RHS Award Winners

The "Giant Allium" is the species that started the craze for these incredible plants. Allium giganteum was one of the first giant ornamental onions to be introduced to European gardens from its native Central Asia. It produces wonderful 6-inch globes of bright lilac-purple flowers on towering stems that can easily reach 5 feet. While newer hybrids may be larger, giganteum has a classic, reliable charm and a slightly more open flower structure that gives it a softer, more airy feel than its dense hybrid cousins. It is a true garden heirloom and a must-have for creating that classic, vertical cottage garden look.

A late-summer marvel, the Drumstick Allium is a master of transformation. It begins as a slender green bud, slowly developing its signature oval head that transitions from green to a rich burgundy-claret, starting from the top down. Planted in generous drifts, these tightly packed, egg-shaped blooms sway on wiry stems, creating a mesmerizing, rhythmic dance in the breeze. They are perfect for weaving through perennial borders, adding a pop of deep, jewel-toned colour and dynamic texture long after other flowers have faded. Their slender profile allows them to mingle effortlessly without overcrowding neighbors, making them an exceptional choice for naturalistic and prairie-style plantings, bringing your garden composition to a beautiful crescendo.

A jolt of electric, azure-blue for the summer garden, Allium azureum is a gem of startling intensity. Unlike its paler relatives, this allium delivers a spectacular splash of vivid, cornflower-blue, a colour that brings an unparalleled energy to the border. It forms dense, tightly packed globes of star-shaped florets, each held aloft on slender, upright stems that rise above withering, grass-like foliage. This trait makes it a perfect candidate for interplanting, where its brilliant flower heads can float magically above a sea of lower-growing perennials and grasses.

Native to the windswept steppes of Central Asia, it is perfectly at home in full sun and sharply-drained soil. For a truly breathtaking effect, plant in generous, tightly-packed drifts where its collective power can create a dazzling, vibrant haze of blue. Pair it with the contrasting fire of orange geums or the cool silvers of artemisia and eryngium for a display that is both dynamic and sophisticated. A plant of pure, unadulterated colour, Allium azureum is guaranteed to stop onlookers in their tracks.

A plant of exceptional grace and subtle beauty, the Sicilian Honey Garlic is a true garden aristocrat. From a tall, upright stem, a fascinating firework-like head emerges, bearing up to 30 enchanting, bell-shaped flowers on long, gracefully drooping pedicels. Each bloom is a complex combination of creamy-green flushed with pink and maroon, creating a soft, antique tapestry of colour. As the flowers mature, the pedicels turn upwards, completely changing the shape of the bloom head into an upright candelabra. This dynamic, mobile-like structure provides weeks of interest and is a magnet for bees. It’s a perfect choice for adding movement, elegance, and a touch of the unusual to both formal and informal garden settings.

Allium 'Purple Sensation' is certainly sensational in its popularity among gardeners as well as its absolutely striking good looks, and you’ll be thrilled to have it. At the end of a fairly short stalk, 100 or more lavender purple stars shoot out in a circle of superb symmetry and seemingly painted-on colour. Any great artist would be proud to have designed these flowers, and a cluster is a breath-taking sight. Plant several Allium 'Purple Sensation' bulbs (commonly known as Dutch garlic) close together and see for yourself why this is one of the trendiest plant species to have in your garden. They also smell divine and butterflies flock to them. Just fabulous!

The long-lasting, sweetly scented blooms of Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' last well in the vase, and even the spent flowers look striking with their structured flower stems precisely arranged in their spherical pattern. All in all, it’s a gorgeous plant, with a sculptural yet airy appearance, and it’s pleasant to see it finally winning gardener’s hearts as it deserves.

An exceptionally long-flowering and charming perennial, Mexican Fleabane is a must-have for adding a soft, frothy, and informal touch to the garden. It produces a seemingly endless succession of small, delicate daisy-like flowers from late spring right through to the autumn frosts. The blooms are magical, as each one opens pure white before gradually ageing to shades of soft pink and then purplish-rose, meaning all three colours are present on the plant at once. It has a low, trailing habit and a remarkable ability to self-seed and thrive in the tiniest cracks and crevices, softening hard edges and creating a beautiful, cottage-garden feel. It is incredibly tough, drought-tolerant, and beloved by bees and butterflies.

