Tulips are the most popular garden plant species of 2022, according to new study

The most popular garden plants of 2022, according to Instagram

Estate agent comparison service GetAgent has revealed the most popular plant species, as well as those which could stand to make (or lose) you money on your home

New research from GetAgent reveals the garden plants which are most popular on Instagram in 2022, with tulips, hydrangea, and peonies topping the list of most shared shrubs. 

The property experts at GetAgent also paired with expert gardener Craig Wilson from Gardeners Dream to reveal the plants which could add to or reduce the value of your property, so that you know exactly which greenery to plant in your garden this spring. 

Top 25 Most Instagrammed Garden Plants

Topping the list of the most picturesque plants are tulips, which have over 8.1 million hashtags on Instagram, closely followed by hydrangea and peonies, which each have over 3.2 million hashtags to their name. 

Sun-loving irises, dazzling dahlias and daffodils – one of the most popular plants to bloom in spring – follow in positions four to six, each with over 1.9 million hashtags on the photo sharing app. 

Wisteria rounded off the top ten most picturesque plants, with over 828,000 people sharing their snaps of the gorgeous climber plant draped over their home or garden. 

Rank	Plant species	No. of Instagram hashtags
1	Tulips	8,122,874
2	Hydrangea	3,568,908
3	Peonies	3,283,030
4	Iris	2,635,205
5	Dahlia	1,960,255
6	Daffodils	1,914,185
7	Eucalyptus	1,838,328
8	Agave	1,674,825
9	Ranunculus	894,456
10	Wisteria	828,246
11	Crocus	794,274
12	Chrysanthemum	787,206
13	Gerbera	705,421
14	Clematis	696,475
15	Calendula	640,748
16	Camellia	618,290
17	Fuchsia	555,427
18	Rhododendron	550,637
19	Hyacinth	521,147
20	Euphorbia	511,559
21	Petunia	496,218
22	Zinnia	444,010
23	Echinacea	378,923
24	Hawthorn	344,412
25	Aster	327,028

1. Tulips – 8,122,874 Instagram hashtags

Tulips emerged as the most popular plant on Instagram, and it is little wonder why, thanks to the species’ huge range of dazzling colours and picturesque petal shapes. Those looking to plant the beautiful flowers in their own gardens can grow them in borders, rock gardens and containers. Providing there is sufficient rain to keep the ground damp, tulips don’t usually need watering either, making them a relatively low-maintenance (but high-reward) plant to grow in your garden.. 

1. Hydrangea – 3,568,908 Instagram hashtags

Hydrangeas came in second with over 3.5 million hashtags. These striking plants, which come in a range of shapes from cones to large balls, can also be found to bloom in a variety of different shades of white, blue and purple. Similarly to tulips, hydrangeas are easy to grow and also relatively resistant to the majority of pests and diseases, making them an easy plant to care for in your own garden. Hydrangea plants flourish best in areas where they can enjoy both a spot of sunshine and some afternoon shade.

1. Peonies – 3,283,030 Instagram hashtags

Peonies placed in third position, with these giant sized blooms proving popular for any lovers of a flamboyant flower. There are three types of peonies but all must  be planted in moist but well-drained soil in the sun. Herbaceous peonies can be propagated by division in the autumn time, while tree peonies are better propagated by layering. 

1. Iris – 2,635,205 Instagram hashtags

In fourth position, with over 2.6 million Instagram hashtags is the iris flower. With the species blooming into a variety of different types and colours, there really is an iris flower fit for every garden. If you’re thinking about growing some irises of your own, ensure that they receive full sunlight for at least half of every day, with the majority of flowers blooming in spring and summer. If you have a pet that freely roams around your garden though, perhaps an iris is not the best addition for your garden, as the plant (and in particular the bulb) is known to be toxic to your furry friends.

1. Dahlia – 1,960,255 Instagram hashtags

Rounding off the top five most popular plants is the dahlia, which had over 1.9 million hashtags on Instagram. These gorgeous plants bloom from the middle of summer right through to autumn, and can be found in a range of different stunning colours and sizes – dahlias can grow up to the size of 15-inch “dinner plates”, and most will reach four to five feet tall. These plants need at least six to eight hours in the direct sun, and they’ll need protection from the wind, as strong gusts can cause the plants to blow over if not supported. 

The Plants Which Add (Or Lose) You The Most Value On Your Property

Craig Wilson, from Gardeners Dream comments: 

“Having a beautiful garden can certainly increase the return on investment on your property, and flowers play a leading part in this. 

The three flowers I believe provide the biggest ROI include:

• Hydrangea – they’re cheap, cheerful and a classic. Everyone loves Hydrangeas so there is very little chance of putting prospective buyers off.
• Peonies – they’re low maintenance, and look great. They’re also a great option for keeping the garden looking great even if the buyers are casual/part time garden tenderers. They thrive in both warm and cold climates so can be left to fend for themselves (not for too long though) as long as they are kept out of the wind (like most plants). They just need a bit of sun and soil. And voila happy, healthy plants.
• Eucalyptus – I’d say for people interested in using plants for medicinal properties this could help drive up the price and/or attractiveness a little. 

Though these flowers didn’t make it into the top 25 most popular on Instagram, false indigos also provide a great ROI for homeowners. They are pest and disease free and they are consistent in flowering, so are always there as a nice backdrop whenever you decide to sell up.

Other flower species I love to plant include crocus flowers – I think they’re beautiful looking plants and also provide nectar and pollen for long seasons, and they help attract beautiful butterflies and busy bees to my garden. In addition to crocus flowers, the vibrant colour and shape of the tulips just do it for me, and it encourages me to care for them as best I can to keep them as vivid as possible for as long as possible. Finally, the sweet smelling joy of the dangling blooms of wisteria helps bring an aroma to my garden.

We all know that plants such as Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value but unfortunately it isn’t clear by how much. It all depends on the size of the property, the degree and the level stage of infestation. How close the knotweed is to the house is one of, if not the biggest factor in property valuations. 

However, from what I have seen, the plant can reduce a property’s value between 5% in minor cases right up to 15 or even 20% in the case of severe infestations – where limiting  the growth is the more realistic option rather than reducing/removing the knotweed.

This is because Japanese Knotweed can cause major damage to property, since its roots can crack the concrete and damage the foundations of a house. It also has the ability to block drainage pipes and any other structures underground – including water pipes, cables and even structural damage to cellars. Depending on the severity and how early you catch it, it can be anything from £1,000 (DIY) to £20,000 (large property with ongoing maintenance) to remove the plant from your home, with the average spend being between £3-5k.”

Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent comments:

“When selling your house, every visual aspect of your home has to be considered, and a blooming and beautiful garden really can make the difference when it comes to impressing potential buyers.

Luckily, our research has shown that some of the most beautiful and popular plants loved amongst the public are also some of the easiest to plant and care for in your gardens at home. Hopefully, this will encourage those considering putting their property on the market to plant a few extra flowers in the garden this spring – especially as you could end up increasing the final sale price by doing so!”