Summer has officially arrived, and Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden center, suggests that now is the perfect time to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and infuse our homes with the wonderful colors of the season through houseplants.
If you’re looking to add life to your interiors with air-purifying plants or brighten up a dark room with a burst of vibrancy, Dobbies has introduced a new range of houseplants for SS23 that caters to homes of all sizes and shapes. Additionally, they are highlighting great value options, emphasizing that you can experience botanical bliss without breaking the bank.
To guide you through Dobbies’ latest houseplant offerings and help you maximize their potential this summer, Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer, shares her insights on caring for and styling your plants.
Create a serene corner in your living room, bedroom, or any other living space by incorporating low-maintenance new-season houseplants. These plants require minimal attention but will quickly infuse your home with a sense of Zen. Claire recommends the Sanseveria for a hassle-free touch of greenery. These striking plants can survive without water for weeks, making them ideal for beginners. The Sanseveria Trifasciata, known for its unique air-purifying properties, is an excellent choice for home offices and bedrooms. Its height also makes it a great candidate for creating a captivating jungle effect when grouped with other houseplants.
If you’re seeking a touch of tropical drama in your green displays, Claire suggests the captivating Kentia Palm. Simply water it once a week and place it in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorching.
For a low-maintenance addition to your summer houseplant haven, consider the Chlorophytum Variegatum, also known as the Spider plant. This adaptable houseplant can thrive in various locations, and its graceful arching leaves will instantly brighten up your coffee table, desk, or side table. Style it in a colorful pot that complements its greenery and water it when the soil feels dry to the touch.
If you want to give your living space a subtle upgrade for summer, Claire suggests using compact and affordable plants to create an eye-catching “shelfie” moment. This Instagrammable look can be achieved by combining small houseplants and accessories. Claire recommends mixing different varieties of Ferns with trailing Ivy plants like Hedera Green, available at Dobbies starting from just £5.99. This stylish display is both cost-effective and visually striking. Ferns are particularly suitable for bathroom shelfies as they thrive in a humid environment, while Terrariums add an extra touch of nature.
For those fortunate enough to have outdoor spaces or gardens, Dobbies’ new range of SS23 houseplants can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors during the summer months. Heat-loving varieties such as Citrus plants, Fatsia Japonica, and Curcuma can be placed outside on a doorstep, balcony, or patio when the temperatures rise and then brought back inside as they cool down.
Claire believes that giving your houseplants a summer holiday outdoors and exposing them to fresh air and sunlight can benefit their appearance and overall health. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather and bring them back indoors if temperatures are expected to drop.
If you have a conservatory or sunroom, Claire suggests it’s a wonderful place to enjoy your plants in the summer, as long as the plants can tolerate direct sunlight. Plant them in bright woven containers for a trendy high-summer look or create a timeless display using monochromatic pots in various shades.
With our gardens in full bloom and bursting with color, Claire insists that there’s no reason our homes shouldn’t follow suit. Dobbies’ new season houseplants provide plant enthusiasts with an opportunity to infuse their homes with vibrancy and showcase their personality through bold displays.
One exciting addition to the SS23 range is the Medinella magnifica, which offers a unique display of pretty pink flowers and glossy leaves, making it a captivating addition to any home. These plants thrive in bright spots, but it’s best to avoid placing them on windowsills. Instead, choose an open spot in a south-facing room.
For achieving the trendy “Barbiecore” look in summer 2023, consider the Aechmea fasciata. This stunning pink houseplant prefers bright spots and requires its urn to be kept halfway filled with water at all times to ensure adequate moisture during the summer months. Dobbies also offers a wide range of Bromeliads for SS23, available in tropical shades that will bring a burst of color to your home.
To make a lasting impression with these new-season houseplants, Claire suggests grouping them together and styling them on tables and stands of different heights. This creates a visually impactful display with depth and interest.
Claire’s top tip for enjoying your new summer houseplants is to have fun with colorful pots and creative setups while being mindful of outdoor temperatures. When the weather gets hot, make sure you water your houseplants regularly. If you’re going on vacation, give them a thorough soaking in the bathtub before you leave and move them away from windows to prevent leaf scorching.
To explore Dobbies’ range of houseplants for SS23, visit their website at www.dobbies.com.
