Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom wins Best in Show at HTA National Plant Show 2024
19 June, 2024
The Bransford Webbs Plant Company’s Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom has been recognised as Best in Show at the New Plant Awards, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), at this year’s HTA National Plant Show, happening today and tomorrow (19 and 20 June) at the NAEC, Stoneleigh.
The Bransford Webbs Plant Company - Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom was awarded top in the herbaceous perennials category. In shades of primrose yellow to apple blossom, with a frilly appearance which attracts bees to the garden, this unique pale pink and purple flowerform has a creamy bud, and throws up multiple flower spikes which impressed the judges.
Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations said “We had amazing fun judging last night and we were spoilt for choice. I really hope you love the New Plant Award winners as much as I do!”
Martin Simmons, HTA Member Engagement Manager said:
"This year’s New Plant Awards showcased a spectacular range of innovative and beautiful plants, with numerous stunning entries making the judging process particularly challenging. We award bronze, silver and gold in each category, and across all categories there were 36 bronze, 20 silver and 16 golds. From the gold entries we choose the best in each category. The compliments and positive feedback from the judges underscore the quality and innovation in this year's entries.”
David Chilvers, Sales & Marketing Director at The Bransford Webbs Plant Company said:
"We’re really pleased to have won the New Plant Award here at the HTA National Plant Show this year. Thank you to the HTA and all the judges."
The winners:
Herbaceous Perennials Category
The Bransford Webbs Plant Company - Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom – BEST IN SHOW
Annuals, bedding and container & basket plants Category
Ball Colegrave - Bidens ferulifolia Bee Happy Double Orange
Flowering Houseplants
Profitplant BV - Cyclamen persicum Illusia
Foliage Houseplants
Javado UK - Aglaonema Grand Blossom
Cacti & Succulents
Javado UK - Cotyledon Hybride Elephant Trunk
Trees
Frank P Matthews Ltd. - Prunus Crystal Falls®
Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers
Newey Ltd - Lavatera Lilia Twirl ‘HYFIRL’
The new plant area at HTA National Plant Show is bursting with ideas for new plants and the New Plant Awards are a showcase for dozens of new plant introductions. Awards are given to the most innovative and exceptional varieties introduced to the market within the last year.
Images can be downloaded here: https://hta.canto.global/b/UVJUK
See the full list of winners here: https://hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/show-features/new-plant-awards
This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations, Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre, Cath Quinney, Bennybeg Plant Centre, Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) and Josh Egan-Wyer, Pershore College with HTA’s Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood and Member Engagement Manager Martin Simmons overseeing. All entries are verified ahead of judging by Joy of Plants.