Rudbeckia and Echinacea have garnered attention as top-selling plants in Germany’s horticulture industry, according to Taspo, the country’s prominent weekly newspaper for the sector. A closer examination of Bull’s Sunbeckia, however, reveals that this variety is also riding the wave of positivity in the market. Following visits to a German garden center and a greenhouse cultivating Bull’s Sunbeckia, it’s evident that this variety is aligning itself with the prevailing upward trend.
Bade’s Gartenwelt, a family-owned retail establishment situated in northern Germany, took the initiative to extensively showcase the Sunbeckia. Even amid the introduction of early autumn offerings like Mums, Heather, Erica, Calocephalus, and Grasses, the Rudbeckia ‘Sunbeckia’ stands out as a prominent feature in this garden center’s offerings.
The summer sales of Rudbeckia ‘Sunbeckia’ are also experiencing robust performance at Gärtnerei Schmuck, another nursery located in the same northern region near Hartwig Bull’s production hub in Gönnebek. Notably, Gärtnerei Schmuck procures Rudbeckia ‘Sunbeckia’ directly from Bull through local wholesalers, a testament to the variety’s market appeal.
A distinctive aspect of Schmuck’s operational approach involves utilizing small ebb and flow benches for most of their products. This technique ensures timely and automated watering, even during weekends. The absence of manual watering is particularly beneficial for ‘Sunbeckia,’ contributing to its thriving growth.
Within Schmuck’s greenhouses, a trial featuring Hartwig Bull’s ‘Sunbeckia’ Emma in 6″ pots is underway. This variety, known as ‘Sunbeckia Emma,’ is strategically positioned as a favorable choice for 6″ pots, offering customers an option at approximately 30% lower cost.
In addition to potted and containerized plants, Schmuck’s elevates their offerings by transforming plants into gift-worthy arrangements, a practice that adds value to their products and caters to diverse consumer preferences.
In an industry that thrives on innovation and consumer engagement, Bull’s Sunbeckia emerges as a promising contender in Germany’s horticulture landscape. Its growing popularity, backed by strategic partnerships with retailers and wholesalers, affirms its status as a rising star in the market, positioned to captivate both horticulture enthusiasts and the broader consumer base.