The champs denied their Chelsea fame
THIS week should have seen the Chelsea Flower Show opening its gates to thousands of gardening enthusiasts. However, the showpiece event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and plant lovers will miss out on seeing scores of new varieties being unveiled. Well, they might not get the fanfare launch they deserve, but here’s my pick of the beauties that were due to make their debut.
JACARANDA ‘BONSAI BLUE’
Native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world, jacaranda trees can reach heights of 60ft or more. This is the world’s first dwarf variety, growing to just 5ft in height. Discovered in Japan and taking ten years to develop, it boasts ferny foliage and trumpetshaped blue flowers in late May and June. It’s hardy down to -2C. making it perfect for displaying in patio pots outdoors in summer. £25.99 from suttons.co.uk
STREPTOCARPUS ‘CARNIVAL’
A cracking houseplant for east- or west-facing windowsills, or a shaded greenhouse, this cape primrose boasts blooms that are up to 2in across – the upper petals are snowy white, while the lower ones are violet blue with intricate veining. The slightly ruffled flowers are borne over a long period, generally from March to late autumn. £4.50 from dibleys.com
LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA ‘LITTLE LANTERNS’
A compact form of Himalayan honeysuckle, ‘Little Lanterns’ is ideal for large pots or small gardens as it only grows to 4ft. This deciduous shrub offers a long season of interest, starting in spring with a flush of lime green leaves that develop on red stems. In summer, foliage turns bright yellow and acts as a backdrop to pendulous clusters of white flowers, which are followed by purple berries in autumn. £12.99 from Hillier, hillieronline.co.uk
CLEMATIS ‘MULTI PINK’
A sport of old variety ‘Hagley Hybrid’, this possesses blooms that are the same shell pink colour of its parent but are far blowsier – each ruffled, double bloom can measure up to 9in across, and the flowers have an exotic air. This climber only grows to around 8ft and will flower twice, first in May and June, followed by a second flush in late summer and early autumn. £16 from Taylors Clematis, taylorsclematis.co.uk ROSE ‘THE COUNTRY PARSON’
Named after The Diary of a Country Parson by James Woodforde, this is the latest in a line of literary varieties from world famous David Austin Roses. An English shrub type with double, near flat rosettes of pure yellow that pack a fruity punch, it will turn heads from June until the first frosts. Forming a 3 1/2ft high by 3 1/2ft wide bush, this rose has good tolerance to diseases thanks to its Scottish ancestry. £29 from davidaustinroses.co.uk THE RHS will stage a ‘virtual’ Chelsea Flower Show online from tomorrow to Saturday featuring tours of nurseries, Q&A sessions, and a chance to vote for the Chelsea plant of the decade. RHS members will also have access to exclusive material if they log in at rhs.org.uk.