Bring a splash of pure sunshine to your garden with this delightful and vigorous allium. 'Jeannine' is a superior selection of the classic Golden Garlic, prized for its larger, more numerous flower clusters. It produces cheerful, cup-shaped umbels of brilliant, canary-yellow, star-like flowers that are guaranteed to brighten any corner. This compact plant is perfect for the front of sunny borders, rock gardens, or for naturalizing in drifts under deciduous trees where it will multiply happily year after year. Its bright blooms are not only a visual treat but are also long-lasting and incredibly easy to grow, asking for little more than a sunny spot to put on their dazzling show. A reliable and rewarding choice for adding a long-lasting pop of vibrant yellow.

When it comes to making a statement, 'Globemaster' is in a class of its own. This magnificent variety boasts some of the largest flower heads available—enormous, 8-10 inch globes packed with thousands of star-shaped, purple florets. What makes 'Globemaster' truly special is its incredibly long bloom time; as new florets open from the center, the flower head continues to expand, maintaining its perfect spherical shape for weeks on end. It’s a living sculpture for your garden, providing a powerful focal point that commands attention and inspires awe. Even after the colour fades, the dried seed heads provide architectural interest well into the winter.

Also known as Rosy Garlic, Allium roseum is a charming and carefree wildflower that brings a touch of the Mediterranean countryside to any garden. It produces loose, delicate clusters of pretty, bell-shaped, soft pink flowers on slender stems. Unlike the formal globes, these have a relaxed, informal habit that is perfect for naturalising in gravel gardens, sunny banks, or wilder parts of the garden. It multiplies readily, creating larger and more impressive drifts each year. It's a low-maintenance and subtle beauty that provides a gentle wash of colour and attracts pollinators in droves.

Welcome a flurry of early spring cheer with Puschkinia libanotica, the exquisite Russian Snowdrop or Striped Squill. These charming bulbs produce clusters of star-shaped, ice-white flowers, each petal delicately painted with a fine, porcelain-blue stripe. Holding the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, you can be sure of their reliable performance. They are perfect for creating shimmering carpets of colour at the front of borders, in rockeries, or naturalised in lawns under deciduous trees. Plant them in generous drifts alongside early crocuses or winter aconites for a breathtaking spring awakening. Easy to grow and loved by early pollinators!

A particularly striking and beautiful variety, 'Night Eyes' is a Grape Hyacinth that offers a dramatic and intense colour contrast. Each flower spike is composed of densely packed, deep cobalt-blue florets. What makes this variety so special is that each individual bell is neatly and distinctly rimmed with a crisp white edge, making them look like a cluster of tiny, watchful eyes. This RHS Award-winning cultivar is a selection of Muscari armeniacum and is very easy to grow. It is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of jewel-like detail to the spring garden and is perfect for containers where its unique beauty can be admired up close.

A truly regal and timeless beauty, 'Jeanne d'Arc' is one of the largest and most impressive of the spring-flowering crocuses. It stands out for its exceptionally large, goblet-shaped flowers of the purest, shimmering snow-white. Each pristine bloom has a classic, elegant form and is held on a strong stem, creating a bold statement in the garden. Upon closer inspection, a delicate, faint purple blush can be seen at the very base of the petals, adding a touch of sophisticated detail to its otherwise immaculate appearance. A vibrant orange stigma glows from the centre, attracting early pollinators. As a Dutch Crocus (Crocus vernus), it flowers slightly later than the botanical types, bridging the gap to early tulips. It is an outstanding choice for naturalising in lawns, where its large white flowers create a breathtaking display against the green grass.

