Garden Wisley visitors vote for US species

Visitors to a popular Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) garden and greenhouse attraction have voted a US plant as their favourite.

The Buddleja is a pink species from North Carolina and has been a visitors favourite at Garden Wisley for the past two years.

Known as Miss Ruby, the plant took 14.7 per cent of the total vote – more than double that of its closest rivals.

The nearest runners up were Purple Prince and Raspberry Wine, which each took 6.4 per cent of the vote.

Originally raised at North Carolina State University, the species was released in the US two years ago, but is yet to hit the UK market.

It is currently on trial with the RHS, which will decide whether to give it an Award of Garden Merit and to recommend it for release in Great Britain.

"The trial is still being assessed, so we cant say yet whether it will get an award, but the panel liked its distinct colour and noted its compact habit," explained trials officer Jacquie Gray.

The popular Chinese vegetable pak choi is also being considered for an award after being added to the trials menu earlier this month.