Brits buy into ‘easy gardening’ as interest in artificial outdoor plants rises, according to new insight from luxury faux plant and flower specialist, Blooming Artificial.
- Artificial outdoor plants and trees are topping the brand’s bestseller list, with the five most-sold products in 2023 belonging to the category.
- Blooming Artificial customers claim they purchase faux plants and flowers as they do not have time for the upkeep of real varieties.
- Brits are searching for artificial outdoor plants five times more frequently than for artificial indoor plants.
This growing preference for low-maintenance gardens seems set to stay through 2024, as the nation looks to spend more time relaxing in their spaces than maintaining them. 42% of respondents to a recent Blooming Artificial survey claimed that they purchase faux plants as they do not have time for the upkeep of real varieties. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (63%) of participants claim that they opt for artificial plants due to their durability, in that they are long-lasting.
While searches for faux outdoor plants outweigh those for houseplants, there also seems to be an inclination toward statement pieces - ‘large artificial outdoor plants’ has become a rising search trend in the UK, with a 50% increase in interest. Globally, people are searching for the ‘most realistic artificial outdoor plants’, which has recently experienced a massive 300% increase in search interest.
This demand is reflected in Blooming Artificial’s best-selling products of 2023:
- Areca palm - 4.45% of total sales
- Bay laurel tree - 4.08% of total sales
- Bay laurel bush ball - 2.96% of total sales
- Oriental bamboo - 2.6% of total sales
- Cedar spiral - 2.42% of total sales
Embracing the ‘tropicalcore’ trend, which has now surpassed 40 million views on TikTok, the brand sold more Artificial Areca Palms than any other product in 2023, accounting for 8.5% of yearly revenue. Sales in the last month alone are up 46.5% compared to the same period the year before.
As we start 2024, Blooming Artificial predicts the Cedar Spiral to continue moving up the best sellers list, as sales in the last month increased by 137% compared to the same period last year. New contenders are also expected, with Vanilla Grass and Pansy Bushes experiencing a recent spike in sales, at 152% and 59% respectively.
The brand also reports strong growth for large broad-leaf greenery, with items such as Strelitzias and Fiddle Leafs witnessing an increase in demand through 2023 which looks set to continue in 2024.
Alick Burnett, the brand’s managing director, comments, “Looking ahead in 2024, we expect there to be a continuing desire for low-maintenance artificial plants – particularly ranges that are aesthetically pleasing but difficult to grow in the UK like palms and other exotics.
“As people’s lives only seem to get busier, so we anticipate this demand for our artificial plants to remain strong; reflecting a desire for the aesthetic value that plants bring to both interior and exteriors, combined with a need for the convenience and low-hassle nature that faux varieties offer.”
Blooming Artificial’s customer survey also revealed that 9 in 10 customers are purchasing plants and flowers for their own homes rather than gifting - surprisingly, only 5% of respondents were making their purchase as a gift. And finally, nowhere in the UK bought as many artificial plants and flowers as shoppers in the South East, with 18% of respondents located in the region.
Blooming Artificial’s 2023 wrap-up can be read on the brand’s website.
