We’re thrilled to announce that two of our latest plant introductions have been shortlisted for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Award 2026. This accolade recognises the very best in breeding, performance, and garden appeal. Read on to learn more about the groundbreaking plants that caught the judges’ eyes…
In the meantime, see all of our award-winning plants and flowers.
1. Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’: A World-First Colour Breakthrough
Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’ features stunning silvery-blue foliage
Image: Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’ from T&M
Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’ is the first-ever Cercis to feature grey-blue foliage. Traditionally known for green, yellow, or purple leaves, this unusual variety introduces a cool, luminous tone never before seen in the genus.
Why it’s perfect for your garden:
- Unique foliage: The heart-shaped, silvery-blue leaves provide season-long drama and contrast beautifully with the rich red of the young stems.
- Spring highlights: Before the leaves unfurl, the bare stems are studded with butterfly-like pink flowers that provide vital nectar for hungry pollinators.
- Architectural appeal: Growing to an ultimate height of 2.5m, its graceful, upright form makes it a stunning focal point for modern borders or large containers.
- Low maintenance: This resilient shrub tolerates heat and sun, making it ideal for busy gardeners who want high impact with minimal fuss.
“With Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’, we’re introducing something genuinely unique – the only blue-foliaged Cercis in the world,” says Gavin Shaw, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan. “It’s rare to see a completely new colour breakthrough in such a well-known genus.”
2. Clematis ‘Mochi’: An Evolving Display of Double Blooms
Clematis ‘Mochi’ evolves from a single bloom to a double flower
Image: Clematis ‘Mochi’ from T&M
If you’re looking for a plant that works harder for longer, Clematis ‘Mochi’ is the perfect choice. This variety is celebrated for its unique ‘transformation in bloom,’ offering a dynamic display that changes as the season progresses.
The main benefits for gardeners:
- Ever-changing flowers: The delicately brushed flowers begin as elegant single blooms before developing into complex, sophisticated double blooms over time.
- Exceptional flowering period: ‘Mochi’ provides a constantly evolving display for more than 120 days, ensuring your garden stays colourful for months on end.
- Versatile and compact: Its tidy habit makes it an ideal candidate for vertical planting, small gardens, or as a star performer in patio containers.
According to Gavin Shaw, this variety reflects a modern shift in gardening: “Gardeners are looking for plants that offer more throughout the year, and this is a great example of a dynamic, evolving display.”
T&M has been at the forefront of horticultural innovation since 1855, and we have an ongoing commitment to bringing distinctive, high-value varieties to your garden. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels as we head toward the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to see if either of these special plants take home the top prize!
Lead image: Cercis ‘Blue Lagoon’ flowering in spring
The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.