RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2021 — Middleton Nurseries Nominees

At the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Middleton Nurseries was proud to have three Salvia microphylla varieties shortlisted for the prestigious Plant of the Year award — a significant recognition of the breeding quality and garden performance of these varieties at the highest level of UK horticulture.

The three nominees were Salvia microphylla ‘Anduus’, ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ and ‘Delice Aquamarine’ — all compact, long-flowering bicolour and unusual-colour microphylla varieties that had attracted significant attention from collectors and specialist growers since their introduction. Their nomination confirmed what specialist salvia growers had known for some time: that the range of colour and quality available in the microphylla group had developed significantly beyond the familiar Hot Lips-style varieties that most gardeners associate with the species.

The 2021 Nominees from Middleton Nurseries

Salvia microphylla ‘Anduus’ — Soft pink and white bicolour, bred by Jan Debusschere in Belgium. Compact, bushy habit at around 60cm. One of the most refined bicolour combinations in the microphylla range. See our full guide on ‘Anduus’.

Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ — Deep wine-pink flowers with a contrasting white or cream lip. One of the most striking colour combinations in the bicolour microphylla range, deepening in colour through the season. See our full guide on ‘Delice Gold and Wine’.

Salvia microphylla ‘Delice Aquamarine’ — An unusual cool blue-toned microphylla, genuinely rare in a species that typically runs to pinks and reds. See our full guide on ‘Delice Aquamarine’.

About the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year

The RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year award is one of the most high-profile plant awards in the UK — a public vote from Chelsea visitors that highlights outstanding new introductions. Nomination alone brings significant attention from specialist gardeners and collectors. Having three microphylla varieties shortlisted in the same year was an exceptional result.

All three varieties are available from Middleton Nurseries, grown at our Staffordshire nursery using peat-free compost. Browse our full microphylla range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which salvias were nominated for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2021?

Middleton Nurseries had three Salvia microphylla varieties shortlisted: ‘Anduus’, ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ and ‘Delice Aquamarine’. All three are compact, long-flowering microphylla varieties with distinctive bicolour or unusual-colour flowers that set them apart from the standard pink and red salvia range.

Where can I buy the 2021 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year nominee salvias?

All three nominees — ‘Anduus’, ‘Delice Gold and Wine’ and ‘Delice Aquamarine’ — are available from Middleton Nurseries, grown at our Staffordshire nursery and dispatched nationwide. Browse our microphylla range.

Are the Chelsea Plant of the Year nominees still available to buy?

Yes — all three varieties remain in our range and are available to order. They continue to attract attention from specialist salvia collectors and gardeners looking for varieties with a pedigree of garden performance and breeding quality.