The winners of the first Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year were announced this morning. The winner is Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Blue', introduced by Dibley's Nurseries. Here are three winners.
Winner: Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Blue'
Raised by Lynne Dibley and exhibited here for the first time. The first flat-flowering bi-colour streptocarpus, with yellow on the lower petals making a striking contrast to the baby-blue upper petals. A compact plant with masses of flowers. Available from: Dibleys Nurseries, as plug plants, by mail order.
Second: Gaura lindheimeri 'Ruby Ruby'
Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants have been working with Gaura breeding for the last six years. Initially with 'Chiffon' then 'Rosyjane', now on this line comes 'Ruby Ruby'. It is a continuing breeding programme using G. lindheimeri in open pollination and with judicial selection. Available from: Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants - currently out of stock
Third: Cypripedium flavum - white flowered form
A hardy lady's slipper orchid, Cypripedium flavum is found in China but these are mostly yellow flowered with reflexed sepals and petals. White flowers are very uncommon and superior. Plants can be grown in a pot or planted in the garden; they require partial shade, good drainage and moisture in summer. Available from: McBeans Ltd - but not currently listed on their website.