Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, has announced three new Gold Medal winners that will be available to the grower as of 2016 and in retail as of 2017.
The Fleuroselect Gold Medal is awarded to new varieties that have been tested by Fleuroselect’s expert and independent judges at trial grounds across Europe and proven to clearly supersede existing varieties in terms of breeding innovation and beauty.
Begonia semperflorens SenatoriQ Rose Bicolour – Sakata
Senator Rose Bicolour is part of a complete upgrade of the Senator series: bronze leaved Begonias with an excellent performance throughout the entire production and trade chain. The young plant raiser benefits from high germination and uniform development. For the grower, early flowering across the series and the non-stretching plant habit allows easy production in a wide range of pack and pot sizes. The improved shelf life and the attractive plants with deep bronze foliage and contrasting flowers are a definite plus for the retailer. From spring to autumn, the consumer enjoys a continuous display of beautiful bicolour flowers on the terrace or in the garden. Senator Rose Bicolour, a worthy winner.
Lupinus polyphyllus Mini Gallery Blue – HM.CLAUSE
Meet Mini Gallery Blue is the latest addition to HM.CLAUSE’s famous Lupine series. This beauty presents twice as many spikes in a true deep blue colour held well above the deep green foliage. Growers will love the shorter production cycle which does not require the use of PGRs. Thanks to Mini Gallery Blue’s natural branching habit, less seeds are needed to fill a pot. The compact plants are easy to transport and allow production in smaller pots, which can be sold at lower prices. The consumer will be delighted with the many deep blue flowers and in addition to borders, can also plant this cute Lupine in pots, window boxes and small gardens.
Penstemon barbatus Twizzle – Van Hemert & Co.
This first year flowering perennial from Van Hemert & Co has taller flower stems than the existing varieties on the market while preserving the natural elegance of wild Penstemon. The half-high flower spikes (approx. 70-80 cm) present small flowers in vivid scarlet. Growers will see the benefits of this seed grown variety which can be marketed as a premium plant in large pots (12-18 cm). Twizzle offers a wide sales window: it can be sown in spring for the summer season but also in autumn for a spring crop. The strong, trouble-free plants truly stand out on the bench and will look wonderful in inspiring plant combinations. Consumers will love this beauty because it adds height and colour to patio containers and annual/perennial borders. Attracting bees and hummingbirds, this perennial brings back wildlife to the garden.
