Chelsea is always an exciting time and a great place to feature new an unusual plants. This year is no exception and we are excited about the following plants on our stand this year.
Schefflera macrophylla, Schefflera rhododendrifolia and Schefflera taiwaniana
Architectural plants with amazing foliage structures that have proved totally hardy outside during the recent ‘Beast from the East’. Ideal for growing in large containers, as a feature at the back of the border or as a tall freestanding woodland garden shrub. The plumes of new growth are fabulous in May to June. Flowering normally takes place in the early autumn. Schefflera are new to Chelsea and new to Burncoose. They are likely to become immensely popular in UK gardens in the next few years. If you enjoy growing tetrapanax these are hardier and easier!
All three of these species will be available from the autumn.
Acer palmatum ‘Metamorphosa’
This is a simply stunning brand new Japanese maple shown for the first time ever at Chelsea by Burncoose Nurseries and entered into the RHS Plant of the Year competition. It was bred by Mr van Meuwen and Mr Keijzer of Solid Plants in the Netherlands who have patented it. The plant starts the year with yellow spring leaves ringed with a reddish-pink edge before gradually turning light green. The edges then fade to light pink before becoming green with a white edge. In late summer the leaves turn to orange-red before becoming red-violet in the autumn. A true metamorphosis in a single season and arguably the best new Japanese maple for decades.
Plants are only available by mail order from Burncoose Nurseries with delivery for autumn predicted.
Paeonia tenuifolia
This is a rare and wonderful herbaceous plant with a mass of deep green leaves made up of many pointed filaments. Flowers appear in April and May and are a brilliant cup shaped red. This is the first time that Burncoose has exhibited this peculiar species at Chelsea. It is expensive but it is slow growing and very slow to propagate.
Calycanthus ‘Venus’
This is a small or medium sized multi-stemmed shrub with ivory yellow buds opening to multi-petalled magnolia-like flowers which are 12cm across and gradually fade to white with a yellow and purple centre. The plant is a cross between two species and is much rarer than the better known red flowered Calycanthus floridus.
Fargesia murielae ‘Luca’
Again, a brand new plant being shown by Burncoose at Chelsea for the very first time and another entry to the RHS Plant of the Year competition. This is a really dwarf evergreen and non-invasive bamboo which only grows to 40-50cm in height. It is a perfect plant for smaller gardens or as a patio plant in a container on the terrace or balcony. It does not have spreading rhizomes like so many other bamboos but will grow as groundcover in full shade or as a more ornamental clump in full sun. Totally hardy and maintenance free.
Geum ‘Flames of Passion’
Just when you though no one could produce yet another exceptional geum variety they have. The flower heads stand proud to the plant and are a dark red. Stunning in the border.
And of course our usual Chelsea favourites, which are always a hit with visitors to our stand:-
