Who doesn’t love a houseplant eh?! Even if you aren’t green-fingered, it’s hard not to succumb to the on-going trend for plants in the home, with their ability to brighten up any corner and of course their magical powers in cleaning toxins from the air. While finding unusual species and good quality plants used to be a challenge, it’s now never been easier to grab some greenery, with a cornucopia of dedicated plant shops popping up everywhere from big cities to small towns. Plant fan Victoria Haynes discovers ten of the best to visit throughout the UK and Europe.
Rose Clover – Southsea, UK
Located in Southsea on the south coast of the UK, Rose Clover is owned and run by floristry genius Liz, whose shop is packed with houseplants, books, magazines and home accessories. With it’s bare plaster walls and quirky finds, it’s a pure plant treasure trove!
Wildernis – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Owned by Mila and Emma, Wildernis was born out of a desire to create a green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam, and has evolved into so much more than a plant store. As well as stocking a beautiful range of plants, gardening tools and green accessories, they also provide workshops and lectures on house plants, city gardening and much more.
Spiderplant Shop – Brighton , UK
Situated a stones throw from the super cool Laines in Brighton, Spiderplant Shop is a cosy, quirky plant heaven. Walls are lined with shelves packed with plants housed in a variety of unique pots, trailers hang from the ceiling and the biggest cacti stand proudly in the corners – one for anyone who loves a good rummage!
The Plant Corner – Antwerp, Belgium
Owners Sofie and Yannick are true plant gurus; Sofie’s grandfather worked at Meise Botanic Garden for his whole life, so greenery is in her blood. The shop is a delight; bright, airy and full of tropical plants, beautiful furniture and a carefully curated assortment of pots and accessories, all selected by Yannick’s expert eye.
Plant Circle – Berlin, Germany
Die hard plant lovers and environmentalists alike will LOVE Plant Circle in Berlin. More than just a plant shop, owner Monika stocks exotic plants from all over the world; expect bright colours and rare species from the tropical jungles of Columbia right through to the Danish greenhouses. Not only that, but for every plant sold, Plant Circle give one Euro to NPO One Tree Planted who plant a tree somewhere on the planet – so you can green up your home and save the earth at the same time. What could be better?
Plant Kobenhaven – Copenhagen, Denmark
Anyone keen on modern plant design should head straight for Plant Kobenhaven in Denmark; from houseplants and tubers to more exotic species, special cactus, airplants and palm trees, there’s something for everyone, all housed with beautiful plots and unique plant accessories. Another plant shop with sustainability in mind, all plants at Plant Kobenhaven are sold with roots, and will last for years, developing and growing over time.
Grow Urban – Edinburgh, Scotland
A real destination shop, Grow Urban is the place to visit when you have some time on your hands; as well as stocking a huge range of plants, pots and gardening tools, owners Graham and Sophie serve locally roasted coffee and cakes and have an in-house potting shed for all your planting needs.
Apercu – Glasgow, Scotland
With it’s exposed brickwork, wooden display boards and carefully curated displays, Apercu in Glasgow is a calm oasis in the city. This beautiful store stocks a huge range of trailing plants, climbers and specialist species, as well as gorgeous pots and terrariums – and they have a seriously beautiful Instagram feed as well!
Forest London – London, UK
Forest London is, simply put, a plant lovers dream. Spread over two stores in Deptford and East Dulwich, they stock unusual houseplants and succulents, and love nothing more than teaching their customers how to care for their new purchases. There is a free potting service in both stores where they assist with choosing an appropriate container, and monthly workshops at the Deptford location.
Toro Studio – Falmouth, UK
Located in the seaside town of Falmouth in Cornwall, Toro is a light, airy and calm plant heaven filled with natural light and beautiful curated displays. Owner Tor Harrison stocks plants for everyone, from palms and ferns to tiny air plants, handmade ceramics and beautiful plant accessories – she also regularly supports and collaborates with local makers and independent brands.
If you want to find plant shops near you or in a city or town you are visiting, then we recommend checking out Green Rooms Market plant shop directory, which lists a number of shops across the UK. And, if visiting just one plant shop isn’t quite enough, then why not visit their three-day celebration of all things botanical – Urban Jungle East – happening at Old Spitalfields Market in London from 24th – 26th April. A must visit for any plant lover surely?!
