New and innovative plants are back in the spotlight this year at the prestigious New Plant Awards, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). A star attraction at the HTA National Plant Show 2013, the awards will showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK plant suppliers and a selection of international breeders.
This year the awards are delighted to welcome a new partnership with the RHS, a first time sponsor of the New Plant Awards. The partnership comes at an opportune time as the RHS celebrates the centennial of its famous Chelsea Flower Show which has proudly showcased flowers since 1914. Plants of the centenary will be on display for visitor’s to enjoy at the RHS stand.
Those submitting plants into the New Plant Awards can choose from six categories of: hardy nursery stock, herbaceous perennials, climbers, annuals, house plants and breeder innovation. Gold, Silver, Bronze and Best in Category awards will be presented, and Best in Category will go forward for Best in Show. Winners will be selected for the quality of plant, suitability for the market and whether it is an improvement on other plants currently available. Results will be announced and presented by the judging panel on the morning of Tuesday 25 June and all entries, along with the winners, will be displayed in the New Plant Area at the show.
In 2012 the New Plant Awards attracted over 100 entries with Hebe ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ from Tully Nurseries in Dublin crowned ‘Best in Show’. Following media coverage of the news Tully Nurseries received huge interest from nurseries and garden centres for the plant, and went on to win the best new plant award at the Bord Bia Glas Show and the accolade of best new plant in Ireland and the UK for 2013. Niamh Tully of Tully Nurseries commented, “We were absolutely thrilled when Rhubarb and Custard won Best in Show at the HTA National Plant Show. We secured large orders at the show and in the months that followed for 2013.”
In addition to the judges awards, visitors will also get the opportunity to have their say about which plant should win in the Visitor Vote, sponsored by Floramedia.
The Visitor Vote proved to be extremely popular in 2012 with Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Dark Angel’ from Darby Nursery Stock taking the award of Best New Plant. This year the awards of Best in Category and Best in Show will be presented on Wednesday 26 June at 3pm.
HTA Director of Business Development Tim Briercliffe comments, “The New Plant Awards attract an exceptionally high number of entries providing a rare and invaluable opportunity for visitors to be inspired by what really is the very best in new plants.”
RHS Head of Horticultural Relations Kylie Balmain said: “This is a great opportunity for the RHS as we are very keen to work more effectively across the UK trade to ensure we are promoting great plants to all UK gardeners. The RHS is actively working with breeders, growers and retailers to help promote good plants and deliver specific initiatives including – RHS Award of Garden Merit, Perfect for Pollinators Campaign, Chelsea Plant of the Year and the soon to be launched – RHS People’s choice for seasonal impact plants”
Visit the New Plant Area this year to see who’s won, cast your Visitor Vote and pick up some great new plant ideas.
The awards are open only to exhibitors and entry is free. Details of how to enter the New Plant Awards can be found on the website at: http://www.nationalplantshow.co.uk/index.php/exhibitors/exhibitor-area/new-plant-awards-entry-info
The deadline for entry registration is Friday 24 May 2013.
For further information about visiting or exhibiting at the HTA National Plant Show visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk
