Hilliers to show rare flower at London event

Garden and greenhouse fans will be given a look at a rare plant at an event taking place in London this week.

According to Horticulture Week, Hillier Nurseries is set to display its Sinocalycalycanthus raulstonii Hartlage Wine at the Royal Horticultural Societys (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show.

Each year, the world renowned event attracts botany lovers from all over the UK and beyond, but Hilliers managing director Andy McIndoe expects the rare plant to receive a lot of attention.

The Hartlage Wine gets its name from the deep red flowers with their cream petals and burgundy centre.

It blooms from May until September and Mr McIndoe described it as being similar to Florida in bud form.

"Its very much a specialist nursery plant because the guy who raised them [Richard Hartlage of JC Raulston Arboretum in North Carolina] only gave it to friends, so thats how we got it, through Robert Hillier," he explained.

Expert James Anderson-Sinclair recently told the RHS website that the Daily Telegraph Garden might win the Best In Show gong at the event.