A wide selection of Chinese New Year flowers and festive fruit trees is now available at Pudu Ria Florist (Northern), as demand begins to build ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Pudu Ria Florist (Northern) Sdn Bhd marketing manager Lee Xin Yi mentioned that the company began introducing Chinese New Year floral products about a month ago, shortly after the Christmas season ended.
“We started earlier to allow customers more time and choice when selecting festive flowers and plants,” she said.
Lee pointed out that new varieties are being brought in progressively to ensure customers are able to find suitable Chinese New Year flowers or potted plants whenever they visit.
“Our aim is for customers to always have options, regardless of when they come,” she added.
She noted that Pudu Ria operates mainly as a one-stop wholesale centre, catering not only to the general public but also to florists and corporate clients.
“As the festive season approaches, overall buying interest has been increasing steadily,” she said.
Lee mentioned that current customers include members of the public purchasing flowers as gifts, office workers decorating their workplaces, as well as florists preparing supplies for the festive market.
“Each group has different needs, and we try to cater to all of them,” she added.
She pointed out that seasonal Chinese New Year flowers such as peonies, plum blossoms, hydrangeas and gladiolus remain popular due to their auspicious meanings.
“These flowers are chosen not only for their appearance but also for what they symbolise during the new year,” she said.
Lee noted that phalaenopsis orchids continue to be a perennial favourite among customers.
“They are elegant, long-lasting and can bloom for more than a month, which makes them a popular choice for gifting,” she added.
Commenting on this year’s highlights, Lee mentioned that lemon trees, podocarpus (Luohan pine) and phalaenopsis orchids have attracted strong interest from customers.
“Each festive plant has its own following, and demand varies depending on personal preference,” she said.
Lee pointed out that Pudu Ria sources its products from both local growers and overseas suppliers, including China.
“This allows us to offer a wider range of choices to meet different market demands,” she added.
She mentioned that the “Five-Generation Golden Fruit” (Solanum), which is available only during the Chinese New Year period, has gained popularity in recent years.
“It symbolises family unity and togetherness, which resonates strongly with customers during the festive season,” she said.
Lee added that the plant is often incorporated into decorative arrangements and can be kept for two to three months.
“This makes it suitable as a Chinese New Year gift,” she noted.
She pointed out that colourful pussy willow has also seen strong demand this year.
“The branches are originally silver in colour but are dyed in bright hues to enhance the festive atmosphere,” she said.
Lee mentioned that feng shui bamboo remains a consistent bestseller, including dragon-head bamboo and creatively arranged designs such as the “pig-cage-into-water” style.
“Bamboo is popular not only during Chinese New Year but also for business openings and corporate gifting,” she added.
On festive fruit trees, Lee noted that mandarin orange trees remain a must-have for many households and businesses.
“They symbolise prosperity and are usually placed at shop fronts or entrances,” she said.
She pointed out that lemon trees have emerged as a popular alternative in recent years.
“Besides symbolising abundance, they also give off a light fragrance and are suitable for homes and gardens,” she added.
Lee mentioned that some customers have also enquired about the larger “Zhusha mandarin”.
“The fruits are deeper red in colour and symbolise good fortune. These will be arriving in Penang soon,” she said.
She added that kumquat trees are also well received due to their grand appearance and fragrant fruit and flowers.
Lee mentioned that Pudu Ria is also offering Valentine’s Day flowers such as roses, tulips and lilies, as the occasion falls close to the Chinese New Year period this year.
“We provide ready-made bouquets as well as weekly floral arrangements to make gifting more convenient,” she noted.
Lee pointed out that Pudu Ria will operate from 8am to 5pm on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
“On normal days, we are open from 8am to 8pm,” she added.
She encouraged the public to follow Pudu Ria’s official social media platforms for updates on festive flowers and fruit trees.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting