The RHS Chelsea Flower Show starts on Monday and we can’t wait! We’re thrilled to have 6 nominations for Plant of the Year and so our fingers are firmly crossed that we bring home a winner! The Plant of the Year competition is a huge event in the horti calendar and it showcases the most exciting new plants tipped to grace our gardens.
What is Plant of the Year?
It’s a competition for the ‘trade’ to bring the best new plants to the attention of those who attend the show and, more importantly, to the attention of all who love and enjoy their garden. All the successful plants since the first winner in 2010 have gone on to be widely grown and have enjoyed huge popularity amongst the gardening public.
Sedum Atlantis
How are the plants judged?
The judging panel comprises of a group of experts with a wealth of knowledge and passion who come together, volunteering their time to make the incredibly tough decision on the winning plant. The grounds on which the plants are assessed are very specific. The judges will be looking for the winning criteria which will need to include all three of these following features:
- The plant must be completely new and offer significant benefits.
- The plant must stand the test of time. It will need to sustain its popularity to secure a place with those of true significance.
- Both judges and gardeners will be looking for the “wow” factor. So, all the short-listed nominees will be on show at Chelsea on the promenade within the pavilions. Specimens on display will need to be showing off at their best. It is this that will give them the conviction in their decision making, for then they will know they have chosen the right winning plant.
Gypsophila Pretty Maid
The Suttons Chelsea nominees
We were thrilled to enter an impressive 6 new plants into the competition this year, and we’re so pleased to have been able to shine a light on some of our favourite new plants. We nominated the following, two of which are finalists:
- Sedum Atlantis – Winner! Plant of the Year 2019
- Gypsophila Pretty Maid – Finalist
- Canary Island Foxglove (Isoplexis Bella)
- Super Petunias (Beautical)
- Blueberry Pink Flamingo
- Delphinium Cinderella
Our nominated plants cover everything from the fiery orange blooms of the Canary Island Foxglove, to the delicate white flowers of the gorgeous Pretty Maid. If you’re keen to order your own Chelsea nominee ready for the summer, we still have Sedum Atlantis, Super Petunias (Beautical), Blueberry Pink Flamingo and Gypsophila Pretty Maid available to buy.
If you had your heart set on the fairytale beauty of the Delphinium Cinderella, it will soon be available to order for 2020.
Super Petunia (Beautical)
So, roll on Monday when the winner is announced – and wish us luck!
Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Suttons Horticultural Team
