Plant of the Year 2023 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show goes to a SA duo for the Agapanthus Black Jack. Blooming marvellous!
Agapanthus Black Jack, bred by De Wet Plant Breeders in Hartebeespoort, has come a long way since Andy de Wet and Quinton Bean began producing new Agapanthus in 1995.
- The dark-flowered plant with green stems beat 15 others shortlisted in the prestigious competition.
According to the RHS organisation, Patrick Fairweather of Fairweather’s Nursery in the UK had trialled the plant and said it was drought-tolerant and perfect for decorating balconies and small gardens.
“Black Jack sets a new benchmark for dark-flowered agapanthus. The umbels are huge, rounded and densely packed, with up to 100 florets for an extended blooming season. Requiring some frost protection, it’s perfect for terraces, balconies and small gardens, and is low maintenance and drought-tolerant.” Patrick Fairweather
De Wet Plant Breeders said the plant was “disease resistant, stable, with no hidden flaws”. Quinton Bean said he and Andy De Wet were “over the moon” about the win. Bean added that they had both always loved agapanthus and felt that there was “so much scope for improvement” in the plant.
“It’s amazing. It’s the culmination of many years of work with international recognition,” he said. Among the improvements to the flower are its colour and an extended flowering season. “Historically, it’s been foreigners improving South African flowers. It’s about time South Africans make a South African plant famous,” he said.
WHAT: Plant of the Year 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Agapanthus Black Jack
WHERE: De Wet Plant Breeders, Hartebeespoort, South Africa
Andy De Wet obtained a masters degree in botany in 1980 but had already began pursuing his keen interest in plant breeding.To date Andy has over 46 years experience in plant development and selection. Andy’s experience and vast collection of variable and high quality early selections form the basis of the De Wet Plant Breeders improvement activities.
Quinton Bean is a respected and knowledgeable horticulturist who joined De Wet Plant Breeders in 2005 and has made a considerable contribution in a short space of time.Quinton also has over 20 years experience in plant development and selection. His keen interest has led to the development of new directions in plant breeding programs, especially with the Agapanthus
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