Plant Heritage had a record year in 2021 with 48 new National Plant Collections accredited

At the end of the year the final 11 new National Plant Collections were accredited by the Plant Collections Committee

In recognition of research undertaken Scientific status was awarded to two collections: Narcissus (Backhouse cvs.) held by Caroline Thomson and Scadoxis held by Jonathan Hutchinson

Cheiridopsis spp. (Horticultural), Nick Pengelly, Wrexham

Nick Pengelly selected Cheiridopsis species having spent hours examining the Missing Genera list. These greenhouse winter growers are from arid areas of South Africa and have spectacular flowers. This genus has limited availability in the UK, so it has been great fun sourcing available seeds and giving seedlings to beginners and enthusiasts.

Dresslerella spp. (Horticultural), Alex Koper, Essex

Dresslerella is a fascinating genus that I feel deserves to be more widely known, writes Alex Koper. Plants are generally small epiphytes, with thick, hairy leaves and small, fuzzy flowers. The flowers are unusual and very different to what people think of when they consider orchids.

Geranium phaeum cvs. & primary hybrids (Horticultural), Anthony Nichols, Leicestershire

Geranium phaeum is much underrated, writes Anthony Nichols. Its common name of mourning widow is because the purple flowers are sombre. However, there are many older or unusual cultivars in shades of pearlescent white through to brick red to chocolate brown. They repeat flower and many have beautifully marked foliage.

Hemerocallis (R H Coe, L W Brummitt & H J Randall cvs.) (Historical), Caro Skyrme, Shropshire

The collection of more than 65 taxa of  English-bred Hemerocallis (1959-79) was created by Gerald and Mary Sinclair at their Oxford nursery in the Seventies, writes Caro Skyrme. It is now held in the Regency walled garden at Broadward Hall Gardens, Clungunford. Open by appointment for garden clubs and groups.

Hypericum sect. Androsaemum & Ascyreia spp. (Horticultural), Simon Goldsack, Dorset

My interest in Lepanthes began with a related species, Lepanthopsis astrophora, and it opened my eyes to a huge variety of orchid species which are generally under-appreciated, writes Alex. Many Lepanthes are small and have attractive foliage as well as tremendous diversity in flower forms and colours.

Lepanthes spp. (Horticultural), Alex Koper, Kent

My interest in Lepanthes began with a related species, Lepanthopsis astrophora, and it opened my eyes to a huge variety of orchid species which are generally under-appreciated, writes Alex. Many Lepanthes are small and have attractive foliage as well as tremendous diversity in flower forms and colours.

Malus domestica (Devon heritage apples) (Historical), RHS Rosemoor, Devon

Working with Orchards Live we were able to gather these regionally important apples together and plant in an informally designed orchard close to our fruit and vegetable garden, writes Jonathan Webster, the curator of RHS Garden Rosemoor. Others are planted within the garden collection. A mix of eaters, cookers and cider apple varieties, currently we have just over 50 varieties showcasing Devon apples to our visitors.

Pelargonium (Angel, Decorative, Regal, Dwarf Regal) (Horticultural), RHS Bridgewater, Greater Manchester

The full collection of RHS Bridgewater’s pelargoniums will be displayed throughout the summer and into  early autumn in a nicely elevated and sunny position in front of the Bothy in t he Weston Walled Garden. A suitably inspiring and appropriate location for this wonderful assemblage of plants. 

Pelargonium (Irene/Zonal American, Ivy-leaved & Unique) (Horticultural), RHS Hyde Hall, Essex

The RHS were approached by Fibrex Nurseries to take on its existing National Collection of pelargoniums. At Hyde Hall we have undertaken the safeguarding of this collection.  This will initially be housed in our nursery, with the aim of developing it for public enjoyment within the garden.

Pelargonium (Scented-leaved & variegated Zonal) (Horticultural), RHS Rosemoor, Devon

The collection came to us from Fibrex Nurseries. It will be used across the garden for pot displays and seasonal bedding. Scented pelargoniums will be focused in our fruit and vegetable garden and the colourful Zonals in pots will be at the garden entrance and around Rosemoor House. In all, the collection numbers nearly 200 varieties and will brighten summer here at RHS Garden Rosemoor.

Pelargonium (spp., hybrids, Stellar, Miniature Stellar, Dwarf Zonal, Zonartic) (Horticultural), RHS Wisley, Surrey

The glasshouse at RHS Garden Wisley displays the Species, Species Hybrid, Mini/Dwarf Stellar pelargonium in May, and the Stellars, Zonartic and Dwarf pelargonium are displayed across the garden in containers over the summer. We want to inspire visitors with wonderful plantings and teach them more about this diverse genus.