The RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition is entering its 15th year and celebrates exceptional new plants launched since last year’s show and highlights the latest advances and trends in garden plant breeding. This year, 18 plants entered by businesses exhibiting at the show were shortlisted for the competition.
In the first phase of judging, eight horticultural experts shortlist their top entries, with judging based on three key criteria: novelty and innovation, garden performance and sustainability, and impact and appeal.
The shortlisted plants, as listed below, will go on to be displayed at the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year stand within the Great Pavillion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where they will be judged by members of the seven RHS Expert Groups comprised of plant specialists from across the industry. After judging the plants in person at RHS Chelsea on Press Day, group members will then vote for their chosen plant. The result will be announced on Tuesday 20th May.
Group members who are unable to see the plants on display will be able to vote online, based on technical information and images provided. Outcomes from both the online and in person vote will be compared to see how they differ.
Please note that information in this document is provided by exhibitors and is subject to change. Plants are new to the UK and/or available for UK gardeners to buy since last year’s RHS Chelsea.
RHS Plant of the Year Shortlist
Salvia TROPICOLOUR SUNRISE ('Tropog021') (Tropicolour Series)
Exhibited by: Middleton Nurseries
Breeder: La Rolando Uría & Francisco Lozano
This easy-to-grow Salvia requires no deadheading. Vibrant orange-red petals are contrasted by coppery-yellow calyxes, and its deep green leaves have striking purple undersides – a unique colour combination in the salvia market.
Hosta 'Party Streamers'
Exhibited by: Sienna Hosta
Supplied by: Fairweather’s Nursery
Breeder: Hans Hansen (Walter's Gardens)
Hosta 'Party Streamers’ is the perfect combination of vigour, size, floral performance and leaf shape. A dramatic departure from rounded and heart shaped Hosta leaves, the attractive narrow grass-like leaves comprise a perennial plant ideal for shady areas of the garden. It is a gold, narrow leaf Hosta with ruffled edges that gives the illusion it is always in motion.
Hosta 'Silly String'
Exhibited by: Sienna Hosta
Supplied by: Fairweather’s Nursery
Breeder: Hans Hansen (Walter's Gardens)
This Hosta exemplifies innovative plant breeding as it is a departure from the traditional Hosta with heart shaped leaves. 'Silly String' has narrow, wavy leaves with a blue colouration. It is an extremely vigorous plant that grows quickly, it also has a multitude of attractive lavender flowers on proportionate stems.
Clematis ELPIS ('Evigsy154')
Exhibited by: Raymond Evison Clematis
Supplied by: The Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd
Breeder: Raymond J Evison Ltd
This is a red Clematis with notable outstanding foliage, a trait not akin to red cultivars. This, with the volume of blooms from new growth and tertiary flowers, makes for a very full impactful display, which lasts from late April through to June and again in late summer into early autumn. The name and back story have meaning for many as Raymond Evison Clematis raise awareness of male cancers with two
associated charities.
Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis ZAMBEZI ('Kek5006')
Exhibited by: Gardeners Delight Nursery
Supplied by: Sarah Raven
Breeder: Keith Kirsten
This Agapanthus with broad dark green leaves streaked with creamy-yellow variegation and edged by a golden-yellow margin. Its long-lasting violet flowers grow on tall stems. It is easy to grow with some winter hardiness to -7°C and works well in smaller spaces and containers.
Salvia 'Peach Melba'
Exhibited by: Proctor’s Nursery
Supplied by: Sarah Raven
Breeder: New World Plants
A pollinator magnet with large, two-tone peach and deep pink flowers in bloom for six months. With a neat and bushy habit, this Salvia is hardy, versatile and adaptable for a changing climate, coping with warmer and drier conditions. Easy to grow and trouble-free, it is ideal for smaller gardens, mixed borders and container growing.
Rhododendron molle subsp. japonicum PINK STAR ('Mapo 2')
Exhibited by: Sparsholt College
Supplied by: Thompson & Morgan
Breeder: Martin Ponjee
‘Pink Star’ stands out with its unique, eye-catching flowers in deep reddish pink, with an extraordinary 20-30 petals. This richly flowering rhododendron reaches 100cm in four years and is winter hardy to -15°C. A true showstopper, combining elegance with true garden resilience. Its striking foliage further enhances its appeal.
Hemerocallis SEE YOU TOMORROW ('Huhe01')
Exhibited by: Sparsholt College
Supplied by: Thompson & Morgan
Breeder: Michel van't Hul
A day lily with flowers that last up to seven days each. 'See you Tomorrow' brings long lasting flowers to a genus known for flowers that last just one day. It will thrive in most soils including heavy clay. Hardiness down to -18 ºC ensures repeat performance every year.
