Four Hillier plants in the running for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year title
The shortlist for Plant of the Year at RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been revealed, with Hillier Garden Centres being responsible for four of the 19 plants recognised.
Three of the four Hillier plants put forward this year are the new introductions launched at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in April, all of which were incredibly well received by show visitors and Hillier customers in the following weeks.
The four plants are:
- Erysimum COLOUR VIBE RED ('Cdcery1')
- Lavandula × intermedia EXCEPTIONAL ('Hillav')
- Cordyline MAGIC STAR ('Tus020')
- Geum 'Orange Pumpkin'
All four will all be on display on the Sparsholt College display at the show next week.
Chris Francis, Garden Centre Director at Hillier, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have four plants recognised for Plant of the Year, it’s a huge accolade and testament to the Hillier growing team. We’re very excited for the results next week! Since launching our new plants at BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair we’ve had an amazing response from customers and can’t wait for more people to discover the plants at Chelsea.”
The plants
The Erysimum COLOUR VIBE RED (‘Cdcery1’), which has been bred by Charles Carr, with bright hues and large deep red flowers, really makes a statement. It is perfect for garden beds and patio planters. Erysimum bloom from March to early summer and can be grown in either full sun or light shade.
Lavandula × intermedia EXCEPTIONAL ('Hillav') is an easy-to-grow, drought-resistant plant with wonderful silver foliage and a rich aroma that attracts a range of pollinators. Ideal for low hedges, mixed borders or patio containers, this unique hybrid is a hardy plant, that holds its silver foliage making it attractive all winter long. Its prolific flowering and strong upright stems bearing pure white flowers, adding colour and height.
The unusual Cordyline MAGIC STAR ('Tus020') is a simple-to-grow, drought-tolerant foliage plant selected for its striking green and pink colouration. Bringing an exotic feel to any garden. The ‘Magic Star’ is an excellent feature plant, bringing an architectural feel to any mixed patio container. Planted alongside Dahlias and Crocosmia, the dramatic ‘Magic Star’ can create a bold and fiery display in the garden. Cordyline has green foliage with a creamy white margin and a bold pinkish red midrib and base to the leaf creating a ‘magical’ glowing red centre to the plant.
The incredibly vibrant Geum 'Orange Pumpkin' brings wonderfully bright colour and abundant displays. It lifts containers and borders with high, wiry stems standing tall about attractive, weed-suppressing foliage. It can grow to approximately 30cm in height and spread and is fully hardy giving enjoyment for year upon year.
All of the new plants will be available to purchase in a 2L pot. Retail prices for the plants are:
- Erysimum COLOUR VIBE RED - £12.99
- Lavandula × intermedia EXCEPTIONAL - £11.99
- Cordyline MAGIC STAR - £19.99
- Geum 'Orange Pumpkin’ - £12.99
The results will be announced on 22nd May. All four plants will be available to buy from Hillier’s 22 Garden Centres as well as via the Hillier online shop at www.hillier.co.uk.