Viburnum Kilimandjaro Sunrise voted Plant of the Decade

Concept Plants has announced  that Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum Kilimandjaro Sunrise (‘Jww5’) has been selected as the People’s Choice winner for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Decade.

Known for its multi-stemmed, upright, compact, slow growing habit, Kilimandjaro Sunrise sports blush-pink, lacecap-like flowers, blooming in both spring and summer. In fall, the leaves turn fiery autumn hues, providing seasonal interest.

Bred by Jan Willem Wezelenburg of Jan Willem Wezelenburg Nurseries, Kilimandjaro Sunrise reaches six feet tall and two feet wide, making it suitable as a flowering hedge, garden border, or attractive specimen shrub in the garden. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.

“We’re thrilled to represent Viburnum plicatum Kilimandjaro Sunrise in North America,” says Peter Van Rijssen, partner with Concept Plants. “With its fabulous white spring flowers and summer blush blooms, followed by spectacular autumn color, we’re confident this Plant of the Decade at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will become a favorite for many home gardeners in North America.” Growers can expect the first plants to become available in fall 2021.

Ten winning entries selected from each year of the past decade compete to win the prestigious Plant of the Decade award. Concept Plants represents four additional finalists for the Plant of the Decade: Clematis Amber (winner 2016, bred by Marco de Wit Boomkwekerij); Hydrangea macrophylla You&Me Miss Saori (winner 2014, bred by R. Irie); Morus rotundiloba BonBonBerry Mojo Berry (winner 2017, bred by Hajime Matsunaga); and Sedum takesimense Atlantis (winner 2019, bred by Hortech, Inc.) The Plant of the Year competition is open to exhibitors at Chelsea to showcase their exciting new plant introductions. Kilimandjaro Sunrise won Plant of the Year in 2015.

For more information about Kilimandjaro Sunrise, visit the Concept Plants website here.