Walberton Nursery’s extensive trialling programme has been privileged over the years to be involved in a number of award winning product launches in collaboration with local plant breeders, and 2019 was no exception.
John Fielding on the Hardy’s stand, next to his 2nd place Digitalis Firebird
Walberton have been working closely with local plant breeder, John Fielding, on trialling his extensive range of Digitalis. The work has been ongoing for 5 years, gradually whittling 10 varieties down to 1 outstanding one, Digitalis Firebird. Firebird produces exotic looking 90cm spikes of striking pink and apricot flowers through summer, and is a cross between Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis canariensis (Isoplexis canariensis).
Digitalis Firebird on Hardy’s stand
Firebird was taken to the HTA National Plant Show in 2018, where it won Best in Category Herbaceous Perennials visitor award. This year Firebird was exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show by Hardys Cottage Garden Plants, where it was awarded second place in the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2019 competition.
Digitalis Firebird on Hardy’s stand
A huge thank you goes to Walberton’s trials team for their painstaking attention to detail over the past 5 years, and to the growing and production teams who have successfully bought over 15,000 to market in this, it’s launch year. If you missed out on one for your garden, don’t worry, almost 20,000 are in the pipeline for Spring 2020, at Garden Centres and retailers the length and breadth of the UK.
For more information:
Tristram Plants
www.tristramplants.co.uk