Victorian-era floral favourites asters make comeback

Asters, which were popular in Victorian times, have made a comeback as a bouquet with demand for the flowers rocketing by nearly 350 per cent over the last two sales years at a UK supermarket.

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The blooms were popular in the Victorian era when floriography, the language of flowers, was used as a discreet way to communicate feelings. Etiquette in 19th century England discouraged open displays of emotion.

Tesco Flowers expert and technical manager Jamie Simpson said the supermarket started selling asters in 2022 "not only because they look lovely but also because they are such great value for money".

He said: "In that first year we sold 215,000 bunches but they became so popular so quickly that last year we sold 500,000.

"This year we hope to sell nearly double that."