Immerse yourself in the world of gardening and nature’s wonders at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This extraordinary event invites gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and admirers of floral beauty to indulge in a celebration of plants and garden artistry.
Explore our top 10 plants at Chelsea Flower Show past and present, handpicked to showcase the finest specimens. Be prepared to be awestruck by Chelsea’s beloved plants, witness the groundbreaking winners of the prestigious ‘Plant of the Year’ award from previous years, and be enchanted by the combinations of plants used in the Chelsea gardens throughout history.
Top 10 Plants at Chelsea Flower Show
Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’
Chelsea Plant of the Year 2018
Introducing the remarkable Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’, a groundbreaking hydrangea variety that has garnered widespread acclaim and prestigious awards.
This exceptional plant rightfully earned the title of the best new plant introduction at the esteemed RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018.
The delicate white lacecap flowers, as they mature, acquire a captivating pink hue, adding an additional layer of beauty to their already enchanting appearance.
Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Chelsea Plant of the Centenary
Honoured as the RHS Plant of the Centenary at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in 2013, this remarkable plant is a true gem in the floral world.
Sporting large, saucer-shaped flowers, measuring up to 5 cm across, in a captivating violet-blue hue with elegant white centres, it graces the landscape throughout the summer season. Its stunning blooms are complemented by mounds of slightly-marbled, deep green foliage, creating a visually striking combination.
This exceptional plant serves as the perfect choice for underplanting roses, lending a touch of enchantment to their surroundings. Additionally, it effortlessly fills any gaps in the front of a border, adding a burst of colour and texture.
Philadelphus Virginal
Chelsea Favourite
During the months of June and July, this deciduous shrub becomes adorned with an abundance of double flowers in a pure white hue. These fragrant blossoms gracefully emerge amidst a backdrop of deep green leaves, which transform into a vibrant yellow during the autumn season.
On balmy summer evenings, the delicate aroma of orange blossom wafts through the air, creating a delightful ambiance from these flowers. In addition to its visual allure, this shrub acts as a magnet for bees, while demonstrating resilience against the challenges of urban pollution and salty air.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ Foxglove
Chelsea Favourite
Thanks to a groundbreaking breeding achievement, the remarkable ‘Dalmatian’ foxgloves have emerged, showcasing their ability to typically flower during their very first year.
This particular cultivar showcases captivating spires of thimble-shaped flowers that truly steal the spotlight, gracefully unfurling from the base of the stem as summer sets in. Beloved for its magnificent display, this foxglove variety is sure to capture your heart.
Anemone ‘Wild Swan’
New Plant of The Year at Chelsea Flower Show 2011
Crowned as the esteemed recipient of the Chelsea New Plant of the Year award in 2011, this Anemone variety was not only discovered but diligently trialled over a decade by Elizabeth MacGregor on her Scottish nursery.
The outcome is a botanical wonder that graciously blooms from May to November, captivating its beholders.
Perfectly suited for woodland gardens or partially shaded beds, this gem boasts an extended flowering period and enchanting colouration, ensuring its swift rise to popularity among horticultural enthusiasts.
Salvia nemorosa Caradonna
Chelsea Favourite
Graceful and slender, these captivating blooms emerge in a symphony of colours.
Rising above a neatly formed cluster of aromatic, grey-green leaves, the striking purple-black stems make their appearance in early summer, adorned with beautiful violet-blue flowers.
For a truly spectacular display, consider planting them alongside deep plums, delicate pinks, and smoky purples, creating a harmonious tapestry of enchanting shades.
Salvia × sylvestris Schneehügel
Chelsea Favourite
Beloved by beneficial insects, these enchanting plants boast radiant white flowers that adorn their upright stems throughout the summer season.
By diligently deadheading these blooms, a second wave of blossoms often graces the scene, extending their captivating display well into autumn.
These remarkable plants serve as great additions for introducing vertical interest to beds and borders. Additionally, their allure extends to the buzzing bees and other pollinators, who find the flowers irresistibly attractive.
Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’
Chelsea Favourite
Ajuga, renowned for its versatility, serves as an excellent addition to the shady border, seamlessly weaving together to create a lush, carpet-like presence.
In this particular variety, large and glossy bronze-purple leaves steal the spotlight, complemented by dense and upright spires of magnificent purple flowers that bloom in the spring.
Thriving in various conditions, this ajuga variety proves resilient even in sunny locations and nutrient-poor soils. However, it thrives best when provided with adequate moisture and dislikes drying out.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)
Chelsea Favourite
Presenting a captivating woody climber that retains its allure throughout the year.
This evergreen beauty showcases a canopy of rich, dark green leaves that transition to a bronze hue during the winter months. From mid to late summer, clusters of fragrant and pure white flowers emerge, filling the air with their delightful aroma.
For optimal growth, it is recommended to cultivate this climber against a sun-kissed wall in regions with milder climates.This attractive climber will add a touch of elegance and sensory delight to your space.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’
Chelsea Favourite
Distinguished by its robust branches, this particular hydrangea variety possesses a remarkable sturdiness that sets it apart from other types.
Prepare to be mesmerised by the resplendent clusters of white flowers, which not only grow larger as the plant ages but also deliver an enduring spectacle from mid-summer onwards.
Even in its youthful stage, this hydrangea puts on a dazzling show, showcasing its longevity and beauty.