RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Washday Hues 2026
Sparsholt College is excited to be showcasing ‘Washday Hues’ at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19-23 May 2026). The garden will delve into the relationship between fabrics and plants, demonstrating the wide range of beautiful and vibrant colours that can be achieved when using natural plant-based dyes.
The design aims to lead visitors through the steps involved in taking colour from plant to pigment, flower to fabric and garden to garment. The eye-catching washing machine signifies the first step of the dyeing process and the garden itself will feature many plants which can be used to produce dyes.
Discover our Horticulture courses with a national reputation for excellence and the incredible industry links that make opportunities like this one possible.
The ‘Washday Hues’ garden will include a giant washing machine along with a a washing line that will hold a variety of clothing items that have been dyed using natural dyes. The aim is to showcase the wide range of beautiful and vibrant colours that can be achieved when using natural dyes.
ELKA, a weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire, have been working with Sparsholt College to share their specialist knowledge on the topic of natural, plant-based dyeing. Part of their support included facilitating a natural dyeing workshop for the learners involved in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show project.
2026 Plant of the Year Entries
Pittosporum tobira X heterophyllum GREEN MOUND (‘JULE1’)
(Hillier) Exceptionally free-flowering and fragrant, this hardy, compact evergreen shrub is sun loving but happy in part shade and drought resistant. The size makes it perfect for small gardens – excellent in a border or large patio container, with the additional benefit of sweetly scented white flowers fading to yellow.
Anisodontea capensis CARNIVAL LIGHTS® CANDY APPLE (‘IB201-7’)
(Hillier) Flowering from May to Christmas, it is perfect as a patio/ bedding plant or a short lived shrub in mild areas. It has superb heat and drought tolerance making it ideal for the changing climate, with a unique dark red flower colour.
Petunia X hybrida ‘Allegra Orchid Vein’ F1
(Thompson & Morgan) A unique upright Petunia which can grow up to 1.5m tall and can be used as a cut flower as well as a bedding plant. Large double orchid-like lilac flowers bloom for up to five months and it requires no deadheading. Striking, elegant and versatile, it can work well in containers, borders and floral arrangements.
Clematis X hybrida MOCHI (‘Minamo-no-Yousei’)
(Thompson & Morgan) Clematis Mochi offers unique spray-like blooms that change in form from single to double over an exceptional 120-plus day flowering season. Its compact habit makes it suitable for small gardens and containers in sun or partial shade.
Salvia X jamensis MALABAR® (‘Mighty Pink’)
(Crocus) A new Salvia with large (up to 2.5cm across) bright pink blooms with pale throats. With a long flowering period, it attracts bees and other pollinators and is a great addition to mixed borders or pots. Great drought and heat tolerance makes this an excellent low maintenance, climate resilient option.