British flower farmers, long overshadowed by the imported flower industry, are experiencing a renaissance. More than 80% of cut flowers bought in the UK are imported, but recent figures indicate a shift toward domestic growers. Chloë Dunnett, founder of Sitopia Farm in south-east London, reports a 65% increase in flower sales for the year. "Our turnover is rising year on year as the public and florists seek seasonal, environmentally friendly, and hyperlocal flowers. Consumer power can be very effective," she says.
Industry Growth and Government Recognition
Production across the sector is climbing. The latest survey by Flowers from the Farm, representing over 1,000 small-scale British growers, shows a 55% increase in production in 2025, averaging 32,500 stems per member, with revenues up 12%. The government has now awarded the sector official recognition through dedicated standard industrial classification (SIC) codes. Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke, who supported the push, states, "Securing a SIC code means their contribution can finally be measured, supported, and championed. These businesses create jobs, drive local growth, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable land use."
Decline in Imports and Environmental Awareness
In contrast, the value of imported flowers dropped 8.2% over five years to 2024, according to Defra. Cissy Bullock, founder of Wild Stems in Cambridgeshire, notes, "Most imported flowers are factory-farmed and bred for efficiency, with opaque supply chains. Buyers know nothing about chemicals, labour conditions, or distance travelled." While some overseas growers embrace sustainability, Bullock emphasizes that buying local ensures transparency. This awareness led the General Synod of the Church of England to back a motion encouraging churches to use locally sourced flowers.
Growing Demand and Changing Tastes
Lucy Copeman, founder of Howbury Farm Flowers near Bedford, sees sustained growth. "My turnover was up 40% in 2025, and we sell out weekly. When we started 10 years ago, ours was one of the only flower farms here; now there are at least 15. British flowers are fashionable but not a fleeting trend." Floral designer Shane Connolly, awarded an MBE for sustainable floristry, observes a shift in client preferences. "Buyers want flowers seen in nature or gardens, with airier, looser styles. Flower markets, restaurants, and gastro pubs are also seeking British flowers." Connolly, who holds the royal warrant for Charles and Camilla, used all British flowers for the coronation. "Not knowing what’s coming leads to the joy of creating something unexpected," he says.
Logistical Challenges and New Solutions
Access to fresh British flowers remains a challenge due to small-scale growers and fragmented supply chains. To address this, growers are forming wholesale flower hubs like Stem Union, which launched in March with hubs in Cambridge and London’s New Covent Garden. Similar initiatives include Flower Grower Collective and The Flower Hub Pauntley. As demand grows, supply is expected to follow. Dunnett recommends flower farming for diversification: "Metre for metre, it’s more profitable than food and attracts beneficial pollinators." Georgie Newbery, external chair at Flowers from the Farm, adds, "The socioeconomic benefits ride high alongside biodiversity possibilities."
