Prunus JAPANESE LANTERN wins Best in Show  at record-breaking HTA National Plant Show 2025

18 June 2025 

Frank P Matthew’s Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN has received the prestigious Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) New Plant Awards, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), during this year’s HTA National Plant Show, taking place today and tomorrow (18 and 19 June) at the NAEC in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. 

Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo JAPANESE LANTERN clinched the top prize in the Trees category. This remarkable tree features fragrant cherry blossoms that attract bees. The Prunus ‘Fugenzo’ was first discovered in Suma-ura Park in Kobe, Japan, in 1990. The winning tree, while similar to the original, boasts unique flower colours and forms among all 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. 

The new plant area at the HTA National Plant Show is bursting with ideas for new plants. 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. 

Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Awards judge, commented: 

“I am delighted that the winner is the Prunus Japanese Lantern, entered by Frank P. Matthews. It’s a remarkable breakthrough in blossom colour, starting with a beautiful greenish apple hue and a double flower that gradually transitions to white and then features a pink streak in the centre before becoming fully pink at the end. It's truly an amazing plant, and I believe the best plant won. I’m very happy." 

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.”