Frank P Matthew’s Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo Japanese Lantern received the Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) New Plant Awards at this year’s HTA National Plant Show – winning from a record 137 qualifying entries.
The new tree, featuring fragrant cherry blossom, was first discovered in Suma-ura Park in Kobe, Japan, in 1990. While similar to the original, the new variety boasts unique flower colours and forms among all Sakura cherries. It showcases densely double-frilled flowers with white, pink, and green petals that deepen in colour as they age. This medium-sized, spreading tree has bronze young leaves that mature to green and display vibrant autumn colours. A reliable performer according to Frank P Matthews, which should thrive across all regions of the UK and in a variety of soil types, except those that are heavily waterlogged.
Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations and Awards judge, said: “I am delighted that the winner is the Prunus Japanese Lantern, entered by Frank P. Matthews. It’s a remarkable breakthrough in blossom colour, starting with a beautiful greenish apple hue and a double flower that gradually transitions to white and then features a pink streak in the centre before becoming fully pink at the end. It’s truly an amazing plant, and I believe the best plant won. I’m very happy.”
Stephanie Dunn James, Director Frank P Matthews, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win Best in Show at the New Plant Awards here at the HTA National Plant Show this year. We knew Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo Japanese Lantern was a good variety. It’s such a special flowering cherry, with multiple colours on one tree. I’m especially thrilled for my Dad, as this is a variety he nurtured and cultivated. The whole team will be delighted.”
The 2025 Judging panel included Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations; Cath Quinney, Bennybeg Plant Centre; Alan Down, HTA Immediate Past President and Down to Earth; Anisa Gress, Potting Shed Press and Liam Cleary, YPHA Committee Member and Old Railway Line Garden Centre. Pippa Greenwood, the HTA’s Horticulture Manager and Martin Simmons, HTA Member Engagement Manager oversee the panel.
“The 2025 HTA New Plant Awards were nothing short of extraordinary, with a record-breaking number of entries pre-judging – around 150 – making it our biggest year yet. What made it even more special was the incredible diversity across all categories, from houseplants and bedding to trees, shrubs, climbers and more. The quality was outstanding throughout – a real testament to the innovation and skill of UK growers. Our judging panel, specially chosen to reflect a wide range of expertise and geographical regions, had a real challenge on their hands. That regional spread is so important because every plant awarded, whether bronze, silver, or gold, needs to have real potential to thrive in gardens across the country. It’s been a genuinely exciting year, and we’ve never seen quite so many fantastic new plants gathered together in one place – a real treat for gardeners and the industry alike,” said Pippa Greenwood, HTA Horticulture Manager.
2025 HTA National Plant Show Winners
- Annuals, Tender Perennials: Beekenkamp Plants for LaBella Dahlia Grande Chocolate Rose
- Cacti & Succulents: Javado UK for Cotyledon Green Footprint
- Flowering Houseplants: Profitplant BV for Cyclamen persicum Super Serie Dragon Deep Blue
- Foliage Houseplants: Javado UK for Calathea ‘Velvet Glory’
- Herbaceous Perennials: Darby Nursery Stock Ltd & Fairweathers for Hosta ‘Silly String’
- Shrubs (including Conifers): The Bransford Webbs Plant Company & Darby Nurseries for Hydrangea Zeta Noir
- Trees: Frank P Matthews Ltd for Prunus Sumaura Fugenzo Japanese Lantern. Frank P Matthews were also awarded the Visitors Vote.
The Best Stand Award at the show was awarded to Ball, judged by Will Armitage HTA President, Alan Down HTA Immediate Past President and Down to Earth and Kimberley Hornby George, Co-Chair of the Garden Media Guild. The runners-up for Best Stand were Allensmore and Profitplant UK.
“We’re really proud to win Best Stand at the HTA National Plant Show. Sometimes less is more, and that’s what we tried to achieve here. It’s a great team effort and I’m really happy for all the guys back in West Adderbury who grew the plants,” Gareth Powell from Ball, who designed the stand.
The HTA National Plant Show is currently on at the NAEC, Stoneleigh, 18 – 19 June 2025.
