Deadline nears for HTA New Plant Awards
The Horticultural Trades Association is urging exhibitors at this year’s National Plant Show 2026 to submit entries for the New Plant Awards before the 19 May deadline.
Held at the NAEC Stoneleigh on 17–18 June, the National Plant Show will bring together growers, suppliers, manufacturers and retailers from across UK horticulture.
Sponsored by ICL Group, the awards celebrate innovative new plant varieties entering the market and are free for exhibitors to enter.
Categories include annuals, houseplants, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, climbers and trees, with judging carried out by an expert industry panel.
Best in Category winners will compete for the overall Best in Show title, while visitors can also vote for their favourite plant in the Floramedia-sponsored public award.
Last year’s Best in Show winner was Frank P Matthews’ Prunus ‘Sumaura-fugenzo’ Japanese Lantern, recognised for its distinctive double-frilled blossoms.
HTA Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood said the awards offer an important opportunity for breeders and growers to gain recognition and showcase future bestselling plants.
The 2026 National Plant Show is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 260 exhibitor stands confirmed.
For more information on the National Plant Show, visit: hta.org.uk/national-plant-show