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.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are beautiful shrubs that grace many gardens in the UK. They are easy to grow and can provide a variety of flower head shapes and colours.
Spathiphyllum
The air-purifying ability of the peace lily has been widely marketed to generate more sales, Miranda Kimberley reports.
Carex
Evergreen grasses and sedges provide year-round structure and move with the wind, Miranda Kimberley writes.
Disporum
These elegant woodland plants produce leafy green stems and bell-shaped flowers, says Miranda Kimberley.
Tradescantia
These unfussy plants offer a welcome splash of colour in the garden or as a houseplant, writes Miranda Kimberley.
Trollius
With their papery blooms, these popular perennials are a welcome addition to borders, says Miranda Kimberley.
Rodgersia
These versatile plants are described as 'bombproof' and 'wonderfully unfussy', Miranda Kimberley finds.
Verbascum
Fantastic spikes of flowers bring height, structure and colour to the garden border, writes Miranda Kimberley.
Agapanthus
These exotic plants are easy to grow and a great addition to any garden in pots, beds or borders, says Miranda Kimberley.
Potentilla
These easy-to-grow plants provide a vibrant set of flower colours from hots to pastels, writes 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.
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.
