Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Blue’ was chosen from a shortlist of 20 plants, entered by floral and garden exhibitors at the show, and voted on by the RHS Plants Advisory Committee.
Raised by Lynne Dibley and exhibited here for the first time. The first flat-flowering bi-colour streptocarpus, with yellow on the lower petals making a striking contrast to the baby-blue upper petals. A compact plant with masses of flowers. Available from: Dibleys Nurseries, as plug plants, by mail order. Dibleys Nurseries (GPG 17)
The winning plant will be presented with a special trophy by RHS President Giles Coode-Adams, and show visitors will be able to view the overall winner and the shortlisted plants in the Great Pavilion, stand H4 from Tuesday, 25 May.
Second | Gaura lindheimeri ‘Ruby Ruby’
Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants have been working with Gaura breeding for the last six years. Initially with ‘Chiffon’ then ‘Rosyjane’, now on this line comes ‘Ruby Ruby’. It is a continuing breeding programme using G. lindheimeri in open pollination and with judicial selection. Available from: Hardy's Cottage Garden Plants (GPF 16)
Third | Cypripedium flavum
A hardy lady’s slipper orchid, Cypripedium flavum is found in China but these are mostly yellow flowered with reflexed sepals and petals. White flowers are very uncommon and superior. Plants can be grown in a pot or planted in the garden; they require partial shade, good drainage and moisture in summer. Available from McBeans Ltd (GPE 24).