Welcome the new year with the cheerful elegance of Galanthus woronowii, the Giant Snowdrop! This variety is a true garden treasure, celebrated for its broad, glossy, bright green leaves that create a lush carpet long before other plants stir. From this foliage emerge delicate, nodding white flowers, each marked with a distinctive green horseshoe on its inner petals. A proud recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it's a reliable and beautiful choice. Plant them in drifts under trees, along pathways, or in pots with winter aconites and crocuses for a breathtaking early spring display. They naturalise beautifully, promising a bigger and better show each year.

Fill your home with the intoxicating perfume of winter with Narcissus tazetta 'Paperwhite'. These celebrated bulbs are incredibly easy to force indoors, requiring no chilling period to produce elegant stems topped with clusters of delicate, pure white, star-shaped flowers. Their powerful, sweet, and musky fragrance is the essence of the festive season, making them a timeless favourite for holiday displays. Simply planted in a bowl of pebbles with water, these daffodils will quickly shoot up, bringing a touch of living spring beauty to the darkest days of the year. A single bowl is all it takes to create a stunning, fragrant centrepiece that promises cheer and elegance.

The magic of 'Paperwhites' lies in their simplicity and speed. From bulb to bloom in just a few weeks, they offer a rewarding and effortless gardening experience for everyone. The clusters of dainty white flowers on each stem create a wonderfully full and long-lasting display. Whether you're creating a festive arrangement or simply want to brighten a winter windowsill, 'Paperwhites' deliver an unbeatable combination of classic beauty and unforgettable fragrance.

A spectacular and incredibly fragrant variety, 'Bridal Crown' is a celebrated Double Tazetta daffodil that produces a beautiful bouquet from each stem. Each strong stem carries a cluster of 3-5 exquisite, fully double flowers. The blooms are composed of multiple layers of creamy-white petals, with a central ruff of shorter, honey-orange segments, creating a rich and opulent appearance. The fragrance is powerful, sweet, and musky, making it a garden superstar and a florist's dream. It is a reliable and vigorous grower, perfect for adding a touch of romance and an abundance of perfume to the mid-spring garden. 'Bridal Crown' is also an excellent choice for forcing indoors for a fragrant winter display.

The quintessential large, golden-yellow daffodil, 'Dutch Master' is a world-famous Trumpet variety that has become a modern icon of spring. It is celebrated for its huge, robust flowers, which feature broad, rich golden-yellow petals (perianth) and a magnificent, flared, and ruffled trumpet of the same pure, uniform colour. Standing tall and proud on exceptionally strong, weather-resistant stems, this variety is a reliable and vigorous performer, blooming with incredible impact in early to mid-spring. 'Dutch Master' is the go-to choice for creating bold, classic swathes of colour in borders, for naturalising in lawns, and for a long-lasting, traditional spring bouquet.

A fantastic architectural perennial, Echinops ritro, or the Globe Thistle, brings wonderful texture, colour, and structure to the garden. It forms a handsome clump of large, thistle-like leaves that are deep green on top and a contrasting, downy white underneath. In mid to late summer, the plant sends up strong, branching, silvery stems, each topped with a perfectly spherical, spiky flowerhead. The flowerheads start as silvery-green globes and gradually open into a stunning shade of intense, metallic blue. These globes are a magnet for bees and butterflies, who can often be seen covering the flowers. The flowerheads remain attractive long after the colour has faded, providing winter interest, and they are exceptional for both fresh and dried flower arrangements. It is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that thrives on neglect.

An exquisite botanical crocus, 'Blue Pearl' is cherished for its delicate beauty and luminous, pearlescent colouring. The flowers are not a strong blue, but rather a magical, soft, silvery sky-blue on the outer petals, which are often shaded with a deeper blue at the base. As the flower opens, it reveals a contrasting creamy-white to soft-yellow interior, with a base that glows a distinct bronzy-yellow. This complex and subtle combination of colours gives the bloom an iridescent quality, especially when it catches the low morning or evening light, making it shimmer like a precious pearl. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, a testament to its beauty and reliability. 'Blue Pearl' is one of the earliest to flower, and its gentle, glowing presence is a truly enchanting sight after a long winter, perfect for intimate plantings in pots or rockeries.

