The Chelsea Flower Show’s 2023 Flower of the Year is African Agapanthus Black Jack, a dark purple perennial. Agapanthus Black Jack with large inflorescences filled with black and purple striped flowers is a vigorous plant. These African lilies are hardier than most and produce 10 times as many flowers per flower head, providing a long flowering period from mid-summer. An undemanding perennial that is heat and drought tolerant, and is adored by bees and butterflies. Its compact size makes it a great choice for small gardens, and it’s perfect for a border or container planting pattern.

Launched in 2010, Plant of the Year celebrates the work of plant breeders and nurseries in producing improved new plants for UK gardeners, Chelsea Plant of the Year is determined from a short list of plants submitted by Grand Pavilion participants. Innovation, impact and likely public appeal are considered as part of the evaluation criteria.

In second place was Hydrangea Serrata ‘Gotemba Nishiki’ (pink euphoria). Good for borders or large containers, it is a bushy, compact plant that boasts stunning foliage and flowers. Laceflower flowers are bicolor ruby ​​red with pale center and appears tricolor foliage of white and green with pink blush in spring.

In second place was Hydrangea serrata Gotemba Nishiki (pink euphoria). Good for borders or large containers, it is a bushy, compact plant that boasts stunning foliage and flowers. Laceflower flowers are bicolor ruby ​​red with pale center and appears tricolor foliage of white and green with pink blush in spring.

The third place was taken by Weigela Camouflage, Tmwg15-01. It is a robust and useful shrub, ideal for mixed borders and containers in full sun or partial shade. It has clusters of tubular ruby-red flowers that match variegated green-purple foliage.