Michael reveals some eye-catching botanical models that will stop you in your tracks
When I first started planning my ‘Plant Fashion Show’, I had no idea how it would be received. A catwalk for plants? Would people take it seriously? But as it turns out, the horticultural world is more than ready for a bit of glitz and glamour!
In collaboration with PlantLine, I hosted what we think is the world’s first-ever plant-inspired catwalk, and I can confirm that plants strut their stuff just as well as models. With cutting-edge trends on display, we had industry experts in attendance – including a rather convincing Anna Wintour lookalike, who certainly helped draw the plant paparazzi!
Throughout the event we saw plants redefining style and function, taking cues from the latest gardening needs and trends. From the rise of ‘cottagecore’-inspired city gardens to the revival of robust houseplants that refuse to die, there was something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what’s in vogue for 2025, and roll out the green carpet for the plants leading the way.
Hedges & wedges
Hedges have taken a hit in recent years, with box blight and caterpillars, and poor cold tolerance, leaving many gardeners searching for alternatives. Enter the ‘hedges and wedges’ trend, which breathes new life into boundary planting and ground cover solutions.
Heading the charge is Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Beach Ball’, a compact, evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded habit that generally requires no pruning. Its dense, grey-green foliage provides year-round structure, while fragrant purple flowers add interest in late spring. Ideal for topiary, borders, and low hedging, this plant is all about effortless style with very little maintenance.
The modern urban jungle
Houseplants are big business, and the demand for that lush, tropical look is at an all-time high. But many consumers are tired of battling fussy exotics that demand greenhouse conditions. The ‘modern urban jungle‘ trend champions hardy tropicals that deliver the aesthetic without the hassle.
Leading the way is Musa sikkimensis Ever Red (Lou 1‘), a striking banana plant with vibrant maroon-striped leaves that bring the drama. Perfect for patios, terraces, or garden borders, this banana is surprisingly hardy down to -10°C. Just give it a bright spot and well-drained soil.
City cottage core
A romanticised vignette of country life has taken over social media, but not everyone has the space for a sprawling cottage garden. Enter ‘city cottagecore’, where compact, repeat-flowering perennials and shrubs make the dream accessible, even on balconies and small urban plots.
Agapanthus Midnight Sky (‘DWAgHyb-01’) (Everpanthus Series) is the perfect fit – a long-blooming African lily with deep purple-blue flowers that just won’t quit. With its exceptional growth rate, extended flowering period and suitability for pots, it delivers a whimsical, overflowing look without the need for acres of land.
Dry spell savvy
Drought-resistant plants are no longer a niche interest – they’re a necessity. With climate shifts bringing unpredictable weather, the ‘dry spell’ trend highlights plants that thrive in low-water conditions while still looking spectacular.
Aloe Safari Sunrise (‘X5’) is a standout choice, with its striking coral-pink flowers that attract pollinators while requiring very little upkeep. Hardy and sculptural, this aloe is perfect for adding colour and structure to water-wise gardens and containers.
Can’t-kill classics
For those who struggle to keep plants alive, ‘can’t-kill classics’ is here to save the day. Conifers are making a comeback, with smaller sizes piquing the interest of urban and suburban gardeners in particular. Thuja occidentalis Sunny Smaragd (‘Hoogi023’) fits the bill with its bright yellow, sun-resistant foliage and low-maintenance, upright habit.
Easy to grow in pots or gardens, this thuja offers year-round interest without demanding too much from its owner – a true classic that’s back in style.
Buzz-worthy botanicals
Wildlife-friendly gardening continues to gain traction, and ‘buzz-worthy botanicals’ celebrates plants that support biodiversity.
Diervilla rivularis Honeybee (‘Diwibru01’) is a top performer, drawing in bees and butterflies with its golden yellow flowers while offering year-round interest with vibrant foliage that turns copper-red in autumn.
Hardy down to -35°C and virtually maintenance-free, this shrub is a win for gardeners and pollinators alike.
Which of these fashionable flora will you be adding to your collection?
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening website. Subscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now
