8 gardening predictions for 2025, according to the RHS
Gardeners could soon be swapping petunias, begonias and other classic bedding plants, such as Busy Lizzies, for more eco-friendly options in 2025 — according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
A recently published a list of eight predictions, put together by the RHS and chief horticulturist Guy Barter, suggests what and how the UK’s 30 million gardeners will be growing in the year ahead.
As bedding plants are usually grown in large greenhouses in peat (a material that has a negative impact on the planet when excavated), coupled with the fact that many do not produce pollen for wildlife, the RHS predicts gardeners will turn to more "long lived, less thirsty and robust varieties" instead.
“Salvias, heather and dahlias have proved particularly popular alternatives with community gardening groups over the last 12 months, requiring little maintenance but providing the same sought-after pops of colour and pollinator appeal,” the RHS website reads.
Instead, the RHS predicts the spotlight will turn to low-maintenance plants with more benefits for wildlife as well as an annual bounty — such as edible perennials, like fruit trees and shrubs. While blueberries were popular in 2024, the RHS says 2025 could be the year of the Honeyberry — a oval-based plant from the same family that requires little attention and is increasingly available across the UK.
In fact, this idea of "ripping up the gardening rulebook" generally is something we can expect to see more of in 2025, according to the RHS.
It says gardening for enjoyment will take centre stage again, with people “growing in ways that reflect their interests and personality rather than just for aesthetics."
What’s more, it predicts cities and towns are about to embrace more colour, with green roof and walls continuing to pop up in urban spaces. This "green infrastructure" is sought out to provide all kinds of benefits, including help with thermal regulation for buildings, a reduction in flooding and sewage spills by capturing and slowing the flow of water, boosting habitat provision and filtering air on polluted roads.
Read below for the full list...
RHS 2025 gardening predictions'
1. More edible perennials
Fruit trees and shrubs as well as perennial vegetables will continue to grow in popularity owing to their reliable annual bounty, low maintenance and provision of shape, structure and habitat for wildlife.
2. From community water butts to sponge cities
Community gardens are increasingly at the centre of local water capture and storage, helping to meet the needs of the immediate space but also local people during extended dry spells.
3. Infrastructure goes green
As research continues apace to evidence the benefits of plants, they’ll start to feature in towns and cities in more creative but practical ways. Green roofs and walls will be sought out.
4. Border and basket planting alternatives bed in
2025 will see a continued shift away from traditional bedding plants towards more long-lived, less thirsty and robust varieties, particularly in community gardens and public landscapes.
5. Front gardens on the frontline
With ever-increasing numbers of electric cars on the road, homeowners will be looking for landscaping options that provide easy access to charging points.
6. Gardeners start small
Small 9cm potted plants have proved popular in 2024, being cheaper than the standard 2- or 3-litre potted varieties and meaning gardeners can dabble with a greater variety of plants for the same price.
7. Carnivorous plants take a bite of the market
The advent of new peat-free formulations in 2024 is expected to benefit UK based propagation and breeding with increased availability, variety and appeal for sustainably minded growers.
8. Gardening for the fun of it
2024 saw a noticeable ripping up of the rulebook with people growing plants in ways that reflected their interests. This theme is set to continue in 2025 with a garden for dog lovers and one to inspire artistic creation set for the RHS Chelsea flower show.
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