Gardening Tips > All year > Helping you to choose the right plant

Helping you to choose the right plant

Trying to select a suitable plant for your garden can seem a little daunting when you’re not entirely sure what you are looking for and aren’t confident you have made the right choice.

In 1922 the Royal Horticultural Society set out to help by creating an ‘Award of Garden Merit’ (AGM). This award was created to help gardeners recognise those plants that have the best all round quality and will grow best in our gardens.

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' AGM

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ AGM

To qualify for an AGM, a plant:

  • Must provide the best all-round garden value for decoration or use
  • Be readily available to purchase
  • Be of good constitution
  • Should not require specialist growing conditions or care to grow
  • Must be reasonably resistant to pests and diseases
  • Must be stable in its form and colour.
Malus x robusta 'Red Sentinel' AGM

Malus x robusta ‘Red Sentinel’ AGM

Plants of all kinds can be considered for an AGM, including fruits, vegetables, seeds and bulbs. The aim of the AGM is always the same: To highlight the best plants available to the amateur gardener.

Fatsia japonica AGM

Fatsia japonica AGM

Since its creation the AGM list has undergone many overhauls and is now reviewed annually to ensure that it remains up to date and relevant.

In recent years many plants have had the AGM removed for various reasons. Many plants have become susceptible to pests and diseases, are no longer available or have been replaced by newer and more reliable plants. Currently the RHS Award for Garden Merit list contains just over 7500 plants.

Fuchsia 'Genii' AGM

Fuchsia ‘Genii’ AGM

We stock a wide range of plants that have been credited with an AGM. Look out for the AGM cup logo on plant labels or on additional plant signs.

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