A classic and historic variety, 'Pheasant's Eye' is one of the last daffodils to bloom, extending the spring season beautifully. It features elegant, pure white petals that are distinctly swept back (reflexed), surrounding a very small, cup-like corona. The tiny cup is bright yellow with a clearly defined, fine red rim, which gives the flower its common name. It is beloved for its strong, sweet, and spicy fragrance that can perfume the air. It is an outstanding choice for naturalising in meadows, orchards, or informal parts of the garden where it will return and multiply for decades. It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.

A vision of pure, bridal white, this allium brings delicate elegance and a fresh sparkle to the late spring garden. Often known as the Naples Garlic, 'Cowanii' is a select, more robust form that produces loose, airy umbels of pristine white, star-shaped flowers. Each floret features a subtle green eye, adding to its charm. Unlike the dense globes of other alliums, these blooms create a light, see-through effect, perfect for illuminating shady corners or weaving through bolder colours in a border. They are fantastic cut flowers, prized by florists for their long vase life and graceful appearance in bouquets. Plant them in generous sweeps to create a cloud of white that brightens the landscape and bridges the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.

Bring a wave of gentle colour and intoxicating fragrance to your spring garden with Hyacinth 'China Pink'. Each sturdy stem carries a dense spire of delicate, porcelain-pink florets, creating a truly elegant display. Renowned for its powerful, sweet perfume, 'China Pink' is perfect for planting in drifts at the front of borders, in containers on the patio, or for forcing indoors to enjoy its scent up close. Plant alongside crisp white daffodils or deep purple tulips for a breathtaking spring combination. Easy to grow and wonderfully reliable, it's a must-have for a classic spring show that delights all the senses.

An absolute treasure for the early spring garden, 'Minnow' is a delightful Tazetta daffodil prized for its diminutive size and abundant charm. Despite its small stature, it makes a big impact by producing multiple tiny flowers on each stem, creating a lively bouquet effect. Each delicate bloom features creamy-white, slightly reflexed outer petals surrounding a small, neat, buttery-yellow cup. This RHS Award-winning variety is not only visually charming but also sweetly fragrant. It is an excellent perennialiser, returning reliably year after year and gradually spreading to form larger, more impressive clumps. 'Minnow' is the perfect choice for rock gardens, the front of borders, and small pots, where its tiny, perfect blooms can be admired up close.

Bring a touch of classic elegance and an intoxicating scent to your spring garden with Hyacinth 'Carnegie'. Winner of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, this variety is celebrated for its pristine, snow-white florets, densely packed into magnificent flower spikes. Its powerful, sweet fragrance is the very essence of spring and will perfume your entire garden or home. 'Carnegie' is wonderfully versatile, creating a stunning, formal effect in borders and looking simply divine in patio pots and window boxes. For a breathtaking display, plant it alongside blue Muscari or deep purple tulips for a truly classic and crisp spring combination.

An incredible and justly famous heirloom, 'Avalanche' is a Tazetta daffodil that truly lives up to its name by producing an avalanche of flowers. Each robust stem carries a huge cluster of up to 20 fragrant blooms, creating a spectacular and long-lasting display from a single bulb. The individual flowers are charming, with pure white, slightly reflexed petals surrounding a small, neatly ruffled, lemon-yellow cup. The sweet, musky fragrance is powerful and can perfume a large area of the garden. This RHS Award-winning variety is vigorous, reliable, and a fantastic perennialiser, bringing increasing cheer and scent to the mid-spring garden year after year.

Prepare for a spectacular spring display with Hyacinth 'Peter Stuyvesant', a variety famed for its breathtakingly deep, violet-blue florets. Each dense, spire-like bloom releases an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance that is the very essence of spring. Perfect for creating a dramatic statement in patio pots and window boxes, or massed at the front of a sunny border for an unforgettable river of colour. Its rich hue pairs wonderfully with crisp white daffodils or pale yellow tulips. Easy to grow and a magnet for early pollinators, 'Peter Stuyvesant' brings reliable performance and regal beauty to any UK garden.