The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the winner of the distinguished RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year at the opening of the highly anticipated horticultural show.
The × Semponium ‘Destiny’ took out the top spot in this year’s competition, beating out 19 other shortlisted contenders who were vying for the top spot.
The hardy x Semponium ‘Destiny’, bred by Daniel Michael and exhibited by Surreal Succulents is a hybrid between an Aeonium and Sempervivum. It features a deep purple colour, with its vibrant colour flourishing best in Summer and Winter.
Taking out second place was the Armeria pseudarmeria ‘Dreamland’ (Dreameria Series) which was bred by Plant Growers Australia and exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes Ltd. The disease and pest resistant flower blooms with salmon-pink, globe-shaped flowers for seven to eight months beginning in early Spring.
Third place was awarded to the Salvia PINK AMISTAD (‘Arggr17-011’) which was bred by the famous Argentinian plantsman Rolando Uria. The cousin of S. ‘Amistad’, this variety flowers from late Spring to Autumn, with pink flowers and 1 metre tall upright stems that thrive in both the sun and partial shade.
The winning entry was selected by a panel of over 100 plant experts with the annual competition celebrating the work of breeders and nurseries in growing new plant varieties. The panel of judges took into consideration such factors as innovation, impact, appeal when picking the final winner.
The winning plants and the finalists are on display in the Great Pavilion (stand GP224) at RHS Chelsea from 24 to 28 May.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show kicked off with a bang, with Royals and Dames in attendance to see the most influential garden show of the year.
This year’s flower show includes a tribute to their patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to commemorate her Platinum Jubilee with sculptured portraits created by floral arrangements.
The Queen looked regal as she was driven around the gardens in a golf buggy, wearing a pink coat and white gloves, her outfit tied together by a fabulous string of pearls around her neck. She was joined by her son Prince Edward and his wife the Countess of Wessex, Sophie.
The 96-year-old was shown around the 80 exhibits by the president of The Royal Horticultural Society, Keith Weed.
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Along with the Royal family, another notable face in attendance at the Chelsea Flower Show was Dame Judi Dench and Dame Joanna Lumley.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a five-day event held by the Royal Horticultural Society, beginning in 1912.
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