6 winners to try

Digitalis x valinii ‘Illumination

Pink’ (2012)

Hardy and compact (no need to stake), what sets this striking foxglove apart is the fact that it’s both perennial and sterile – it blooms for ages, yet still produces nectar. Part shade or sun. Flowers: Jun-Nov. HxS: 3x1½ft (90x45cm).

Clematis koreana ‘Amber’ (2016)

A winning combination of drooping yellow flowerheads on a compact plant that usually has two flushes of flowers and requires little pruning. Excellent for growing up a support in a pot. Flowers: May-Jul, then again in Sept. H&S: 6½ft (2m).

Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ (2011)

As well as distinctive colouring (the white flowers feature grey-blue undersides to the petals), this Japanese anemone has the bonus of a long flowering period, with blooms appearing intermittently from May to November. Great for shade. H&S: 1½ft (45cm).

Hydrangea ‘Miss Saori’ (2014) There’s certainly no mistaking this double-flowered mophead hydrangea, which has long-lasting blooms in an eye-catching blend of pink and white. Planted in full sun or partial shade, it will thrive in the border or in a large pot. Flowers: Jun-Oct. H&S: 39in (1m).

Sedum takesimense ‘Atlantis’ (2019) Perfect for a smaller garden, plant this drought-tolerant gem in hanging baskets and pots or use to grace rock gardens. It forms cushions of serrated variegated leaves topped by a foam of yellow flowers, loved by bees. Flowers: Jul-Sept. H&S (1ft) 30cm.

Mulberry ‘Charlotte Russe’ (2017) We couldn’t overlook the first edible plant to win Chelsea’s top prize. Compact mulberry bush ‘Charlotte Russe’ is perfect for a small garden and will fruit from a young age – and over a long period. Fruits: May-Sept. HxS: 5ftx39in (1½x1m).