Written by Rona Wheeldon
April 07, 2017
Tulips in just about every colour imaginable can be found at the brand new Flower Market at New Covent Garden Market this month!
Just how pretty is the pale lilac homegrown variety above?!
You'll also find an abundance of different types of fritillaries, daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus, plus lots more flowers, foliage, plants and sundries. Read on to discover what you can expect to find on your visit to our new location...
British Flowers
In the Narcissus family, there's this wonderful sunshine yellow variety of double daffodil called 'Apotheose' from Spalding in Lincolnshire. You'll find it at Pratley, where they also have 'Golden Ducat' and 'Double Dee'.
And you'll find beautifully fragrant freesias from Guernsey there too.
Whilst over at DG Wholesale Flowers, boxes of the first British ranunculus have started to come in!
World Flowers
There are several different varieties of the new flower on the block which is causing a real stir amongst florists, the butterfly ranunculus. So this month, I thought I'd share with you this yellowy-orange variety called 'Minoan'. The perfect hue for including in spring designs...
If it's yellow tulips you're after though, then head to J H Hart Flowers, where they have this fabulous variety called 'Strong Gold'.
Now I mentioned fritillaries at the beginning of the report and here are three stunning specimens, starting with Fritillaria imperialis 'Early Passion' at Bloomfield, which has yellow petals with subtle markings.
They also have Fritillaria uva vulpis with small dark mahogany, bell-shaped flowers tipped with yellow.
Or as a change to the maroon and green variety of Fritillaria persica, how about this greenish-white one called 'Ivory Bells'? By the way, if you missed it first time around, do check out this Product Profile about this popular spring bloom.
I adore Dicentra spectabilis with its exquisite dainty flowers on arching stems! And doesn't it have a wonderful common name, bleeding heart? You'll find it at Dennis Edwards Flowers.
If you're on the hunt for hanging amaranthus, perhaps for a pedestal design, then head to Zest Flowers.
'Azur Salmon' ranunculus from Holland are stealing the show at DG Wholesale Flowers! David tells me that Italian ranunculus will be finishing in a couple of weeks, but they'll still have a great selection of Dutch available for about another month or so.
Ideal to include in a gift bouquet celebrating the announcement of a baby girl are these lovely pale pink tulips called 'Essence'. You'll find them at S Robert Allen.
And make the very most of 'Hanoi' Cloni Ranunculus whilst they're still around... it won't be long now until their season is over.
Lilac has started to appear at the market and isn't this variety at Zest Flowers called 'Maiden's Blush' gorgeous?
Or if your customers adore hyacinths, how about this variety called 'Purple Star' at S Robert Allen?
New in, are ethereal aquilegia in a kaleidoscope of colours at Bloomfield.
I couldn't resist sharing this fabulous deep purple variety of tulip called 'Graffiti' with you!
And this...well, it has to be my favourite flower in this month's report... Daucus carota 'Dara'! Such a lovely shade of purple with an ombre effect.
But for a complete contrast on the colour spectrum, how incredible is this Protea Waratah at Porters Foliage?
British Foliage
There's masses of pink double cherry blossom to be found at our foliage traders. And, weather dependent, it'll be available for another couple of weeks.
GB Foliage have this amazing euphorbia, with long stem lengths.
And they also have laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).
Whilst at Porters Foliage, you'll find containers brimming full of pear blossom on lichen covered branches.
They also have this incredible amelanchier, which is just the ticket for adding movement to natural, garden style designs.
British Plants
Aren't white anemones with green centres just so, so pretty?! You find them amongst mixed trays of anemone plants at L Mills.
World Plants
Evergreen have a plethora of ranunculus plants, which I've seen used to dramatic effect in contract designs in offices and hotels.
Staying with vibrantly coloured flowering plants, how about these Lewisia cotyledon at Quality Plants?
And oh my....the scent wafting from this trolley loaded with lily of the valley was amazing!
'White Desire' tulips in pots can be found at Evergreen.
Whilst at Quality Plants, you'll find planted fritillaries...Fritillaria meleagris, also known as snake's head fritillary.
Or it you're looking for a robust houseplant, how about these Sansevieria at Arnott & Mason?
Sundries
‘Milk bottle’ vases appear to be a popular choice at the moment and you'll find them in various sizes at Whittingtons.
That's where you'll find just about every type of balloon you could ever wish for!
And with Easter approaching fast, you may like to add these cute little Easter chicks to your shopping list.
So, I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's report and it’s given you lots of inspiration! As always, we'd love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Simply fill in the boxes below.
P.S. Here are this year's Easter Opening Times but please check with your indiividual wholesaler(s) as their opening times may differ:
Friday 14th April (Good Friday) - Open
Saturday 15th April - Open
Sunday 16th April - Closed as usual
Monday 17th April (Easter Monday) - Closed
Comments