What's In Season
Houseplants tend to be more readily available than flowers all year round, without having much of a season. This is because most indoor plants come from regions that are equatorial – they have no seasons where the light and temperature change. Flowers, on the other hand, tend to come from temperate regions where a change in light or temperature triggers them into producing buds.
Most popular green (or foliage) houseplants are available at any time of the year, like dragon trees (Dracaena), aspidistra and yuccas. Many flowering plants are also available year-round, like bromeliads, anthuriums, kalanchoes and African violets.
There are exceptions – everyone knows the poinsettia, which is only available for the six weeks leading up to Christmas. So popular is this plant, it is one of the top-five best sellers in the UK – so maybe the fact that it’s so seasonal contributes to its exclusive appeal. What do you think?
Other plants are available for most but not all of the year – like campanula, available from March until December, or bougainvillea, available from March until October.
As growing techniques become more and more advanced, the season of plants and flowers becomes extended – but it’s also nice to appreciate what’s only around for a limited amount of time, to keep us in touch with the seasons.
To help towards choosing the most exclusive plant at any time of the year, the Flowers & Plants Association produces seasonal plant fashion trends, as well as recommending a plant of the month. Don’t worry if you’re not green fingered – with these trends, you’ll want to be replacing your dusty old houseplant every month!
• See fashion flower trends
• What’s in season: flowers
• Hard to kill houseplants
