Frank P Matthew’s Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN has received the prestigious Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association New Plant Awards, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, during this year’s HTA National Plant Show, taking place today and tomorrow (18 and 19 June) at the NAEC in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN clinched the top prize in the Trees category. This remarkable tree features fragrant cherry blossoms that attract bees. The Prunus ‘Fugenzo’ was first discovered in Suma-ura Park in Kobe, Japan, in 1990. The winning tree, while similar to the original, boasts unique flower colours and forms among all Sakura cherries. It showcases stunning, densely double-frilled flowers with white, pink, and green petals that deepen in colour as they age. This medium-sized, spreading tree has bronze young leaves that mature to green and display vibrant autumn colours. It’s an exceptional garden performer, thriving across all regions of the UK and in a variety of soil types, except those that are heavily waterlogged.

The new plant area at the HTA National Plant Show is bursting with ideas for new plants. This year, there has been a record number of 137 qualifying judged entries, the highest ever. Awards are given to the most innovative and exceptional plant varieties launched in the past year.

Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Awards judge, commented: “I am delighted that the winner is the Prunus Japanese Lantern, entered by Frank P. Matthews. It’s a remarkable breakthrough in blossom colour, starting with a beautiful greenish apple hue and a double flower that gradually transitions to white and then features a pink streak in the centre before becoming fully pink at the end. It's truly an amazing plant, and I believe the best plant won. I’m very happy."

Pippa Greenwood, HTA Horticulture Manager, said: “The 2025 HTA New Plant Awards were nothing short of extraordinary, with a record-breaking number of entries pre-judging – around 150 – making it our biggest year yet. What made it even more special was the incredible diversity across all categories, from houseplants and bedding to trees, shrubs, climbers and more. The quality was outstanding throughout – a real testament to the innovation and skill of UK growers.

“Our judging panel, specially chosen to reflect a wide range of expertise and geographical regions, had a real challenge on their hands. That regional spread is so important because every plant awarded, whether bronze, silver, or gold, needs to have real potential to thrive in gardens across the country.

“It’s been a genuinely exciting year, and we’ve never seen quite so many fantastic new plants gathered together in one place – a real treat for gardeners and the industry alike.”

Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past President and Down to Earth, added: “I'm absolutely delighted to see so many entries, such innovation, such really exciting plants. In fact, I wanted to take them all home and put them in my garden!"

Stephanie Dunn James, Director from Frank P Matthews, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to win Best in Show at the New Plant Awards here at the HTA National Plant Show this year. We knew Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN was a good variety. It’s such a special flowering cherry, with multiple colours on one tree. I’m especially thrilled for my Dad, as this is a variety he nurtured and cultivated. The whole team will be delighted.”

The winners

Annuals, Tender Perennials:

Beekenkamp Plants - LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose

Cacti & Succulents:

Javado UK - Cotyledon Green Footprint

Flowering Houseplants:

Profitplant BV - cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue

Foliage Houseplants:

Javado UK - Calathea ‘Velvet Glory’

Herbaceous Perennials:

Darby Nursery Stock Ltd & Fairweathers - Hosta 'Silly String'

Shrubs (including Conifers):

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company & Darby Nurseries - Hydrangea Zeta Noir

Trees:

Frank P Matthews Ltd - Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN

This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Cath Quinney, Bennybeg Plant Centre and sees a first year judging for Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past President and Down to Earth, Anisa Gress, Potting Shed Press and Liam Cleary, YPHA Committee Member and Old Railway Line Garden Centre. Pippa Greenwood, the HTA’s Horticulture Manager and Martin Simmons, HTA Member Engagement Manager oversee the panel. All entries are verified ahead of judging by Joy of Plants.

The judging process is thorough and based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including: 

• Aesthetic appeal 
• Commercial viability 
• Adaptability to various growing conditions 
• Unique to market

Awards presented include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Best in Category, and Best in Show. Receiving a New Plant Award is a prestigious honour that brings significant recognition and publicity to both the plant and its creators.  

In addition to the formal awards announcement, a dedicated seminar highlighted the winning plants with the judging panel discussing the key features and benefits of each winning entry and how they can support increased plant sales.