Written by Rona Wheeldon
October 09, 2017
With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkins and gourds in all manner of shapes and sizes can be found at the Flower Market this month.
And you're in for real treat when it comes to autumnal colours! Marvel at the beautiful palette of burgundy, orange and red flowers on display. Plus there continues to be a wonderful selection of British blooms. Read on to discover more...
British Flowers
Head to Pratley for homegrown deep red amaranthus, perfect for seasonal designs.
That's where you'll also find boxes upon boxes of nerines, including this beautifully scented deep pink variety called 'Zeal Giant'...
...plus boxes of mixed gladioli. They always remind me of Rebel Rebel's incredible installation for the BAFTAs.
World Flowers
Chinese lanterns (Physalis) are perfect for October window displays, capturing both an autumnal feel and the anticipation of Halloween. You'll find them at Bloomfield.
Staying with the orange theme, check out this Celosia argentea ‘Sunday Orange’ at A Goodchild, with its vibrant, wispy plumes.
And yes, wraps of tulips are starting to appear at Nine Elms! This single flowering variety is called 'Ad Rem' and it's available at DG Wholesale Flowers.
Have you seen this orange flower before? It's botanical name is Leonotis leonurus but it's also known as The Staircase Plant. You'll find it at Dennis Edwards Flowers.
An alternative to Physalis if you're looking for that lantern shape is Sandersonia. In fact its common name is Chinese lantern lily.
Just how striking are these 'Flash Eye' roses at Dennis Edwards Flowers?! Bright orange petals surround their green centres.
For a deep red bloom with texture, how about Chrysanthemum 'Kiev Dark' at DG Wholesale Flowers?
Or heading even darker still, they also have this incredible Brassica oleracea 'Black Leaf'!
For a softer colour palette, there's dainty Euphorbia fulgens ‘Pink Baron’ with its arching stems at Bloomfield...
...and I'm so pleased to see that ranunculus have started to filter back into the market, including this pretty variety called 'Elegance Pink'.
Gomphrena, in various shades, is also available at New Covent Garden Flower Market this month.
If you're looking for a pink filler flower to add texture, look no further than Anigozanthos 'Radiance' (kangaroo paw).
And wrapping up pink blooms, is this 'Crazy Eye' rose. It could so easily have been named 'Raspberry Ripple'. Just look at those sensational striped petals!
British Foliage
It's so lovely to see that Viburnum tinus, with its delicate white blooms is in abundance at GB Foliage.
That's where you'll also find large leaf eucalyptus, ideal for large pedestal and urn arrangements.
For an alternative leaf shape and colour, there's choisya aplenty.
Over at Porters Foliage, you'll find spindleberry, with its pink and orange berries. By the way, if you missed last month's Product Profile Report on Rose Hips, Berries and Seed Heads, click here to take a read.
British Plants
Trays of Michaelmas daisy plants is a range of different colours are available at L Mills.
And they also have homegrown Cyclamenplants in abundance.
World Plants
Over at Evergreen Exterior Services, you'll find Skimmia confusa 'Kew Green', which is just the ticket for brightening up a dark corner.
And they also have trailing ivy (Hedera), which is ideal for adding interest to window boxes.
Brassica plants, also known as ornamental cabbages, in various hues can also be found at the Flower Market this month.
You don't need me to tell you how popular ferns are at the moment! Well, did you know that the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis') has air purifying qualities? You'll find them at Quality Plants...
...where they also have another air purifying fern. With sword-shaped, ruffled leaves, it's called Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave'. And it's also known as Bird's Nest Fern.
The last fern for this report is this striking Staghorn fern (Platycerium). By the way, if you missed it first time round, here's a link to a report about lots more ferns, which you can find at Nine Elms.
I was thrilled to see Ceropegia (String of hearts) at Quality Plants too! Just how charming are their tiny heart shaped leaves?
Next door at Arnott & Mason, you'll find another plant which is appearing a great deal online recently, in flat lay images and bridal bouquets. It's Tillandsia xerographica, also known as the air plant.
On the completely other end of the spectrum texture wise, are these exquisite violas in metal pots at A Goodchild.
Sundries
I always love taking a look at the new stock at The Flower Store, part of Bloomfield. Perfectly on trend are these distressed metal vases.
They also have a wonderful assortment of aged urns and pots.
Plus these fabulous textured charcoal grey containers in various sizes.
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.
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