Garden centres keen to support the horticultural industry charity Perennial can this month order two special salvias for delivery in the summer to help raise funds for the organisation...

Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries says the new plants, which were launched at the 2022 Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show, will be available for retailers to sell to gardeners in mid-June.

Colin Stanley, Retail Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, explains: “We’ve 2,500 of each of our two new salvias – Salvia gregii Cuello Pink and Salvia gregii Cuello White – and they will be ready for delivery to garden centres and for consumers to buy mid-June. The cuttings have recently arrived at Seiont Nurseries, who are working with us on the project, for rooting, before making their way to us for potting on very soon.

“Each plant sold will be helping to raise essential funds and awareness for Perennial, which supports people working in, and retired from, our industry. As part of this special Plant for Perennial promotion, our salvias will be branded with a Perennial linked picture label and will be in taupe kerbside recyclable pots.”

Both salvias are new to the market and flower early summer to late autumn, are bush forming and wildlife friendly. They are hardy to -5°c and reach a height and spread of 70-80cm.

Colin adds: “Plant for Perennial is a collaborative scheme between the charity and four major wholesale nurseries in Hereford and Worcester, including us. It’s designed to raise awareness and funds to support all those who work with plants, flowers, grass or trees.

“We’re very keen to promote Perennial’s work, especially since it’s closely linked with Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) and we’ve colleagues who are members of this organisation.”

Wyevale Nurseries and the other three commercial growers involved in the scheme are selling a range of plants for the charity. They are working together to help support the organisation and to highlight the services it provides to the commercial horticultural sector and across the industry.

The plant selection includes the two salvias from Wyevale Nurseries, Dianthus ‘Pink Celebration’ from Allensmore Nurseries, available in garden centres now, Nemesia ‘Peaches and Cream’ from The Bransford Webbs Plant Company available from mid-March and Clematis ‘Prince George’ from New Leaf Plants available from April.

Perennial supports those working in, and retired from, the horticultural industry, and their families, through many of life’s challenges, which may be overwhelming. It understands the devastating impact bereavement, money worries, ill health, homelessness, redundancy and family breakdown can have on lives, and that everyone can experience financial difficulties.

Phil Swainston, Corporate Partnership Manager at Perennial, explains: “Plants for Perennial is an exciting and worthy collaboration between four renowned nurseries to highlight the services we provide to the commercial horticultural sector and spread the message that we’re here for all those working in horticulture who need help. It’s a great example of how businesses can come together in support of us.

“In November 2021, Allensmore Nurseries Managing Director Mark Taylor attended a Perennial event at Perennial’s Laskett Garden near Hereford. After a conversation with Perennial Trustee Richard Lawton, Mark decided to come up with a scheme that would generate funds for Perennial. He originally invited Bransford Webbs and Wyevale Nurseries to join him in creating the Plant for Perennial promotion and New Leaf came on board more recently.

“This collaboration between these fantastic nurseries is a great example of how the industry can support the charity through a cause related marketing scheme and it will be a great vehicle for spreading our message that Perennial is here for all those working in horticulture that need our help. Now, more than ever, is the time to be aware of the impact rising energy, fuel and food bills has had and will continue to have on the entire horticultural industry.”

The two salvias will be available for gardeners to buy mid-June but can be ordered by garden centres that wish to stock the plants now.

For further details about the Plants for Perennial salvias or Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.