Guernsey coastline inspires Raymond Evison Chelsea exhibit
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Clematis Eliza EviGsy158 (PBR)
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Clematis Queen’s Nurse EviGsy159 (PBR)
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Clematis Ithemba EviGsy157 (PBR)
Raymond Evison Clematis will return to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 with an immersive coastal-themed exhibit inspired by the Guernsey shoreline, combining more than 2,500 flowering clematis with island heritage, craftsmanship and three major new cultivar launches.
The display recreates the atmosphere of Guernsey’s coast through handcrafted wooden boats overflowing with clematis blooms in shades of blue, mauve, pink and white, designed to appear as though the flowers are washing ashore on the tide. A serpentine wooden walkway leads visitors through the installation past driftwood, pebbles, seaweed, shells and maritime artefacts celebrating the island’s traditions.
Heritage craft sits at the centre of the exhibit, with authentic willow fishing baskets, lobster pots, vraic panniers and a traditional tomato grading machine paying tribute to Guernsey’s fishing and agricultural history. Many of the handcrafted pieces have been loaned by Max and Claire Gaudion, who continue to preserve the island’s endangered willow craft traditions.
Alongside the immersive display, Raymond Evison Clematis will officially launch three new clematis introductions bred at the company’s environmentally focused Guernsey Clematis Nursery.
Clematis Queen’s Nurse EviGsy159 (PBR) has been developed in association with the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) and the National Garden Scheme. The rosy-pink variety, which has already been shortlisted for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026, celebrates the legacy of community nursing and the historic relationship between the two organisations. The compact clematis flowers freely from late spring into autumn and has been bred for modern gardens and containers.
Clematis Ithemba EviGsy157 (PBR), named after the Zulu word for “hope”, supports the Children’s Hospital Trust in South Africa. The variety produces bright white flowers with a delicate pink bar and contrasting red anthers, flowering repeatedly throughout the season. The launch forms part of Raymond Evison’s ongoing “Hope” clematis series supporting charitable causes.
Completing the trio is Clematis Eliza EviGsy158 (PBR), inspired by Guernsey author G.B. Edwards’ celebrated novel The Book of Ebenezer Le Page. Opening pale violet-blue before fading to pure white, the variety combines compact growth, prolific flowering and simple pruning with a strong connection to Guernsey’s cultural heritage.
All three introductions have been entered into the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition and reflect the EviGsy breeding programme’s focus on flower abundance, garden performance, compact growth and ease of care.
Raymond Evison Clematis arrives at RHS Chelsea following another landmark year, having secured Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion in 2025 alongside an extraordinary record of 35 RHS Chelsea gold medals.
Supported once again by long-term sponsor Fenchurch Advisory Partners, the exhibit promises visitors a transportive celebration of clematis breeding, Guernsey heritage and horticultural craftsmanship at the heart of the Great Pavilion.