The Most Popular Flowers For Home Gardeners In The UK

New research has revealed the most popular flowers for home gardeners in the UK, with the rose taking the top spot nationwide.

UK plant nursery Ashridge Trees used Google Keyword Planner to analyse the number of monthly searches over the past year for 20 common flowers to determine their popularity among home gardeners.

The keywords measured included flower terms relating to gardening, such as ‘grow roses’, ‘plant geraniums’, ‘how to grow orchids’, ‘hyacinth seeds’ and ‘when to plant poppy seeds’.

The data emerges at the perfect time as people prepare their gardens for plants in the spring – with March considered the optimum month for beginning a new gardening project, as the soil is moist, and the weather is milder than in the winter season.

The rose was identified as the UK’s favourite flower for gardeners, attracting 126,909 monthly searches on average.

Roses are known for their distinct petal shape and thorny stems, and come in a variety of colours, such as red, pink, yellow and white. They can be high maintenance compared to other flowers, requiring regular watering, pruning and fertilizing to prolong their health.

Following in second place was the sunflower, averaging 112,567 searches per month.

Sunflowers have a striking appearance, with tall stems and large, vibrant yellow petals that frame a dark centre. They are relatively low maintenance provided they’re positioned in a sunny spot and given room to grow as much as they need.

In third place was the poppy, which generated an average of 111,677 monthly searches.

Poppies are a comparatively small species and have delicate petals that are often red but can be other colours such as orange or pink. Once planted they are easy to maintain as they don’t require a lot of attention and can thrive regardless of soil type.

Ranking fourth was the hydrangea with an average 85,428 monthly searches.

Hydrangeas have big, rounded petals that produce a sypherical shape and can be found in a range of colours, such as blue or white. They are relatively easy to care for, although they thrive best in moist soil and partial shade.

Rounding out the top five was the peony, commanding 81,013 searches per month.

Peonies are one of the most romantic flowers, with lush, full blooms that are most popular in shades of pink. They are hardy, low effort plants but need regular watering.

The top ten most popular flowers in the UK

Rank	Flower	Combined average monthly searches
1.	Rose	126,909
2.	Sunflower	112,567
3.	Poppy	111,677
4.	Hydrangea	85,428
5.	Peony	81,013
6.	Daffodil	73,302
7.	Tulip	65,718
8.	Lavender	61,432
9.	Daisy	57,336
10.	Iris	55,684

In sixth was the daffodil with an average of 73,302 monthly searches.

A springtime favourite, daffodils typically have bright yellow petals engulfing a trumpet-shaped middle. They can thrive in lots of conditions and don’t need much attention, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.

Following in seventh was the tulip, which generated an average of 65,718 searches per month.

Tulips are known for their classic cup shape and can be found in different colours such as red, yellow, pink and purple. They’re easy to look after and as perennial flowers, you can enjoy their beauty for several years.

Ranking eighth was lavender, averaging 61,432 monthly searches.

Lavender has a distinct appearance, with clusters of tiny purple flowers on each stem – but they are equally beloved for their calming scent. They can be maintained easily, making them the ideal choice for a hassle-free harden.

In ninth place was the daisy, which generated 57,336 searches per month.

Daisies have a simple appearance, with delicate white petals surrounding a bright yellow centre – and they are one of the smallest flower varieties. They’re also easy to maintain as they can grow in many different conditions.

Completing the top ten was the iris, which attracted an average 55,684 monthly searches.

Iris flowers have stunning wilted petals that create a unique shape, and are found in a range of colours, with purple arguably the most common. They survive best in well-drained soil and full sunlight.

Commenting on the findings, Julian de Bosdari, CEO of Ashridge Trees said:
“The rose being crowned the nation’s number one flower for home gardening may come as no surprise to avid gardeners. They’re adored for their beauty, fragrance and symbolism of love, which is why they are often considered the most romantic choice for Valentine’s Day.

“Alongside personal preference, choosing the right plant for your garden and the time of year also matters. When deciding which flowers to grow, it’s important to consider the type of flower and the environment it thrives in best to determine whether it’s the right time to plant.

“Most flowers are best planted in spring or autumn due to mild temperatures and moisture in the ground. However, some prefer cooler or warmer climates. The sunflower is a popular choice due to its striking size and vibrant colour, which blooms beautifully during late summer.

“Poppies, on the other hand, can be planted during early spring, especially the California, Iceland and Oriental varieties, all of which thrive in mild or cooler climates, and can even tolerate some frost.

“Other flowers that are ideal choices to be planted in spring include tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, irises and peonies. If you’re planning to grow your garden, these are perfect choices as they love the cooler temperatures but will appreciate the extra sunlight as the days begin to get longer.

“If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start small with a low maintenance flower such as marigolds. Ensuring that the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter, as well as maintaining a regular watering schedule, will allow them to grow to their fullest potential.

“Flowers make a fresh addition to any green space and are the perfect option for brightening up a garden after the dull winter months. Just remember that different flowers have different needs. Check guidelines for any flower you might want to plant, and when in doubt, you can always consult your local garden centres or wider gardening community.“

Research carried out by Ashridge Trees