Classic bedding plants such as petunias, begonias and busy lizzy will be out of fashion by 2025 as gardeners turn to more environmentally friendly options, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has predicted.
Bedding plants are usually grown in large greenhouses on peat. But peat drilling across the country is destroying some of our most effective carbon sinks. In addition, bedding plants are usually bred to be sterile. This means that bedding plants do not produce pollen and are of little use to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Instead, edible perennials may be more popular. These plants require low maintenance and provide great benefits to wildlife. Take honeyberry, a member of the blueberry family, as an example. Oval berry plants require little attention and are becoming increasingly available across the UK and could soon be seen in gardens and community growing spaces.
Popular and more environmentally friendly alternatives to bedding plants that are now frequently seen in town squares include salvias, heathers and dahlias. They require little care, are colorful, and are good for pollinators.
As more homes install charging points, gardeners are asking RHS experts how they can make space for plants and electric vehicles. The RHS expects to see more permeable paving and gravel gardens flanked by low-maintenance plants. They are low cost and prevent rainwater retention and runoff, making them an ideal option for dense urban areas.
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, said: “Gardens never stand still, and 2025 is likely to bring not only new and exciting planting options, but also new ways to design, grow and maintain spaces. The EV revolution will change the way your front garden looks. It has the potential to bring about major changes, while more urban centers are being built that serve the dual purpose of not only providing shelter for people and wildlife, but also providing important flood protection. There could be a lot of growing space.”
As local authorities and communities look for ways to reduce flooding, the RHS is also seeing an increased demand for mini gardens and 'pocket parks'. This has led to more community gardens popping up across the UK. Mini gardens in public spaces are not only attractive and beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife, but they can also store amazing amounts of water and reduce flooding and road runoff. In 2025, 'sponge city' features are expected to grow as developers and councils increasingly realize the far-reaching benefits of planted spaces.
RHS Gardening Trends 2025 – Full text
1. More Edible Perennials
Fruit trees, shrubs, and even perennial vegetables will continue to grow in popularity because they provide a reliable annual harvest, are low maintenance, and provide shape, structure, and wildlife habitat. Sho.
2. From community water absorption to sponge city
Community gardens are increasingly becoming focal points for local water recovery and storage, helping to meet the needs of local people not only in their immediate spaces but also during periods of prolonged drought.
3. Greening infrastructure
As research rapidly advances to prove the benefits of plants, they will begin to appear in towns and cities in more creative and practical ways. Greening the roof and walls will also be considered.
4. Alternatives to border and basket planting
In 2025, we will continue to see a shift away from traditional bedding plants to longer-lived, less thirsty, and hardier varieties, especially in community gardens and public landscapes.
5. Frontline vestibule
As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, homeowners will be looking for landscape options that provide easy access to charging points.
6. Gardeners start small.
Small 9cm potted plants are becoming popular in 2024 and are cheaper than standard 2- or 3-litre potted varieties, meaning gardeners can access a wider variety of plants for the same price. are.
7. Carnivorous plants take over the market
The advent of new peat-free formulations in 2024 is expected to benefit UK-based breeding and breeding due to increased availability, variety and appeal to sustainably minded producers.
8. Enjoy gardening
2024 saw a notable discarding of the rulebook, with people growing plants in ways that reflect their interests and personalities, rather than simply for beauty or survival. This theme will continue in 2025 with a garden for dog lovers and a garden to inspire artistic creativity in the run-up to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
