Gardeners across the county have been asked to search for any rare or unusual plants.

The Threatened Plant of the Year 2024 competition, run by Plant Heritage, will be held this month.

People need to look for unusual plants growing in their gardens that aren't currently available to buy from a nursery or garden centre.

These are known as cultivars, a plant variety that has been produced by selective breeding.

Competition entrants can send up to five different cultivars in their submissions and have until May 19 to do so.

READ MORE: Demolition of Sussex hospital building begins

An expert panel of judges from Plant Heritage will shortlist the entries and the winner will be awarded an engraved Threatened Plant of the Year 2024 vase and certificate and a special plant label.

Judging will take place at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on July 1.

Gill Groombridge, business manager at Plant Heritage, said: "The importance of discovering and caring for rare and threatened plants that may not exist anywhere else in the country cannot be overstated.

"Through our Threatened Plant of the Year competition, we can ensure that rare plants are protected and propagated to ensure they have a secure future ahead.

"Plants play a fundamental role in helping mitigate against the effects of climate change, so it’s hugely important to conserve our rich horticulture by knowing what plants we have and working to breed more of them if we can.

"Every year we receive an incredible array of entries – including many that we didn’t even know existed – so we’re very excited to see what gems are submitted this year.”

The annual competition is now in its fifth year and is part of Plant Heritage's critical conservation work.