Celebrating and honouring the endeavours of growers and nurseries to bring new cultivars of the highest quality to all types of gardeners in the UK – RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year shortlists those that have demonstrated the highest innovation.
Drought resistance, improved hardiness, increased floral vibrancy and deeper colours of foliage are all standout features from this year’s selection. The plants below can all be seen at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 and the winner will be announced on Monday 18th May at 2PM at the RHS Experience Stand in The Great Pavilion.
Hosta RED NINJA ('Nk2021')
Exhibitor: Sienna Hosta (Oliver Walker)
Site Location: GPC024
Breeder: Ninja Kramer
Plant Supplier: Fairweather's Nursery
Hosta RED NINJA possesses shades of dark green to strong red foliage and may be the reddest Hosta on the market – traditionally a trait well-sought after by horticulturists. This variety keeps its vibrancy into the summer and is a full plant mutation of Hosta 'First Blush'. With red petioles and a ground cover height, Hosta RED NINJA also benefits from stunning purple flowers from late summer to early autumn. Its low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for mixed borders, balconies and terraces.
Pennisetum advena TINY TAILS ('Tus022')
Exhibitor: Ashcroft's Perennials and Ornamental Grasses (Chris Ashcroft)
Site Location: GPF081
Breeder: Tuszynscy Gospodarstwo Ogrodnicze and Grzegorz Tuszynski
Plant Supplier: Ashcroft's
Pennisetum advena TINY TAILS redefines the genus with its ultra-compact habit and profusion of soft, bottlebrush plumes. Unlike traditional Pennisetum varieties that grow large and sprawling, this selection stays neatly rounded and small, making it ideal for pocket gardens, patios and balconies. Its abundant, finely textured blooms create a full, fluffy display on a dwarf plant. TINY TAILS thrives in full sun in a well-drained soil. Watering during dry spells will maintain flowering, particularly in pots, but it is generally low maintenance once established. A mutation from Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' in 2022.
Clematis QUEEN'S NURSE ('Evigsy159')
Exhibitor: Raymond Evison Clematis (Andy Jeanes)
Location: GPB016
Breeder: Raymond J Evison Ltd
Plant Supplier: Raymond J Evison Ltd
Compact with repeat blooming - the main differentiator for QUEEN’S NURSE is that the plant produces pale pink/lilac and dark bar striped blooms on new growth and on more mature wood grows solid, deep pink blooms with little to no striped effect. Not only is this a standout cultivar with two different bloom colours from one plant, but it has been named to raise awareness and funds for two very closely linked charities, The National Garden Scheme (NGS) and The Queen's Institute of Community Nurses (QICN), where initially Raymond and a group of QICN nurses started the NGS on Guernsey to raise funds for both charities.
Prunus 'Sumaura Fugenzo'
Exhibitor: Blue Diamond Garden Centres (Jill Kerr)
Location: GPC033
Breeder: Unknown
Plant Supplier: Frank P Matthews Trees
A unique Sakura cherry, also known as JAPANESE LANTERN, with spectacular flowers that open to a yellowish white/green which gradually turn shades of light and then dark pink as they age. The flowers have 30 or more petals reminiscent of Japanese paper lanterns. Two leaf-like pistils in the centre of the flower add a unique charm to a graceful spreading medium size tree. There are no known issues with pests and in particular observations show no susceptibility to black fly aphid. There is resistance to bacterial blossom and foliage infections along with frost resistance.
Pittosporum GREEN MOUND ('Jule1')
Exhibitor: Sparsholt College (Lucy lewis)
Location: GPD051
Breeder: Frederic Julien
Plant Supplier: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
GREEN MOUND is the result of a controlled cross between two species of Pittosporum, the aim of which was to bring the habit and richly fragrant flowers of P. tobira into a hybrid with the hardiness to survive in Northern Europe reliably. This seedling exhibited a superb habit, free flowering and in trials has survived winters in both pots and gardens across France, the Netherlands and UK without signs of damage. GREEN MOUND is hardy to -12C and creates a tight evergreen mound, with the additional benefit of sweetly scented white flowers which fade to yellow, the fragrance carries well and is a big feature. It is excellent in a border or large patio container, sun loving but happy in part shade and drought resistant, the size makes it perfect for small gardens but with enough impact to stand out in any situation.
Anisodontea capensis CARNIVAL LIGHTS CANDY APPLE ('Ib201-7') (Carnival Lights Series)
Exhibitor: Sparsholt College (Lucy Lewis)
Location: GPD051
Breeder: Plant Growers Australia Ltd.
Plant Supplier: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
This new selection has a truly unique flower colour of dark red, unlike the pink shades previously available in this genus. CARNIVAL LIGHTS CANDY APPLE is the result of a hybridisation programmes of Anisodontea in Australia which has yielded several very interesting colour breaks, highly floriferous plants with clean foliage and a neat tidy habit. The larger flowers are perfect for modern gardening that can be used as a patio or bedding plant or as a short-lived garden shrub, flowering from May through to Christmas and beyond. Its origins also make it ideal for the changing climate with superb heat and drought tolerance.
Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE
Exhibitor: Blue Diamond Garden Centres (Jill Kerr)
Location: GPC033
Breeder: Botanic Experience B.V.
Plant Supplier: Van Son & Koot
This Hydrangea represents a significant innovation with exceptionally dark red to near-black foliage, a trait uncommon in Hydrangea, combined with striking red lacecap flowers. Unlike traditional varieties that feature green leaves and softer-toned blooms, this plant offers a dramatic, high-contrast aesthetic throughout the growing season. The foliage colour is stable and intense, enhancing ornamental value even when not in flower. This Hydrangea thrives in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. Regular watering is important, particularly in dry periods while the dark foliage colour develops best with good light levels while avoiding harsh midday sun, which may scorch leaves. Overall, it performs reliably with standard care, making it suitable for a wide range of domestic garden settings.
Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY ('Lc No27')
Exhibitor: Hare Spring Cottage Plants (Stella Exley)
Location: GPC028
Breeder: Alex Schoemaker
Plant Supplier: Suttons
GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY is the first true groundcover form of Hydrangea paniculata with ruby-red flowers in late summer, redefining how this traditionally upright shrub can be used in the garden. Its naturally low, spreading habit is unlike any existing paniculata. Combined with vivid ruby-red flowers, it delivers both structural and seasonal interest in a completely new format. Highly disease resistant, showing minimal issues with pests or diseases; being exceptionally reliable and low maintenance. GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY is easy to grow and highly adaptable. Plant in sun to partial shade in well-drained soil for best flowering and colour intensity. Its naturally low, spreading habit requires little to no pruning, simply tidy lightly in early spring if needed. Compared to traditional upright Hydrangea paniculata, this variety reduces maintenance by eliminating the need for shaping or staking.
Jamesbrittenia 'Jammin' Coral'
Exhibitor: Kernock Park Plants (Bruce Harnett)
Location: GPD052
Breeders: Proven Winners Europe
Plant Supplier: Proven Winners Europe
‘Jammin’ Coral’ works fantastically in landscapes with good drainage as well as in containers of all kinds - making wonderful components in combinations. The plant offers a brilliant performance on patios, troughs and planters. Repeat-flowering throughout the summer months and not requiring deadheading make ‘Jammin’ Coral’ easy to care for with low to no maintenance. Heat and drought tolerant. Can be planted in full sun and free-draining soil/media.
Antirrhinum 'Shiryu Kiss'
Exhibitor: Kernock Park Plants (Bruce Harnett)
Location: GPD052
Breeder: Peter Moore
Plant Supplier: Peter Moore
Antirrhinum ‘Shiryu Kiss’ is truly perennial in nature, and flowers over a very long season. It has proven to be significantly resistant to rust, a common disease of Antirrhinum, and also to powdery mildew. The non-stop flowering in season provides an essential buffet for our at-risk pollinators. In agreement with the breeder, 100% of royalties from sales of this plant will go to Perennial, the horticultural charity (Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society) – dedicated to helping people in horticulture facing every day, or life-changing challenges.
Cercis griffithii BLUE LAGOON ('Rafmar 1')
Exhibitor: Hare Spring Cottage Plants (Stella Exley)
Location: GPC028
Breeder: Raf Lenaerts
Plant Supplier: Thompson & Morgan
Cercis griffithii BLUE LAGOON represents a colour breakthrough; the first grey-blue foliage ever seen in Cercis, transforming it from a spring bloomer into a full-season design feature, offering a cool, contemporary palette suited to modern gardens. It’s also climate resilient, tolerating heat, sun, and variable conditions, while remaining easy and low maintenance. The distinctive grey-blue foliage holds well through the season, with good tolerance to both heat and moderate cold once established. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Minimal pruning is required. Ideal as a specimen compact tree, well branched shrub or in mixed borders, it brings long-lasting structure and colour with very little effort.
Clematis 'Minamo-no-Yousei'
Exhibitor: Sparsholt College (Lucy Lewis)
Location: GPD051
Breeder: Tetsuya Hirota
Plant Supplier: Thompson & Morgan
Clematis 'Minamo-no-Yousei', also known as MOCHI, offers real novelty, with brushed, spray-like blooms that change in form over a 120-plus day flowering season. Early single flowers are more accessible to visiting insects, before later blooms develop into distinctive double forms. Its compact habit suits containers, small gardens and vertical planting. Its easy, low-maintenance nature fits modern gardens. Pruning in early spring encourages fresh growth and supports its long flowering season of 120 days. Compared to traditional Clematis, its compact habit makes it easier to manage and perfect for patios and urban gardens. The continuously changing flowers provide extended interest without additional maintenance.
