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This breakthrough plant suits gardens large and small
The first truly pink-flowered Philadelphus has been crowned the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2025.
Philadelphus Petite Perfume Pink is a deciduous shrub that's compact, easy to grow, and requires no pruning, making it ideal for any garden. This mock orange cultivar prefers full sun to light shade and is fully hardy in the UK. Its deep pink buds will open to fragrant flowers – the outer petals fade to pale pink with dark pink centres.
Bred by Hampshire-based breeder Alan Postill and supplied by Hillier Nurseries, Philadelphus was crowned the winner among a shortlist of 16 plants.
'Alan had been breeding in his own garden at home with the goal of getting pink into Philadelphus, and developing a compact variety that will work well in a modern garden with amazing perfume,' explains Charles Carr, head of wholesale at Hillier Nurseries. 'Petite Perfume Pink does it all.'
Two runners-up have been announced: Hosta 'Silly String' and Salvia Tropicolour Sunrise. Discover more about these highly recommended plants below.
Hosta 'Silly String' is a dramatic departure from the usual heart-shaped leaves. Perfect for containers or the front of a shady garden, it boasts narrow blue leaves with intensely wavy margins. Vigorous and fast-growing, it forms a cascading mound of foliage with pale purple flower spikes in summer. It was bred by Hans Hansen (Walter's Gardens) and supplied by Fairweather's Nursery.
Salvia Tropicolour Sunrise is an easy-to-grow salvia and requires no deadheading. It's defined by vibrant orange-red petals contrasting with coppery yellow calyces, and deep green leaves with striking purple undersides. It was bred by La Rolando Uría and Francisco Lozano and exhibited by Middleton Nurseries.
More RHS Chelsea 2025 news:
• All 36 gardens and winners at RHS Chelsea 2025
• David Austin Roses unveils 'The King's Rose' at RHS Chelsea
• Joe Swift on the Chelsea Flower Show garden he's most excited about
The annual RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year award celebrates outstanding plants with a new or improved feature, setting them apart from those already on the market. Floral exhibitors are invited to enter new plants into the competition ahead of the show, before an RHS panel and industry pros whittle down the contenders.
The judges' decision is based on three criteria: novelty and innovation, garden performance, and likely appeal for UK gardeners. The final vote is informed by the submitted entry information and the 'wow factor' of the plants on display, which can be seen inside the Great Pavilion.
Last year, Prunus 'Starlight', a winter and spring ornamental flowering cherry, won the coveted Plant of the Year title.
Want to get your hands on these award-winning plants? Shop the top three below...
A breakthrough pink-flowered Philadelphus, this dwarf mock orange cultivar attracts bees and butterflies, and will excel in a variety of different settings, including woodland-themed or scented gardens, or containers on a patio or porch.
With long, narrow, wavy leaves, this shade-loving perennial will thrive in gardens and containers alike. Its ruffled leaves form a neat cascading mound, and come summer, its pale purple flowers will rise above the foliage. It's tolerant of pollution too.
Bright orange flowers make this a standout summer plant. With a neat and upright growth habit, it forms a compact clump of aromatic deep green foliage with purple undersides – a unique colour combination in the salvia market. It attracts bees and pollinators to borders, raised beds or large containers.
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