The collaborative scheme between Perennial, the charity for people in horticulture and four major wholesale nurseries in Hereford and Worcester is raising awareness and funds to support all those who work with plants, flowers, grass, and trees.
Launched at the 2023 Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’ by Wyevale Nurseries is now ready for retail order and is part of the Plants for Perennial collection.
Andy Johnson, Managing Director of Wyevale Nurseries, explains: “We’re delighted to be adding another plant to the collection already available to garden centres to sell to consumers to help fundraise for the charity. It’s designed to raise awareness and funds to support all those who work with plants, flowers, grass or trees. These are the people who help nurture, create and tend the plants and green spaces that help boost everyone’s wellbeing and health. Last year, all the nurseries involved collectively raised an amazing £16,000 for the charity and we know that every plant adds a seed of hope to someone’s life while creating an abundance of colour, form, fragrance and wildlife in gardens.
According to Wyevale, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’ has long-lasting blooms, good for pollinators, ideal for cutting and in autumn the foliage turns deep burgundy for extended interest. The hydrangea will perform in any well-drained soil, particularly likes a sunny spot (preferably morning sun and afternoon dappled shade) and requires little maintenance. With its naturally compact, round habit (3×4 metres) it could make for a good hedge.
Retail Sales Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, Colin Stanley, who has been heavily involved in the fundraising initiative, adds: “It’s wonderful to be adding this plant to our Plants for Perennial offering for retailers this year. It’s a fantastic colour break in lace-cap hydrangea and provides a literal explosion of extra-large, cherry red open flower petals with a profusion of sparkling pink flowers in the centre. The flowers appear from top to bottom of the plant too”
Wyevale Nurseries, Allensmore Nurseries, The Bransford Webbs Company and New Leaf are behind the Plants for Perennial scheme are selling a range of plants for the charity. The collection includes Salvia ‘Cuello Pink’ and ‘Cuello White’ also from Wyevale Nurseries, as well as the new Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’, Dianthus ‘Pink Celebration’ from Allensmore Nurseries and, new for 2024, Fuchsia ‘Waltz Jubilteen’, Nemesia ‘Peaches and Cream’ from The Bransford Webbs Plant Company and Clematis ‘Prince George’ from New Leaf Plants.
Perennial Corporate Partnership Manager, Phil Swainston, explains: “We’re thrilled that the Plants for Perennial scheme is continuing to flourish and grow, with huge thanks to Allensmore Nurseries, The Bransford Webbs Company, New Leaf Plants and Wyevale Nurseries. Buying these beautiful plants this year will continue to raise funds and awareness for people working in horticulture and their families, whose plant and garden creations we all benefit from.”
Perennial is the UK’s only charity supporting all those working in the horticultural community, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time and energy to keeping Britain beautiful. The ultimate aim is for everyone to know that Perennial is there for them. That not only is there free, tailored one-to-one confidential support on hand when needed, but that everyone can access the free advice and information available 24/7 online, covering topics such as the impact of health issues, bereavement, redundancy, family breakdowns, career progression, as well as impartial money management and health & wellbeing tools.