Meet RHS Hampton Court’s 2024 Master Grower: Tynings Climbers – a family-run grower specialising in climbers including passion flowers
Every year, the RHS Master Grower scheme champions leading nurseries.
At this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, climbing plant specialist Tynings Climbers receives the accolade.
A passion for Passiflora
Jane Lindsay (member of the RHS tender plant committee) and Toni O’Connor run the North Somerset nursery overlooking the Mendip Hills. They hold four national collections: Passiflora, Jasminum, Mandevilla and Thunbergia, alongside their large collection of hardy, half-hardy and tender climbers.
“It’s such a wonderful, intricate genus. The flowers range from the very tiny to the very large and some have the most wonderful scent.”
–Jane Lindsay
Jane’s love of horticulture began as a child working on her grandfather’s market garden, growing fruit, veg and cut flowers with her family. When she was 17, Jane went to work with Passiflora expert John Vanderplank, which is where her love of the beautiful climber flourished.
Jane’s top tips for passion flowers
- They prefer poor, free-draining soil, so don’t overwater them during the winter months.
- They’re quite happy in pots, but don’t plant them into a too-large container straight away. They like being snug.
- Most flower on new growth, so prune through the growing season.
- There are more than 500 species and more than 900 cultivars, so there’s a passion flower for all aspects. Unfortunately, only around 12 of them are fully hardy in the UK; the others need to be grown in a heated greenhouse or conservatory.
Golden Nursery
Tynings have a strong RHS Shows pedigree. This year their RHS Chelsea Flower Show display earned them a ninth Gold medal. Being named Master Grower is a special honour, and much deserved. “It’s great to showcase what we grow, celebrate the history of the nursery, and be recognised for years of hard work.” says Jane.
More from the RHS
Find Tynings in the Floral Marquee at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
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