Deutzia PRETTISTARS PINK CLOUD (‘Botex 015’)
Exhibited by: Stonebarn Landscapes Ltd
Supplied by: Suttons
Breeder: Botanic Experience BV
The versatility of 'Pink Cloud' makes it a plant for every garden and a highlight wherever it is planted. From a balcony pot to a stately mixed border, it lends well to any space acting as a star performer as spring turns to summer. Flowers buds resemble delicate pearls, before flowering in a profusion of white and pink blushed petals for weeks of early summer colour. It is extremely hardy to -20°C, returning each year with ease, and has no known issues with plant diseases or pests.
Philadelphus PETITE PERFUME PINK ('P1')
Exhibited by: Sparsholt College
Supplied by: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Breeder: Alan Postill
This is the first truly pink flowering Philadelphus. Deep pink buds open to pure pink flowers, the outside of the petals then fade to pale pink while leaving a pink centre. With a compact habit, it is ideal for any garden size with a rich fragrance. It is an easy to grow variety, trouble free and thrives in most conditions. Its compact nature means that it requires no pruning.
Geranium × oxonianum GOLD NUGGET ('Hillger')
Exhibited by: Sparsholt College
Supplied by: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Breeder: Alan Postill
This Geranium forms a perfectly symmetrical circular mound with bright golden foliage patterned with red markings. In early summer, pink flowers emerge to contrast against the foliage. It is an easy to grow perennial, excellent in a pot or border in full sun to light shade.
Streptocarpus 'Betty'
Exhibited by: Dibleys Nurseries
Breeder: Lynne Dibley
An easy to grow, compact houseplant that flowers year-round with large, sky-blue flowers with a flash of deep purple. Strong stems give it an upright habit in a quick growing variety.
Prunus CRYSTAL FALLS
Exhibited by: Plant Heritage
Supplied by: Frank P Matthews Trees
Breeder: Ken Tobutt
‘Crystal Falls’ is the first weeping, winter flowering ornamental cherry. A hardy variety with unique densely double, dainty, pure white flowers and a neat weeping habit. Flowering can often be for up to 2-3 months from mid-December. The flowers are very robust, sustaining no frost damage. The steeply weeping form of this ornamental cherry means that it will grow in all sizes of garden and even in pots.
Hydrangea FAIRYTRAIL WHITE ('Wnhydfbvywmh') (Fairytrail Series)
Exhibited by: Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Supplied by: Bransford Webbs Plant Company
Breeder: Mr. Ushio Sakazaki of WinGen LLC
This plant is the fruit of the continued breeding effort by Mr. Sakazaki. The mophead shaped flowers are a breakthrough in this type of Hydrangea with long trailing stems and flowers at every leaf node covering the entire plant. Thrives in a semi-shaded spot, requiring no pruning, it’s ideal for containers, hanging baskets and open ground.
Rhapiolepsis indica 'White Cloud'
Exhibited by: Sparsholt College
Supplied by: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Breeder: Peter van Groningen
This Rhapiolepsis has a tidy free branching habit producing a dense mounded shrub bearing prolific, white, fragrant flowers. It thrives in a variety of conditions, is low-maintenance, and provides exceptional resilience to both drought and cold, making it perfect for modern gardens
Fuchsia MAMBO ‘Kerfumam’ (Patio Dancers Series)
Exhibited by: Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Supplied by: Kerley & Co
Breeder: Tim Kerley of Kerley & Co
‘Mambo’ is one of 5 varieties in the ‘Patio Dancers’ series, which combines the aesthetic traits of traditional varieties with the plant habit and earlier flowering of modern innovation. Shorter internodes and better branching make a compact classic, perfect for patios, balconies and smaller gardens.
Lomandra longifolia MINER'S GOLD ('Km-mg24')
Exhibited by: Ashcroft's Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Breeder: Keith Miner & Jen Miner
Unlike traditional green varieties, 'Miner's Gold' adds a unique, luminous dimension, making it a standout selection for designers and gardeners. Its elegant, weeping habit and cascading golden foliage make it a stunning focal point, accent plant or mass planting ground cover. Once established, it is incredibly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water or maintenance to thrive.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Lady in Red'
Exhibited by: Ashcroft’s Perennials and Ornamental Grasses
Breeder: Krzystof Slowinski
‘Lady in Red’ has a beautiful mix of dark purple and green leaves in the summer, undergoing a spectacular autumn colour change to vivid red as temperatures drop. This makes for a stunning contrast with the silver panicle flowers. Year-round interest, low maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
Other New Plants Appearing at RHS Chelsea
Clematis BARONESS FOOKES ('Evigsy156')
Exhibited by: Raymond Evison Clematis
Supplied by: The Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd
Breeder: Raymond J Evison Ltd
The ruffled edges of this Clematis’ flowers add great texture to an already impactful plant. It’s free-flowering nature produces repeat blooms on both new growth and as tertiary flowers. The flowers are also longer lasting and in unusual colours for a modern Clematis that is easy to prune. A compact habit allows for container growing and for placement in mid to front borders where it pairs nicely with climbing plants that have bare bases.
