Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN wins Best in Show at HTA New Plant Awards 2025
A remarkable cherry tree that features fragrant blossom and attracts bees won the hearts of horticulturists at the 2025 National Plant Show
Competing among the best of new plants selected by growers and breeders from across the UK and overseas in the Horticultural Trade Association’s New Plant Awards, Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN clinched the top prize in the Trees category, but also the outright winner at this year’s National Plant Show.
The Prunus ‘Fugenzo’ was first discovered in Suma-ura Park in Kobe, Japan, in 1990. The winning tree, while similar to the original, boasts the unique flower colours and forms often seen in Sakura cherries. It showcases stunning, densely double-frilled flowers with white, pink, and green petals that deepen in colour as they age. This medium-sized, spreading tree has bronze young leaves that mature to green and display vibrant autumn colours. It’s an exceptional garden performer, thriving across all regions of the UK and in a variety of soil types, except those that are heavily waterlogged. It has fragrant cherry blossoms that attract bees.
Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN
This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Cath Quinney, Bennybeg Plant Centre. It was the first year of judging for Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past President; Anisa Gress, Potting Shed Press and Liam Cleary, YPHA Committee Member and Garden Retail Director at Old Railway Line Garden Centre. Pippa Greenwood, the HTA’s Horticulture Manager and Martin Simmons, HTA Member Engagement Manager, oversee the panel. All entries are verified ahead of judging by Joy of Plants.
The judges decided Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN was the deserving winner of not only Best Tree, but also the sought-after accolade of Best in Show.
Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Awards judge said: “It’s a remarkable breakthrough in blossom colour, starting with a beautiful greenish apple hue and a
Pippa Greenwood, HTA Horticulture Manager, said: “The 2025 HTA New Plant Awards were nothing short of extraordinary, with a record-breaking number of entries pre-judging – around 150 – making it our biggest year yet. What made it even more special was the incredible diversity across all categories, from houseplants and bedding to trees, shrubs, climbers and more. The quality was outstanding throughout – a real testament to the innovation and skill of UK growers.
“Our judging panel, specially chosen to reflect a wide range of expertise and geographical regions, had a real challenge on their hands. That regional spread is so important because every plant awarded, whether bronze, silver, or gold, needs to have real potential to thrive in gardens across the country.
“It’s been a genuinely exciting year, and we’ve never seen quite so many fantastic new plants gathered together in one place – a real treat for gardeners and the industry alike.”
Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past President , added: “I’m absolutely delighted to see so many entries, such innovation, such really exciting plants. In fact, I wanted to take them all home and put them in my garden!”
In reaction to the win Stephanie Dunn James, Director from Frank P Matthews, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win Best in Show at the New Plant Awards here at the HTA National Plant Show this year. We knew Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN was a good variety. It’s such a special flowering cherry, with multiple colours on one tree. I’m especially thrilled for my Dad, as this is a variety he nurtured and cultivated. The whole team will be delighted.”
Cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue
Cotyledon Green Footprint
This year, there has been a record number of 137 qualifying judged entries, the highest ever. Awards are given to the most innovative and exceptional plant varieties launched in the past year.
The judging process is thorough and based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Commercial viability
- Adaptability to various growing conditions
- Unique to market
Awards presented include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Best in Category, and Best in Show. Receiving a New Plant Award is a prestigious honour that brings significant recognition and publicity to both the plant and its creators.
The full list of winners includes:
Annuals, Tender perennials: Beekenkamp Plants: LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose
Cacti and Succulents: Javado UK: Cotyledon Green Footprint
Flowering Houseplants: Profitplant BV: Cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue
Foliage Houseplants: Javado UK: Calathea ‘Velvet Glory’
Herbaceous Perennials: Darby Nursery Stock Ltd & Fairweathers: Hosta ‘Silly String’
Shrubs (including Conifers): The Bransford Webbs Plant Company & Darby Nurseries : Hydrangea Zeta Noir
Trees: Frank P Matthews Ltd - Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN
LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose
Calathea ‘Velvet Glory’
Prunus are popular amongst the judges with a previous win last year when Prunus ‘Starlight’ took home the award
