UK: Malus sieboldii Aros takes best in show at New Plant Awards

Malus sieboldii Aros from Frank P Matthews has been crowned this year as Best in Show at the New Plant Awards on the opening morning of the HTA National Plant Show.

Judging Panel member Tim Upson, Head of Horticulture at the RHS comments, “Malus sieboldii Aros really stood out as a true winner. Whilst purple leaved trees are not uncommon this one has a particularly strong colour and good habit.

He adds, “It has a wide use in different garden situations and with its compact nature is particularly suited to small gardens and patios. With its long season of interest and colour this tree will have wide appeal to many customers and has great potential as a really good seller.”

The winners are:

Annuals
Gold and Best in Category – Silene hybrid ‘Sl 11 04-61 Sparkling Rose from Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Herbaceous Perennials
Gold and Best in Category – Adenophera White Blaze from Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweather’s Nursery

Houseplants
Gold and Best in Category – Gloxinia sonata pink spot from Javado and Batchmere Ltd

Shrubs and Climbers
Gold and Best in Category –Passiflora Riverside Snow Queen from Newey PPL

Trees and Conifers
Gold and Best in Category – Malus sieboldii Aros from Frank P Matthews

This year’s judging panel included Tim Upson (RHS), Ian Hodgson (Garden News), Marcus Cousins (Aylett Nurseries), Ken Cox (Glendoick Garden Centre) with HTA’s Martin Simmons overseeing.

All the entries were validated by Joy of Plants.

In addition to the formal announcement in the New Plant Awards area on the opening morning of the show there was also a seminar session for visitors highlighting the award winning plants and the benefits that they bring to help bolster plant sales.

For more information:
www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

Publication date: Wed 21 Jun 2017