Hillier Garden Centres Announces New Plant Introductions

Hillier Garden Centres has announced the launch of three new additions to its plant range, including two varieties bred by Alan Postill, one of the UK’s greatest plant breeders.

This year's selection of new introductions features a combination of both flowering and foliage plants that are suitable for gardens and planters. It includes the following:

• Erysimum 'Colour Vibe' Purple (CDCERY03) [above left]
• Mahonia eurybracteata subsp, ganpinensis 'Meteor' (Hillmah) [above right]
• Chaenomeles speciosa 'Lemon Sorbet' (HILLCHA) [above centre]

The Erysimum 'Colour Vibe' collection was launched last year in red and orange. This year, Hillier has added a beautiful purple colour that blooms from March into early summer. This hardy plant is a statement piece with its strong clear colour and large flowers, perfect for patio containers and garden borders. Developed by Hillier expert plantsman, Charles Carr, it grows to 50cm x 50cm in most free draining soils and prefers full sun to light shade. 

The new 2024 introductions also include Mahonia eurybracteata subsp, ganpinensis 'Meteor' (Hillmah), a beautiful evergreen shrub bred by renowned plant breeder, Alan Postill. This Mahonia features architectural foliage that is deep red when young, turning into a lush dark green later. It produces upright spires with bold yellow flowers from late August to November, that light up the garden like meteors, hence its name. The striking flowers are followed by blue or black berries that provide a superb late nectar source for pollinators (if grown in a border or potted container. This compact, naturally branching shrub is easy to grow and is ideal for growing in a well-draining pot.

Hillier is also excited to launch Chaenomeles speciosa 'Lemon Sorbet' - an ornamental quince, also bred by Alan Postill. It bears very large semi-double flowers that open in a captivating green colour during Spring and again in Autumn, which fade to an angelic yellow and white and are followed by large green fruits. The variety is almost thornless and self-branching, ideal for growing as a loose or wall shrub. This plant grows well in full sun or dappled shade and provides an early food source for pollinators. 

Charles Carr, Head of Wholesale Nurseries, is thrilled about the unique plants that Hillier will now be offering. He commented: “Our 2024 line-up is a result of a long period of development and consists of a beautiful mix of flowering plants and shrubs, which are guaranteed to add colour and texture to any garden. These launches are eagerly anticipated by fellow gardening enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for new varieties to add to their collection and we are excited to be offering something completely unique again this year.”

Retail prices for the plants are:

• Erysimum ‘Colour Vibe’ Purple – RRP £13.99 (available online and in centres now)
• Mahonia eurybracteata subsp, ganpinensis ‘Meteor’ (Hillmah) – RRP £19.99 (available online and in centres in March)
• Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Lemon Sorbet’ – RRP £19.99 (available online and in centres now)

All new Hillier plants will be available exclusively at all 22 Hillier Garden Centres and online shop from Spring 2024. For more plants and seasonal gardening advice visit www.hillier.co.uk.

Source : Hillier Garden Centres

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