Stunning Blooms Spotted at This Year's Chelsea Flower Show: A Review of the Top 9 Blossoms

In the heart of London, the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show showcases a varied plant palette that delights visitors each year. This year was no exception, with a host of new and exciting specimens on display.

One of the standout plants was the ground cover perennial, Saruma henryi. Native to shady woodland in China, this perennial thrives in moist soil in full sun. Garden writer Jodie Jones referred to its softly hairy, heart-shaped leaves and pretty yellow, three-petalled flowers as a charming addition to any garden.

Another popular umbellifer at the show was Valeriana officinalis. Suitable for both full sun and light shade, this plant's upright, branching stems are adorned with umbles of white/pink-tinged flowers and filigree foliage. Its leaves can be used in herbal remedies, and the flowers are rich in nectar, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

Valeriana officinalis was a common sight in many show gardens, including Ann-Marie Powell's uplifting Octavia Hill Garden. However, a less common sight was Craspedia globosa. This plant, with its narrow, silvery-grey leaves on wiry stems and bright yellow drumsticks, was used in Ann-Marie Powell's garden to great effect.

Craspedia globosa is not often seen in show gardens, but its use in the Octavia Hill Garden was a testament to its potential as a striking addition to any garden.

Other notable plants included Cytisus 'Lena', a broom variety that was featured in Miria Harris' garden for the Stroke Association. With a color blend of red, orange, and yellow and arching stems, this plant was a vibrant and eye-catching addition to the show.

Another plant that caught the eye was the Chinese fringe tree, Chionanthus retusus. This tree was a talking point in Harry Holding's RHS No Adults Allowed garden, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers with a fringed effect in late spring.

The hardy geranium Geranium nodosum 'Fielding's Folly' was also a highlight, with its serrated, bright green leaves and eye-catching, velvety-purple flowers. This plant repeats flowers from May through to September and grows happily in light shade or sun, and is slug resistant.

One plant that is likely to find favor across gardening generations is Agave 'Praying Hands'. This succulent, with its upcurved leaves and maroon spike-tipped leaves, won third place in the RHS Plant of the Year category. Its hardiness to -5 degrees C and requirement for little watering make it an easy introduction to succulent growing.

The Tree of the Show Award was presented to Harry Holding for the Chinese fringe tree in his RHS No Adults Allowed garden. This tree, with its striking white flowers and good pollution and drought resistance, is a great choice for smaller spaces and containers.

Overall, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the plant world, with a host of new and exciting specimens on display. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Stunning Blooms Spotted at This Year's Chelsea Flower Show: A Review of the Top 9 Blossoms