Clematis BRIDGEWATER ('Evigsy155')
Exhibited by: Raymond Evison Clematis
Supplied by: The Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd
Breeder: Raymond J Evison Ltd
A new Clematis with repeating flowers of soft pink for colour in both April/June and September. The plant is extremely free, repeat and long flowering and is simple to prune.
Lathyrus odoratus ‘Amy Dowden’
Exhibited by: English Sweet Peas
Breeder: Phil Johnson of English Sweet Peas
Sweet pea ‘Amy Dowden’ boasts large frilly petals of soft rose pink on a white with a sweet scent. This glittering new variety not only flowers over a long period in the summer but regularly bears at least five flowers on each stem, most varieties only have up to four. Sweet pea ‘Amy Dowden’ is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any garden or floral arrangement.
*Not entered for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year
Salvia 'Berry Blast'
Exhibited by: Proctor’s Nursery
Supplied by: Sarah Raven
Breeder: New World Plants
This Salvia has a compact habit with intense purple flowers, ideal for smaller gardens and container growing. Versatile and adaptable for a changing climate, coping with periods of low rainfall and higher temperatures. Its flowers are loved by pollinators too.
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fondant Fancy'
Exhibited by: British Cosmos
Supplied by: Jonathan Sheppard/Thompson & Morgan
Breeder: Thompson & Morgan
This Cosmos is the first with fused petals and a distinctive two-tone central ring. This unique structure not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a more stable landing platform for pollinators, making it both an ornamental and wildlife-friendly innovation. Easy to grow, drought tolerant and thrives in poor soil an effortless way to add long-lasting colour to the garden.
Hydrangea paniculata LITTLELIGHT ('Hylv19557') (Gardenlights Series)
Exhibited by: Burncoose Nurseries
Supplied by: Javado UK - Leybaert
Breeder: Lendert de Vos
A hardy, low-maintenance Hydrangea that’s compact yet spectacular. Unlike traditional varieties, this new introduction remains neat and self-supporting, with sturdy branches that hold blooms upright, even after rain. This innovation makes it perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers.
Heuchera ETERNAL FLAME ('Fjf 1811')
Exhibited by: Hare Spring Cottage Plants
Supplied by: Thompson & Morgan
Breeder: Frédéric Lafontaine
Fiery veined foliage taking lime green margins in spring and summer and reddish-pink flower panicles set 'Eternal Flame' apart from other Heuchera. A robust, compact habit, full hardiness and vigour against common disease like powdery mildew, make it a perfect low-maintenance addition to any planting scheme.
Molinia caerulea 'Banshee'
Exhibited by: Hare Spring Plants
Supplied by: Thompson & Morgan
Breeder: Tomasz Grochowski and Artur Maj
Molinia 'Banshee' brings ever changing colour and texture to this popular group of ornamental grasses. Graceful, airy flower spikes flow through shades of dark purple to red and the palest pink. With orange-yellow flower stems in autumn, ‘Banshee’ offers long garden interest - even its winter silhouette adds beauty.
Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER BLUSH ('Lc No21')
Exhibited by: Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Supplied by: Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Breeder: Alex Schoemaker Living Creations Holding B.V.
Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER BLUSH is the world’s first true groundcover Hydrangea. Its naturally mounding shape, vigorous branching, and outward-reaching stems create a neat, cascading form. A profusion of blooms transition from pristine white to deep pink, offering season-long visual impact in gardens and landscapes.
Mandevilla SUNDAVILLE VERONA RED ('Sunpa 1362') (Sundaville Series)
Exhibited by: Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Supplied by: Suntory Flowers Europe
Breeder: Suntory Flowers Europe
‘Verona Red’ brings a mediterranean feel to UK gardens. It has a more compact, floriferous, multi branching habit and is both cold and drought tolerant. Its intense red flowers do not fade in the sun, and it is perfect as a patio plant.
Geum FIRESTARTER ('Stocrgeu')
Exhibited by: Blue Diamond Garden Centre
Supplied by: Blue Diamond Garden Centre
Breeder: Fred Yates In conjunction with Greg Freer Stocks Lane Nursery.
A full double large flowered Geum in the deepest of red that has a long flowering season of up to three months. Its stems are rigid to hold up the large flowers. This colour development on a full double flower adds a new dimension to the range of Geum currently available. The long flowering season will give great garden performance and allow gardeners to get the most out of this versatile plant.
