The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the 20-strong shortlist for the 2026 Chelsea Plant of the Year award, marking one of gardening’s most anticipated competitions.
This award highlights plants that introduce improvements—whether in color, durability, or growth habits. A panel of judges from the RHS and the horticulture sector will select the winner during next May’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Last year’s winner, Philadelphus PETITE PERFUME PINK, was a compact mock-orange developed by Alan Postill and introduced by Hillier Nurseries. This year’s finalists range from drought-resistant shrubs to houseplants suited for lower humidity.
Key contenders on the shortlist
Anisodontea capensis CARNIVAL LIGHTS CANDY APPLE draws attention with its deep-red blooms, an unusual color for a genus typically limited to pink. Bred in Australia and presented by Sparsholt College, the plant flowers continuously from May to December without needing deadheading and tolerates temperatures as low as -5 °C.
Anthurium ‘Red Heart’ appeals to indoor gardeners with its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that start burgundy before turning dark green with white veins. It requires less water and humidity than most anthuriums, making it ideal for indirect light.
Antirrhinum ‘Perennial Purple’ offers a long season of purple flowers and strong resistance to rust and powdery mildew. Developed by Peter Moore and supplied by Kernock Park Plants, it claims to be the first truly perennial snapdragon, addressing a long-standing challenge in the genus.
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Other notable entries include Cercis griffithii BLUE LAGOON, a compact redbud with deep pink spring blooms and blue-toned foliage that persists through the season, and Clematis MOCHI, whose flowers transition from single to fully double over a 120-day flowering period.
Foliage and form stand out
Clematis QUEEN’S NURSE features two flower colors on one plant: new growth produces pale pink/lilac blooms striped with a dark bar, while mature wood bears deep pink blooms without stripes. Named to raise awareness and funds for the National Garden Scheme and The Queen’s Institute of Community Nurses, it flowers from spring to early summer and again in autumn.
The Chelsea Flower Show will host the shortlisted plants in the Great Pavilion from May 19 to 24 next year. The winner will be revealed on the Monday of the show, evaluated on innovation, garden performance, and suitability for UK gardeners.
Gardener and podcaster Michael Perry described this year’s selection as exceptionally strong. “From the hosta to the hydrangea, from the anthurium to the prunus—it’s difficult to predict,” he said.
The shortlist provides a preview of future trends in ornamental plants. Some may disappear quickly, while others could become long-term favorites in nurseries and gardens.
