Award-winners available at garden centres and plant retailers this season
Eight new plants from Wyevale Nurseries launched at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show will be available in garden centres nationwide this year. The plants competed in the New Plant Awards and four received top accolades.
Andy Johnson, Wyevale Nurseries’ managing director, said: “The awards showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK plant suppliers. It’s seen in the industry as the place for retailers to find the next bestselling new plant to inspire gardeners.
“Our entries included some that are great for pollinators and others that are perfect for anyone who has a smaller space and wants to have something stunning in a pot on their patio. Among the plants we submitted was Physocarpus opulifolius Magic Ball, which scooped a Best in Show and a Gold in the Shrubs and Climbers category.
“We also entered the thornless Rosa Cutie Pie, which won Gold in the Shrubs and Climbers category and the bee magnet Delphinium Red Lark, which was awarded Silver in the Herbaceous section.”
The eight new plants from Wyevale Nurseries were:
New plants from Wyevale Nurseries – Escallonia hybrid Showstopper
Hardy down to -8°C, this shrub reaches a height of 1.2m and spread of 80cm. This plant is compact and rounded in its nature, with white-pink flowers erupting in masses in July-September, which are a favourite of bees. Grows in any well-drained soil, can be planted in a bed or a patio pot. Available from May.
Rosa Cutie Pie
A dwarf and completely thornless rose! From May to late summer, this mound-forming rose erupts into hundreds of miniature pink/white flowers, adored by pollinators. Hardy to -25°C, this shrub is wonderful in a pot or dotted around beds, especially alpine borders. Cutie Pie requires no pruning, as the flowers fall off. Its compact nature means it will stay short and rounded. Available in June.
New plants from Wyevale Nurseries – Sarcococca Purple Gem
The accompaniment to Winter Gem, Purple Gem has deep purple/red stems, which stand out clearly against its dark glossy foliage. Purple Gem will grow in any soil type and is hardy to -18°C. White flowers with purple tips smother it from February to April – one of the first plants to wake up in your garden. The heavily scented flowers are another bonus. Available now.
Chionochloa Taupo Lights
Hailing from New Zealand, this variegated grass is compact and the perfect architectural garden plant. It grows to about 50cm but then puts out glorious plumes of flowers on 70cm stems. Hardy to -5°C. Plant Taupo Lights in a sheltered spot or keep it in a pot for the patio. Available from July.
New plants from Wyevale Nurseries – Lomandra longifolia Arctic Frost
Lomandra Arctic Frost is an evergreen grass-like perennial that thrives in sun or part shade. Hardy down to -10°C, this plant provides shelter for insects and other invertebrates as the foliage expands. Flowering from April to June, it boasts multiple flower spikes, which protrude from the mass of variegated foliage. It can be kept in pots or weaved through borders for architectural interest. Height and spread 60cm x 1m. Available from April.
Physocarpus opulifolius Magic Ball
A stunning shrub offering nearly year-round interest. Pink flowers erupt in July until September. Thrives in full sun or partial shade. This shrub has a compact habit with a maximum height and spread of 1.5m. It changes foliage colour numerous times throughout the growing season. Full hardy to -20°C. Available from July.
New plants from Wyevale Nurseries – Olearia phlogopappa Spring Bling
This aromatic shrub, known as the Daisy Bush, provides a haven for pollinators. The evergreen silver foliage is covered with white daisy-like flowers from April to June. Fully hardy, it will thrive in a pot or in a border. Prefers full sun, in well-drained soil. Height and spread 1.5m. Available from March.
Delphinium Red Lark
Stunning red plumes of flowers from April-June. Grow in full sun. It’s a hardy perennial by nature. The ultimate pot plant but striking grown at the back of borders too. Attracts bees in particular. Spread 50cm and in height 70cm with flowers. Available from July.
All the plants above are available from garden centres and plant retailers nationwide.
For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.
