Retail plants

A guide to species and cultivars of popular plants for retail in garden centres, with supplier's tips on how to use and sell them.

Potentilla

These easy-to-grow plants provide a vibrant set of flower colours from hots to pastels, writes Miranda Kimberley.

18 March 2019 , By Miranda Kimberley

Nemesia

With their bright blooms and nice petals these plants look like a bedding version of orchids, says Miranda Kimberley.

Senecio

This diverse genus offers varieties that work well inside as well as outdoors in many sizes, says Miranda Kimberley.

Anemone

These uncomplicated plants produce beautiful flowers for most of the growing season, says Miranda Kimberley.

Helleborus

Customers keep coming back for these strong plants that offer colour when it is most needed, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Gaura

These robust plants can repeat flower from April to October and nice foliage adds interest, says Miranda Kimberley.

Aster

Brightening up gardens in autumn, these daisies are seen as a gem in the gardener's arsenal, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Astrantia

Customers can be confident that these hardy, easy-to-grow plants will return the following year, Miranda Kimberley finds.

Maianthemum

Showy spikes, lush leaves and sweet scent all help to sell these appealing plants, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Kniphofia

These useful plants are persistent, need little attention and offer striking colour combinations, says Miranda Kimberley.

Technical Area Sales Manager – North West
ICL Horticulture UK Limited North West England
Lead Climbers
Baumdienst Siebengebirge Cologne Bonn
Head Gardener
Robinson Landscape Design Ravenswick Hall, Kirbymoorside, North Yorkshire.
Gardener
National Trust Styal, Wilmslow
Head Gardener
idverde Southwark, London (Greater)

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Paeonia

Stocking a wide range of these impressive flowers from early March until June can boost sales, Miranda Kimberley reports.

Narcissus

The range of colours and flowering times makes for cheerful and economic displays, Miranda Kimberley reports.

Papaver

These compact, brightly coloured flowers can be very attractive for impulse sales, notes Miranda Kimberley.

Zantedeschia

These elegant plants feature a variety of striking flower shapes in a range of colours, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Colocasia

These dramatic tropical plants can be a food source but make great ornamental garden plants, notes Miranda Kimberley

Climbing roses

Walls, trellises, pergolas and even trees can all be brightened up by these beautiful blooms, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Sisyrinchium

This huge but slightly odd genus offers multiple choices for the rock garden or alpine house, says Miranda Kimberley.

Scaevola

This brilliant summer bedding plant has fan-shaped flowers that give it an elegant look, says Miranda Kimberley.

Hedging - what are the alternatives to box?

With box blight and box tree moth both posing problems, Miranda Kimberley looks at alternative planting choices.

Tiarella

Pretty flowers and striking leaves are behind the rising appeal of the foam flower, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Berkheya

These long-flowering thistle-like daisies are well worth a go for consistent interest in the border, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Brunnera

These perennials offer fantastic foliage and beautiful sprays of flowers in the springtime, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Fritillaria

These true bulbs can lend height to a border and bring drama to a spring garden, Miranda Kimberley finds.

Nicotiana

Very popular among experienced gardeners, these plants often give off a sweet fragrance, says Miranda Kimberley.

Kalmia

Beautiful flowers and striking buds make these little-known evergreen shrubs well worth a try, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Eryngium

This florist's favourite offers interesting foliage and alluring flowers in a range of colours, writes Miranda Kimberley.

Hippeastrum

These perfect pot plants for Christmas can be brought back into flower year after year, Miranda Kimberley explains.

Maranta

This staple of the indoor plant market in garden centres is renowned for its attractive leaves, says Miranda Kimberley.

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