Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom wins Best in Show at HTA National Plant Show 2024

Award-winning Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom.

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, which took place between the 19th and 20th June at the NAEC, Stoneleigh.

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company—Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom was awarded top honours in the herbaceous perennials category. In shades of primrose yellow to apple blossom, with a frilly appearance that attracts bees to the garden, this unique pale pink and purple flower form has a creamy bud and produces multiple flower spikes, which impressed the judges.

Emma Allen, RHS head of Horticultural Relations, said, “We had amazing fun judging last night and 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 awarded bronze, silver, and gold in each category, and across all categories, there were 36 bronze, 20 silver, and 16 gold awards. From the gold entries, we chose the best one for each category. The compliments and positive feedback from the judges underscore the quality and innovation in this year’s entries.”

David Chilvers, sales and 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 (pictured above)

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company – Digitalis purpurea Apple Blossom – BEST IN SHOW

Annuals, bedding and container and basket plants

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) and Climbers

Newey Ltd – Lavatera Lilia Twirl’ HYFIRL’

The new plant area at the HTA National Plant Show is bursting with ideas for new plants, and the New Plant Awards showcase dozens of new plant introductions. Awards are given to the most innovative and exceptional varieties introduced to the market within the last year.

New Plant Award winners.