Sales in garden centre houseplants departments remained strong during September according to the Garden Centre Association's barometer of trade report.

Compared to last year (2017) sales in houseplants were up 16.49%. Outdoor plants followed close behind at 15.75% up.

Iain Wylie, GCA chief executive, said: “It looks like there is no stopping the resurgence we've seen in houseplants during the past few years. They have really struck a chord with the younger generation and are now seen as a vital part of home décor and accessorising.

“People are becoming increasingly aware that plants are good for wellbeing and, according to research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the right indoor plants could reduce susceptibility to stress, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headaches and respiratory congestion.

“We expect the sales of houseplants to continue doing well for the rest of the year as people opt to bring colour indoors with festive plants such as poinsettias, cyclamen and hyacinths."

During the month, seed and bulb sales were up 15.4%, garden sundries sales were up 15.15% and furniture and barbecue sales were up 3.32%.

Pets and aquatics were up 0.25% and gifts up 2.55%. Hard landscaping sales increased by 6.57% and food hall and farm shop sales by 6.11%.

Clothing  dropped 4.25% but catering increased by 7.58%.

Overall, sales revenues for the month were up 8.12% with a year to date change of 1.87%.