The shortlist of 20 plants going through the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year competition have been chosen by committee members and curatorial staff. Low temperatures and a lack of sunshine meant several entries unfortunately failed to flower in time for the competition but despite this plant types from shrubs through to annuals are represented on the shortlist ensuring judges tomorrow have a difficult task on their hands finding an overall winner.
The shortlist can be seen in the Great Pavilion GP5 arranged alongside the 10 plants vying for the one-off title of RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Centenary.
Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Damsel’
Unusual pale cream colour and blue veined pattern, free-flowering for up to 10 months of the year. Best grown on a west-facing windowsill, kept slightly on the dry side.
Billbergia ‘Hallelujah’
Among the easiest houseplants to grow, this striking form with burgundy and cream foliage is native to South America. It will grow well in good, indirect light.
Chive ‘Cha Cha’
An unusual and striking forme with a false inflorescence of mini-leaves instead of flowers. Hardy, edible and ornamental, it will grow in a variety of soil types and aspects.
Lathyrus odoratus ‘Chelsea Centenary’
Bred as a multi-flora type with up to nine blue/lavender florets of on each spike. Blooms have a classic sweet pea scent.
Lavandula angustifolia PLATINUM BLONDE (‘Momparler’)
A new cultivar of English lavender discovered as a sport near Valencia, Spain. Foliage has a vibrant cream-variegation in spring and summer.
Lupinus nanus ‘Snow Pixie’
White, hardy annual lupin bred for its repeat-flowering quality and sweet pea-like fragrance. Easy to grow and attractive to bees.
Strawberry ‘Malling Centenary’
Hardy, early summer fruiting strawberry with excellent flavour, appearance and storage. Named to celebrate 100 years of horticultural research at East Malling Research station in Kent.
Tropaeolum ‘Fruit Salad’
Compact yet vigorous nasturtium which will trail or climb with support. Fragrant, bicoloured flowers (cream with an orange flame) are edible and have attractive serrated petals against dark foliage.
Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Real Neat’
Pure white blooms have unusual spoon-shaped petals with a feather-like appearance. A strong, hardy plant enjoying well-drained soil and full sun.
Nepeta grandiflora ‘Summer Magic’
A catmint with a compact habit flowering freely from May to October. Very hardy, likes well-drained soil and a sunny aspect.
Lilium ‘Sweet Desire’
The first tetraploid ‘Tango’ LA hybrid (Asiatic x ‘Tango’ Asiatic) from Vletter Den Haan. This gives it extra large sweetly scented flowers of a yellow/cream with small, delicate burgundy spots near the centre. It thrives in any well-drained soil and is hardy to -14°C.
Lilium ‘Zirconia’
An OOT hybrid (Oriental Trumpet backcrossed with and Oriental) which is an extremely strong grower with highly scented yellow/cream flowers. Grows in any well-drained soil and is hardy to -20C.
Diascia SUNDIASCIA ROSE PINK (Sundiascia Series)
A true hardy perennial. Upright large-petalled dark pink flowers are produced in profusion on tall stems.
Rosa DUNHAM MASSEY (‘Beajelly’)
Peter Beales Roses. Peter Beales Roses.GPD15.
Clusters of fully double, delicately perfumed candy pink blooms appear throughout the summer months contrasting with the mid-green healthy foliage.
Heuchera ‘Thomas’ (Fox Series)
Beautiful red-veined green foliage with large cream flowers on tall stems. Thrives in partial or full shade and can withstand drought or rain if grown in well-drained soil.
Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’
Fascinating new form with unusual, delicate ferny foliage which softens borders. Bright lemon yellow, scented blooms are followed by attractive blue berries.
Clematis ‘Kaiser’
Spectacular, deep pink rosette-like blooms flower freely on a compact plant which is happy in partial shade and rich, moist soil with good drainage.
Clematis ‘Lemon Dream’
Unusually large double blooms of white with a green tinge and a subtle grapefruit scent. A very hardy variety which needs no pruning and modest feeding.
Aeonium ‘Poldark’
Multi-branching dark succulent which keeps its colour even in the winter months. Drought tolerant and low maintenance. Keep frost free.
Viola ‘Windmill’
Highly scented, vanilla-white flowers have pale violet flushed top petals. Can be used as a cut flower with its tall, strong stems and long lasting
blooms.
Source: RHS Chelsea Flower Show – RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2013
