RHS launch search for ugly plants ahead of RHS Show Tatton Park

Jun 25 2009 by Lois York, Chester Chronicle

BEAUTY is in the eye of the beholder at the RHS Show Tatton Park, as a search begins to find The World’s Ugliest Plant to take centre stage at the summer event.

The RHS’s horticultural experts have scoured the planet to produce a list of the 10 most aesthetically challenging specimens to be found.

The attributes of the shortlist span the spectrum from the spikey to the downright hairy and originate from across the continents.

As well as lucking out in the looks stakes, the frightful flora have also been handed the short straw when it comes to their names, with Stinky Squid, Monkey Cups, Birthwort and Vegetable Sheep a world away from the poetic charms of the lily, iris or rose.

However, the RHS is also keen to discover those with a soft spot for these objectionable plants.

To vote in the RHS’s survey to find The World’s Ugliest Plant and to make your comments on the ugly plants you love, visit www.rhs.org.uk/tattonpark by tomorrow, Friday. The winner will be announced on Monday.

It is hoped the winning plant will make a guest appearance at the RHS Show Tatton Park (July 22-26). To book tickets, call 0844 209 0363.