Retail Plant Focus

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.

Hosta

11 May 2012

Lush foliage and myriad varieties make this plant a firm favourite, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Azaleas

04 May 2012

This group offers gardeners a wide choice of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Cistus

20 April 2012

These plants fit the bill for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant species, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Dicentra

30 March 2012

Distinctive flowers and attractive foliage make this plant a spring favourite, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Unusual climbers

23 March 2012

Plants can be chosen for foliage, flowers or fruit, Miranda Kimberley explains.

 

Hepatica

09 March 2012

These hardy gems are among the most beautiful flowers of early spring, Miranda Kimberley discovers.

 

Gladiolus

17 February 2012

With its huge range of colours this plant can brighten up any garden, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Eranthis

27 January 2012

These cheery yellow flowers look good in a border, in pots or in grass, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Plant Focus - Carnivorous plants

09 December 2011

These ornamentals have wide appeal despite complex cultivation regimes, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Agave

18 November 2011

These spiky, evergreen rosettes add eye-catching structural form, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Apples

16 September 2011

Apples are among the most rewarding fruits to grow at home, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Verbena

05 August 2011

Both as bedding and a perennial this plant is a good doer in the garden, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Mandevilla

15 July 2011

These exotic climbers need the right siting and care if they are to flourish, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Zonal pelargonium

24 June 2011

These vivid flowering plants add summer interest to beds, baskets and patio pots, says Bethan Norris.

 

Begonia Rex

03 June 2011

Get the watering right and these plants make a colourful addition to any home, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Abutilon

13 May 2011

A long flowering period rewards cultivation of this plant if offered protection, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Trillium

06 May 2011

This beautifully-formed plant is perfect for shady woodland or shrub borders, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Grevillea

21 April 2011

These exotic plants add flashes of brilliance to gardens and conservatories, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Chillies

01 April 2011

These hot, colourful plants do surprisingly well in British gardens, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Primula

11 March 2011

Although popular as colourful bedding plants, there is much more to this genus, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Aeonium

18 February 2011

Succulent rosettes, spiky yellow blooms and minimum fuss characterise this genus, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Galanthus

28 January 2011

From woodlands to borders, these elegant heralds of spring inspire deep affection, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Helleborus niger

17 December 2010

This beautiful 'Christmas rose' is hard to establish and needs well prepared soil, writes Miranda Kimberley.

 

Aloe

26 November 2010

The genus best known for medicinal purposes also produces attractive ornamentals, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Erythronium

05 November 2010

This elegant bulb is easy to grow and favours cool, shaded growing conditions, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

 

Conifers

15 October 2010

Let's champion these evergreen trees that can be majestic and novel in the garden, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Vitex

24 September 2010

These deciduous shrubs can provide beautiful late summer colour in the garden, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Ceratostigma

03 September 2010

This vibrant shrub provides unusual late-summer colour and rich autumnal foliage, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Tricyrtis

13 August 2010

Exotic and eye-catching, Tricyrtis provide late season interest for tricky spots, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Hibiscus

23 July 2010

The genus varies from hardy to delicate plants, which attracts a range of customers, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Cosmos

02 July 2010

Annual and perennial Cosmos have a short shelf life but a high turnover, Miranda Kimberley finds.

 

Argyranthemum

11 June 2010

These half-hardy plants will brighten up summer borders and patios, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Dahlias

21 May 2010

These fabulous brightly-coloured plants enjoy a long retail season, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Lobelia

30 April 2010

These delicate blooms provide long-lasting summer bedding and much else besides, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Ferns

09 April 2010

These forgiving foliage plants offer lasting colour and texture indoors and out, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Saxifraga

19 March 2010

With their subtle beauty, these diminutive alpines are due a revival, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Erysimum

26 February 2010

Wallflowers are a harbinger of spring and provide a familiar sweet scent, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Shrubby Lonicera

12 February 2010

There are honeysuckles for winter fragrance no matter how cold it gets, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Potatoes

05 February 2010

No grow-your-own offer is complete without spuds and the range is inspiring, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Orchids

15 January 2010

There are varieties of these eye-catching house plants for all levels of experience, says Jim Handley.

 

Bromeliads

04 December 2009

These diverse and exotic houseplants make ideal gifts, says Miranda Kimberley.

 

Cyclamen

13 November 2009

These late-season favourites brighten up both home and garden

 

Poinsettia

23 October 2009

This Christmas stalwart may not be everybody's favourite but is sure to sell well

 

Nerine

02 October 2009

These hardy plants offer long-lived flowers that sparkle in autumn sunlight

 

Colchicum

11 September 2009

Autumn crocuses are great for a splash of late-season garden colour

 

Canna

21 August 2009

Caution is needed when sourcing these dramatic, late-flowering perennials

 

Fuchsia

31 July 2009

Colourful and disease-resistant, this genus is an ideal choice for baskets and borders

 

Agapanthus

19 June 2009

These spectacular flowers create an instant impact, encouraging impulse purchases

 

Helenium

29 May 2009

These border plants give great colour in the late summer but should be divided in spring

 

Citrus

08 May 2009

Few fruit plants can match the ornamental value of oranges, lemons and limes.