New mahonia takes top slot

Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ has been hailed the Plant of the Year 2013.

The judges were won over by its unusual, delicate ferny foliage and lemon-yellow, scented blooms. The blue berries that follow give  an extended season of interest.

Clematis ‘Lemon Dream’ came second place with large, double blooms and third place went to colourful Tropaeolum ‘Fruit Salad’.

Low temperatures and a lack of sunshine meant several entries unfortunately failed to flower in time for the competition but despite this plant types from shrubs through to annuals are represented.