Threatened Plant of the Year 2025 winner announced
A striking and historic delphinium, Delphinium elatum ‘Alice Artindale’, has been named Plant Heritage’s Threatened Plant of the Year 2025. The competition invites UK gardeners to uncover rare and unusual plants no longer available commercially, with this year’s winner celebrated at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
Bred in 1936 by William Artindale and Son and named after William’s daughter-in-law, ‘Alice Artindale’ earned Awards of Merit in both 1936 and 1945. Its tall spikes of azure blue and mauve double flowers, combined with a rare extra layer of sepals, make it a standout variety that has faded from mainstream cultivation due to its difficulty in propagation.
Unlike other delphiniums, ‘Alice Artindale’ is slow to recover from cuttings, making it a challenge to grow at scale. Its rediscovery and care have been led by Graham and Nina Austin, owners of Home Farm Plants, a traditional nursery in Hertfordshire. After identifying the plant from a customer’s cutting over 15 years ago, they’ve been working to conserve and multiply it ever since.
The award was announced by Emma Crawforth, Gardeners’ World Horticultural Editor and Plant Heritage Trustee, during the festival. The Austins will receive a winner’s vase, certificate, and commemorative label, with hopes that ‘Alice Artindale’ will be available for purchase in June 2026.
Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, praised the Austins' efforts, saying, “Their work is a brilliant example of why plant conservation matters.” Graham Austin added, “We’re delighted to see this beautiful delphinium recognised. We’ve worked hard to keep it going so others can enjoy it too.”
The Public Choice Award went to Tetrapanax papyrifer 'Di Sue Shan', a rare and hardy cultivar collected in Taiwan and now grown at Walmer Castle in Kent. The 2025 finalists also included other rarities like the golden-leaved Agapanthus ‘All Gold’, the once nearly extinct Primula ‘Julius Caesar’, and the fragrant Rosa ‘Lorenzo Pahissa’. The competition returns in spring 2026.