GUIDE TO EXHIBITING POT PLANTS
Pot plants are judged in accordance with the RHS rules and points system. Our guide outlines what a judge is ideally looking for and aims to help you look at what factors to consider when choosing or displaying your plant. However, your plant does not need to be perfect to make a worthy exhibit at our village show!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Check any specifications for a class or the rules in our show schedule. For example, all pot plants must have been in the exhibitor’s possession for at least 3 months prior to any shows. Pots should not normally exceed 300mm diameter but pots for bonsai plants, for example, are an exception.
Pots and containers should be clean and undamaged and in proportion to the plant.
If staking, wiring or tying is necessary, ensure it is neatly done and does not detract from the appearance of the plant.
Regarding preparation and presentation, the RHS says that “all-round effect” is important in most pot plants and recommends turning the plant regularly, particularly before a show. If necessary, flowers and leaves can be gently teased out to show the plant at its best. Any damaged foliage or flowers can be carefully removed. It advises staging the plant so its best side is towards the front.
FLOWERING OR FRUITING PLANTS
The plant should be sturdy and shapely with unblemished foliage and flowers. It should display flowers, coloured bracts or fruits of a good size, colour and substance. Preference should be given to decorative rather than botanical value.
Most of these plants should be shown for all-round effect but for others such as orchids and large-flowered begonias this is less important.
Scale of Points
|
In a class for Flowering or Fruiting Plants: |
Points |
|
Condition |
6 |
|
Quality & quantity of bloom or fruit |
6 |
|
Cultivation |
5 |
|
Difficulty of cultivation |
3 |
|
Total |
20 |
FOLIAGE PLANTS (decorative in form and/or colour)
A foliage plant should be sturdy and shapely with plenty of clean, unblemished and healthy foliage. It should display flowers, coloured bracts or fruits of a good size, colour and substance. Preference should be given to decorative rather than botanical value.
The presence of flowers is not a fault but their decorative value is disregarded. Most of these plants should be shown for all-round effect.
Scale of Points
|
In a class for Foliage Plants: |
Points |
|
Condition |
6 |
|
Decorative value |
6 |
|
Cultivation |
5 |
|
Difficulty of cultivation |
3 |
|
Total |
20 |
CACTI AND SUCCULENTS
The specimen should be a good size, well-balanced and healthy. It should be free from any defects such as damaged or missing spines, distorted bodies or leaves and abnormal marks or lesions or defective “bloom”. A plant that is difficult to cultivate is preferred to an easy one. The pot size should be appropriate to the plant.
While the condition, maturity and rarity of the plant are important, for local shows plants in flower or showing evidence that they have flowered are preferred.
Scale of Points
|
In a class for Cacti or for Succulents: |
Points |
|
Condition |
6 |
|
Maturity (age in cultivation) |
5 |
|
Freedom from pests and diseases |
2 |
|
Difficulty of cultivation |
3 |
|
Rarity in cultivation |
1 |
|
Presentation |
3 |
|
Total |
20 |
FUCHSIAS
These can be shown as a bush, shrub or standard. Other trained shapes such as fans or pillars may be considered.
The plant should be vigorous, symmetrical or balanced. It should also be floriferous with plenty of clean and fresh blooms and foliage of a good colour. Leaves should be free of nectar and pollen. For standards, the whole of the exhibit should be in proportion, ie the size of the pot, length of stem and diameter and depth of the head. Stems should be straight and free of blemishes. For trained shapes the framework should be covered by plant growth and the shape easily recognizable.
Scale of Points
|
In a class for Fuchsias: |
Points |
|
Quality and quantity of bloom |
8 |
|
Quality and quantity of foliage |
5 |
|
Cultural quality |
5 |
|
Presentation |
2 |
|
Total |
20 |
PELARGONIUMS
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums: The plant should be floriferous with a pleasing form. There should be ample healthy, clean and bright foliage. Trusses should be well-developed with a bright, clear and distinct colour.
Zonal and Regal Pelargoniums: The plant should be shapely and proportionate to the pot. Trusses should also be proportionate in number to the size of the plant and with a bright, clear and distinct colour. Flowers (pips) should be large and round with broad over-lapping petals.
Scale of Points
|
In a class for Ivy-leaved, Zonal or Regal Pelargoniums: |
Points |
|
Condition |
6 |
|
Trusses |
8 |
|
Foliage |
3 |
|
Presentation |
3 |
|
Total |
20 |
BONSAI
The bonsai, or “tree in a tray” should have a strong, well-shaped trunk tapering upwards and merging naturally with the growing medium. It should have a well-proportioned head of branches, well-spaced and set on the trunk with a natural apex and without obvious scars or marks of training. It should be a healthy colour with evidence of vitality and growth.
Scale of Points
The RHS does not recommend a particular system. Judges are advised to award prizes on the basis of the overall appearance and health of the tree and the competency and creativity of the grower.
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Horticultural Show Handbook – The official RHS guide to organising, judging and competing in a show
The Great British Village Show: RHS
If you have any queries please contact the Show Secretary.
Published February 2025