Suttons is proud to announce that both of its nominated plant varieties have been shortlisted for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show ‘Plant of the Year’ award 2024.
- Musa sikkimensis ‘Ever Red’ (‘Lou 1′ PBR), exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and Gardeners’ Question Time, bred by Bruno Chauvet and introduced by Suttons.
- Trachelospermum asiaticum Star of Milano® (‘TRSUZ01′), exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and Gardeners’ Question Time, bred by Yuji Suzuki (Japan) and introduced by Suttons.
The hardiest red leaved banana
Shortlisted in the Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024:
Musa sikkimensis ‘Ever Red’ (‘Lou 1’ PBR),
exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and Gardeners’ Question Time, bred by Bruno Chauvet and introduced by Suttons.
Huge, maroon-striped leaves for a tropical touch
The large, ribbed, paddle-shaped leaves of this beautiful hardy perennial banana plant are streaked with maroon-red stripes, adding a tropical touch to garden planting schemes.
- Improved colour retention for longer-lasting looks: Originating in the foothills of the Himalayas, ‘Ever Red’ rivals Musa basjoo for hardiness. Its thicker, stronger leaves are more windproof, colourful and hardier than sikkimensis ‘Bengal Tiger’, plus it also retains its red leaf markings for longer each summer.
- A striking specimen plant: This fast-growing banana will develop a woody stem with maturity, forming a dramatic architectural centrepiece for an exotic planting scheme. Grow ‘Ever Red’ outdoors in mild areas, where plants will thrive if given some protection. Alternatively, grow in a container and move to a frost-free position over winter.
Height & spread: 3-4m (10-13ft).
Scented pink blooms & variegated evergreen foliage!
Shortlisted in the Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024:
Trachelospermum asiaticum Star of Milano® (‘TRSUZ01’),
exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and Gardeners’ Question Time, bred by Yuji Suzuki (Japan) and introduced by Suttons.
- Exciting evergreen climber with variegated foliage: ‘Star of Milano’ is an exciting evolution from the regular plain green form of Trachelospermum asiaticum, boasting beautifully variegated foliage. The glossy pointed leaves of this hardy shrub are adorned with pale to dark-green patterning, complemented by cream edges.
- Masses of scented starry pink flowers for months: The fragrant star-shaped flowers of ‘Star of Milano’ are a pretty pale-pink, making a charming change to the expected plain white. The flowers will fill gardens with their intoxicating scent and attract pollinating insects from June to September.
In addition to covering walls, fences and garden structures, this versatile evergreen climber is perfect for container growing, as ground cover or even as low, clipped hedging.
Height & Spread: 3m (10ft).
Flowers: June to August.
Both plants will be available to view on the RHS Experience stand.
Suttons & RHS Chelsea
Suttons is proud to have close ties to RHS Chelsea and its introductions have won ‘RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year’ in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Each year, Suttons’ expert growers introduce many new and often award-winning flower plants to its range, with quality guaranteed. Browse Suttons’ new varieties for 2024 and grow something new.
Lead image: Musa sikkimensis ‘Ever Red’ (‘Lou 1′ PBR) exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes and GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME, bred by Bruno Chauvet and introduced by Suttons.
