New Philadelphus set to shine among Hillier new plant introductions for 2025

Hillier Nurseries is set to introduce three stunning new plant varieties this spring, each carefully selected for their unique beauty, fragrance, and climate resilience. From a groundbreaking, pink-flowered Philadelphus to a striking golden-leaved Geranium and the first-ever white-flowered Rhaphiolepis, these introductions offer something fresh and inspiring for UK gardeners.  

Available at Hillier Garden Centres and selected nurseries from spring 2025, these new plants are set to make a lasting impression. 

Philadelphus x ‘Petite Perfume Pink’ (P1) 

'Petite Perfume Pink’ is a remarkable new addition to the Philadelphus family, bred by one of the UK’s greatest plant breeders, Alan Postill. It stands out for its unique pink flowers, an unprecedented colour for the genus, combined with a strong, sweet fragrance that fills the garden in early summer. The compact, mound-forming shrub features arching stems adorned with deep green foliage, while its starry flowers emerge from pink buds, fading delicately to white at the edges as they mature. Ideal for mid-border planting, as a standalone specimen or in a large patio container, this low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Hardy throughout the UK, it requires little care beyond light trimming after flowering. Available exclusively at Hillier Garden Centres from late May in 3 and 7.5 litre pots. 

Geranium x Gold Nugget ™ (Hillger)  

‘Gold Nugget’ is a standout addition to Hillier’s Geranium range, boasting vibrant golden yellow foliage with splashes of red and a profusion of pale pink flowers in early summer. This clump-forming hardy perennial grows into a neat, rounded mound with deeply cut leaves, offering a striking contrast to the delicate blooms. Perfect for the front of borders, patio pots or mixed planters alongside grasses and other perennials, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with its golden tones intensifying in brighter light. Exceptionally hardy and easy to maintain, it prefers moist, free-draining soil and benefits from the removal of spent flowers and old foliage in winter. Exclusive to Hillier Garden Centres, it will be available from mid to late April and offered in 2 litre pots. 

Rhapiolepsis indica ‘White Cloud’ - Limited Edition 

Bred in the Netherlands by Wout van den Dool Botanics, ‘White Cloud’ is a significant introduction to the Rhaphiolepis genus as the first-ever variety with pure white flowers. This compact, evergreen shrub is covered in large, fragrant blooms that contrast beautifully against its glossy deep green foliage. Flowering in early summer, the upright panicles of white flowers create a stunning display, adding elegance to any garden. Trouble-free and easy to grow, ‘White Cloud’ is ideal for low borders or patio containers. Hardy to -7°C, it flourishes in full sun and moist but well-drained soil, though it may need protection in colder areas. The variety will be available in limited quantities of just 1,000 3 litre pots at Hillier Garden Centres and selected nurseries from mid-April. 

Charles Carr, Head of Wholesale Nurseries at Hillier, commented: “We take great pride in bringing innovative and high-quality plants to market, and this year’s introductions are no exception. Each of these varieties offers something unique, whether it’s the rich fragrance and rare colouring of ‘Petite Perfume Pink’, the vibrant golden foliage of ‘Gold Nugget’, or the elegant, pristine flowers of ‘White Cloud’. We’re excited to see them brighten up gardens across the country.” 

All new Hillier plants will be available at all 22 Hillier Garden Centres and online from spring 2025.  

To be the first to hear about new plants, plus exclusive offers and expert insight, sign up to the Hillier Gardening Club today, www.hillier.co.uk/gardening-club. 

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Editors notes

“To inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future” Hillier is one of the leading names in the horticultural industry, with 160 years of growing and retail experience.

Founded in 1864 by Edwin Hillier, the company remains a family-run nursery with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business as it continues to grow.

Not only is Hillier the largest producer of semi-mature trees in Europe and grower of over one million plants at its Hampshire nursery, but it also employs over 750 staff across its nursery, amenity trees and 22 garden centre divisions and is a flourishing multi-million pound company. It proudly holds the world record for the most consecutive gold medals awards at the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with 74 wins.

As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives, including the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Recent successes for the company include the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

Renowned for being a leading breeder of plants in the UK at its 100% peat-free nursery in Hampshire, each year Hillier introduces amazing new varieties. Many of these have become essentials in British gardens and the company continues with the tradition of innovation and the introduction of new garden plants in the present day.