Clematis chiisanensis ‘Amber’ Chelsea plant of year

A striking, easy climber exhibited by Taylor Clematis has been crowned 2016 Plant of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Clematis chiisanensis ‘AMBER’ (pictured above) has delicate nodding flowers and unusual soft yellow-cream colouring.

The judges were also impressed with its ability to flower twice in a season – in May and again in September – and its likely popularity with the gardening public. There are not many ‘yellow’ clematis in existence in the world from over 2,000 varieties.

Second place went to Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest‘, exhibited by Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants. (pictured above) Bred by Elizabeth MacGregor in 2012 from parentage of G. ‘Beech House Apricot’ x G. chiloense ‘Red Dragon’ it has a long season and is beautiful and bold. A great colour, it has the ability to re-bloom until late summer.

Third place went to Calendula POWERDAISY SUNNY (‘Kercalsun’) (PowerDaisy Series) – Sun Flower Square

A spreading Calendula species (C.suffrutricosa) (pictured above) spotted in the garden of a Dutch seedsman triggered the idea of extending the flowering period of the cheery pot marigold. Together with C.maritima it was crossed with annual Calendula officinalis in 2005. The resulting hybrids were intercrossed.

This year saw 20 plants shortlisted.

Picture credits: Banner and Clematis chilsanesis ‘Amber’ ©Reckless Gardener
Gem ‘Scarlet Tempest’ ©Reckless Gardener. Calendula PowerDaisy Sunny ©RHS Image Library