Every fall, we spend time reflecting on plants that made an impact through the season. From California and university trials to industry trade shows and sales insights from growers like you, we get a pretty good idea of what’s hot.
A September 2021 survey by Axiom Marketing suggests that more than 60% of gardeners plan on planting more next year. And more than 97% of them expect to spend just as much or more on their hobby.
So, what will they be looking for? These four plant trends have our interest piqued:
1. Flower power. More than 70% of Axiom’s survey respondents put flowers at the top of their growing lists. So did those of you who participated in Greenhouse Management magazine’s 2021 State of the Industry report. While those figures point to bedding plants, there’s no denying the influence of beautiful blooms—on annuals, perennials, or woody ornamentals.
The appetite for bold, vibrant, unexpected bloom color has grown steadily the past several years. Consumers want long-lasting blooms, extended bloom seasons, and surprises along the way. Multicolored flowers, dramatic shifts in flower color, and depth of color are all factors in play.
The appetite for bold, vibrant, unexpected bloom color has grown steadily the past several years. Consumers want long-lasting blooms, extended bloom seasons, and surprises along the way. Multicolored flowers, dramatic shifts in flower color, and depth of color are all factors in play.
One example that caught our eye is Kimono bigleaf hydrangea, which took home People’s Choice honors at the Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase this year. Plants with flowers like this heavy rebloomer’s dazzling red-rimmed, pink-and-white florets fill the bill.
2. Classic comebacks. One side effect of pandemic- and weather-induced plant shortages has been forced creativity—from greenhouse benches to nursery lots. When the latest introductions are sold out seasons in advance, there’s no better time to rethink old standards.
To beginning gardeners, industry stalwarts that have been out of the headlines lately are as fresh as the latest introductions. Alchemilla foliage dotted with dewdrops looks just as beautiful today as it ever did. Even seasoned gardeners are falling in love with these classic comebacks all over again. Help them see the light, and you’ll be glad they did.
New takes on old favorites are high on this list, too. Consider Sensational! lavender, a new variety standout at shows all season and a Farwest Show Judge’s Choice winner. When long-standing winners like lavender combine fragrance and foliage with improved heat, humidity and cold tolerance, they can’t lose.
3. Small, smaller, smallest. Breeders have been prioritizing compact growth for several years now. The industry is seeing the best of this work come to market. As it does, small-space and urban gardeners—and everyone looking for lush, improved compact growth—is responding. But this trend goes beyond shorter internodes and robust branching.
Small plants as growing in popularity—and not for fairy gardens or miniature landscapes. From diminutive succulents in 1- and 2-inch pots to kitchen-counter tomatoes and peppers to smaller versions of landscape standards, small is in demand. Plants that stay small satisfy a new generation of plant collectors that mark success with numbers and volume.
Plants that can do double duty, like lining outdoor beds or claiming the spotlight indoors, can give you and your retailer customers an edge. Brilliantly colored micro coleus, like up-and-coming Spitfire coleus, check all the boxes.
4. Foliage indoors and out. Tropical foliage plants continue to grow in popularity, winning fans as both indoor and outdoor décor. You may have noticed that green has been declared 2022’s hot color for everything from interior design to clothing. The shades are as varied as the foliage that inspired these hues.
But with plants, the penchant for luxuriant leaf color doesn’t stop at green. Variegated foliage on bi-colored and tri-colored plants is also in demand. When it’s tied to outstanding blooms or fruit—like multicolored hot peppers with purple, green and cream leaves—it’s a win-win situation.
But varied color from leaf to leaf may be even hotter. Case in point: Flame Thrower redbud, a 2019 Farwest People’s Choice winner with season-long foliage of green, orange, yellow, and reds. Marketed in Europe as Eternal Flame, this small tree won Plant of The Year 2021 at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. Expect more demand for plants that can compare.
It may go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: Plants that combine more than one trend are destined to generate more interest and more sales. And everything is better—for you and your retailer customers—when plants are prepped for peak performance on the lot and in the landscape.
Here at ICL, we want to help you make the most of the opportunities the horticulture industry’s growth presents. As you look ahead to 2022, give us a call. Let us help you grow your plants and your business. We want to be your partner in success.
Kimono hydrangea photo courtesy of Bloomin’ Easy - www.bloomineasyplants.com
Flame Thrower redbud photo courtesy of Star Roses and Plants - www.starrosesandplants.com