Thompson & Morgan unveils Chelsea Plant entries
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Clematis ‘Mochi’
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Hydrangea 'Groundbreaker® Ruby'
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Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’
Thompson & Morgan has unveiled three new entries for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 Plant of the Year Award, showcasing new plant development focused on colour, form and long-lasting garden performance.
The entries reflect the company’s ongoing focus on innovation, offering gardeners improved versatility while maintaining ease of growth and reliability.
Horticultural expert Gavin Shaw noted that the new introductions demonstrate how familiar plants can be reimagined through improved flowering, structure and seasonal interest.
The first entry, Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’, introduces the first Cercis with grey-blue foliage, creating a cool-toned contrast to its pink spring flowers and extending seasonal appeal.
Compact and low-maintenance, it is suited to small gardens and mixed borders, offering year-round structure with minimal pruning requirements.
The second entry, Clematis ‘Mochi’, delivers an evolving floral display, with blooms transitioning from single to double forms over a flowering period exceeding 120 days.
This extended performance enhances both ornamental value and ecological benefit, supporting pollinators early in the season while maintaining long-lasting visual impact.
The third entry, Hydrangea ‘Groundbreaker® Ruby’, redefines hydrangea use as the first true groundcover form of the species, spreading low rather than growing upright.
Its long flowering period sees blooms shift from white to deep ruby tones, providing extended seasonal colour and effective soil coverage.
Together, the three plants highlight new directions in breeding, focusing on adaptability, extended interest and practical use in modern garden design.
The plants will be displayed across multiple exhibitor stands at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, including Hare Spring Cottage Plants and Sparsholt College.