the search results, Sarah Raven's dahlia sales have grown over the past five years, with exclusive varieties like 'Molly Raven', 'Lou Farman', 'Sarah Raven', 'Perch Hill', and 'Adam's Choice' performing particularly well.
Beth Chatto Plants' bestseller, Verbena bonariensis 4369, is appreciated for its long flowering season, tall upright habit, and use as a screen for viewing the garden. Another popular hardy perennial at Farmer Gracy is Hosta 'White Feather', known for its pure white leaves and ability to bring light to shady spaces each spring. Eryngium, recognised for its architectural habit, resilience, reliability, drought tolerance, and seemingly endless life-span, is yet another favourite at Farmer Gracy.
In addition to these top-performing plants, Sesleria autumnalis, a foliage-based grass that provides a base or matrix for other plants, such as bulbs and perennials, has been gaining popularity. Geum Scarlet Tempest ('Macgeu001') (Tempest Series) is also very useful for the front of a border, versatile, and can be grown in various soil types and conditions.
This summary highlights the top sellers and popular specialties where identifiable. For the most precise and current top sellers, visiting each supplier’s official website or catalog would provide up-to-date lists and customer favourites.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can choose from a variety of top-performing plants, such as Tuberous begonia 'Apricot Shades Improved' from Thompson & Morgan, which has been a UK best-seller for over a decade.
- For those new to gardening, Sempervivum Assorted 3034, available at Beth Chatto Plants, is an easy-to-care-for and propagate plant ideal for any garden.
- Sarah Raven, known for quality and stylish selections, has seen a growth in dahlia sales over the past five years, with exclusive varieties like 'Molly Raven' and 'Sarper Raven' being popular choices.