Dicentra 'Passion Hearts'
Exhibitor: Gardeners Delight Nursery (Nicholas Wade)
Location: GPF096
Breeder: Hans Hansen from Walter Gardens
Plant Supplier: Gardeners Delight Nursery
Dicentra ‘Passion Hearts’ offers a step change for gardeners, transforming Dicentra from a niche, shade-loving perennial into a versatile, sun-performing garden staple. Its continuous flowering for 150+ days, high bud count, and striking bicolour blooms provide exceptional garden value across a long season. Combined with refined foliage and adaptability to well-drained, sunny sites, it meets the demand for resilient, low-maintenance plants suited to changing climates. It delivers both innovation and strong visual appeal, making it highly relevant for contemporary planting schemes.
Streptocarpus 'Sirius'
Exhibitor: Dibleys Nurseries (Paul Dibley)
Location: GPD057
Breeder: Lynne Dibley
Plant Supplier: Dibleys Nurseries
This fully double variety produces vast numbers of large, inky purple flowers with deep purple veins over a pale-yellow base. Early flowering, quick growing, and exceptionally vigorous and floriferous over a very long season. ‘Sirius’ produces sterile flowers that last significantly longer than standard streptocarpus blooms, dramatically reducing the need for deadheading. These extended flowering displays require minimal maintenance. Flower markings intensify over several days. Streptocarpus 'Sirius' matches and surpasses Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Blue'—the inaugural Chelsea Plant of the Year winner in 2010—cementing decades of excellence in British breeding.
Rosa AMIROSE ('Korhulth005')
Exhibitor: Hare Spring Cottage Plants (Stella Exley)
Location: GPC028
Breeder: Kordes Roses
Plant Supplier: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
AMIROSE is a unique new variety offering a compact ground cover hybrid form of Rosa persica with fragrant flowers produced all summer long. Flowers start as peach-coloured buds, opening to a beautiful pink with a purple heart. AMIROSE will flower for 175 days and is a drought tolerant and healthy species. Easy to grow, extremely disease resistant, fragrant and drought tolerant it is ideal for containers, borders and mass landscape plantings. Prune back with shears to shape in early spring and summer to reduce size.
Anthurium MICHELLE®
Exhibitor: Growtropicals (Jacob James)
Location: GPF077
Breeder: Dr Jeff Block
Plant Supplier: Growtropicals
Anthurium MICHELLE® boasts striking, heart-shaped leaves with a luscious, glossy sheen that instantly adds elegance to any space. Its vibrant green foliage is adorned with intricate veins, creating a mesmerising pattern that draws the eye and invites closer inspection. In medium-filtered light, Anthurium MICHELLE® has an extraordinarily dark emergent leaf with purple veins that evolve into burgundy-black hues with contrasting white veins. The distinctive backside of the leaf evolves from emergent purple, lightening through lavender hues. Anthurium MICHELLE® isn't just a feast for the eyes—it's also a joy to care for. With its resilient nature and low-maintenance requirements, it thrives with less humidity and watering requirements than other Anthurium foliage plants on the market.
Rosa WATFORD FOREVER ('Harjester')
Exhibitor: Harkness Rose Company (Rachelle Kent)
Location: GPB022
Breeder: Philip Harkness
Plant Supplier: Harkness Rose Company
WATFORD FOREVER achieves multiple incremental advances in one variety of a notoriously difficult colour range. A strong petal structure holds a beautiful shape, a pointed bud and opening with a gloriously bright bloom with access for insects. The rigid petals give form throughout, lengthening the flower life. The plant possesses exceptional hardiness against winter damage for the colour, surviving low winter temperatures. The foliage nodes are at close intervals, giving a well-furnished plant with an abundance of leaf. WATFORD FOREVER is easy to grow and accessible to many gardeners.
Euphorbia × martini WALBERTON'S® LITTLE TREASURE® ('Waleulitr')
Exhibitor: Lee Connelly & Leigh Johnstone (Lee Connelly)
Location: GPF092
Breeder: Walberton Plants Limited
Plant Supplier: Walberton Plants Limited
Euphorbia × martini WALBERTON'S® LITTLE TREASURE® is the world’s first all yellow-leaf variety of Euphorbia × martini. The foliage is brightest yellow in early spring, before becoming green-yellow through the summer months. As the autumn nights turn colder, the yellow colouring returns and the tips of each stem develop a beautiful rusty-orange colour before the plant turns bright yellow again for the following spring. In addition, WALBERTON'S® LITTLE TREASURE® also produces clustered heads of yellow-green flowers with red nectaries in spring, often producing a second flush of flower in mid-summer. It is particularly well-suited to container cultivation, perhaps in combination with other bold plants such as dark-leaf Heuchera varieties or an arching grass. WALBERTON'S® LITTLE TREASURE® has a very compact and branching habit, making a neat dome-shaped plant.
