Daffodils Feb 27 070

British daffodils on their way from Cornwall to Waitrose stores

The unseasonal weather has prompted spring to arrive early at Waitrose, as the supermarket reports that sales of British flowers have risen by over 52 per cent year on year as customers embrace British blooms.

This week (w/c 14 December) has seen Waitrose British daffodils arrive in branch earlier than ever before as the winter chill stays away from the majority of the UK.

Alongside the more usual festive sights of Christmas trees and poinsettias at Waitrose stores are bloom chrysanthemums, British tulips, and the Isles of Scilly narcissi.

Allison Burdett, Waitrose flower buyer, said: 'Nothing beats British flowers and at Waitrose we pride ourselves on selling the best of British. A particular favourite of Waitrose customers is the daffodil. This year we had a particularly early daffodil season due to the significant mild weather, resulting in a very early crop.'

Traditionally arriving in late January, both tulips and daffodils are seen as a symbol of spring.