Hazerswoude-Dorp, the Netherlands – The International Trade Center is poised to host the highly anticipated Plantarium/Groen-Direkt event on August 23rd and 24th. A spectacle that brings together horticultural enthusiasts, this year’s edition promises to dazzle visitors with a diverse array of novel plant introductions.
About Plants, a key participant in the event, is set to unveil a standout addition that promises to infuse landscapes with vibrant hues and vitality. The Acer palmatum Royal Garnet (‘Opstal11’PBR) is a charming petite tree adorned with feathery, garnet-toned leaves that transform into a fiery palette of orange-red shades come autumn, with an intriguing hint of blue. Meanwhile, the much-acclaimed Mad About Mangave series, known for its user-friendly features and enduring robustness, seeks to claim the Best Market Innovation title. Attendees can feast their eyes on this series at the FN Kempen stand.
Adding to the lineup, Skimmiakwekerij Bolwijn B.V. proudly presents the Skimmia Gold Series®, characterized by its impressive 60 cm tall stem. Representing the pinnacle of cultivation, this exclusive offering is a strong contender for the Novelty Market Innovation Award.
A Fresh Wave of Introductions
Among the captivating introductions for 2023, the Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Prime Time’ PBR commands attention. This Russian sage variety, known for its lavender-purple flower spikes and fragrant grey-green foliage, blooms early in the season, its flower spikes retaining their vibrant hue well into fall. With a blossoming period stretching from July to October, ‘Prime Time’ promises a prolonged burst of color. Interested parties can acquaint themselves with this top-tier performer at the booths of Boomkamp and Lucassen.
Notably, the Everpanthus® series by De Wet Plant Breeders welcomes its latest addition, Agapanthus Everpanthus® Midnight Sky (‘DWAgHyb01’PBR), showcased by Hoogeveen Plants and Leybeart. This striking cultivar boasts intense colors that match the intensity of its flowering. Outshining its counterparts, Midnight Sky exhibits robust growth and produces an abundance of flower heads. The captivating deep purple-blue hues of both flowers and buds are an instant attention grabber.
Stealing the limelight among newcomers is Clematis Sparkler, a captivating variety introduced by Marco de Wit. Displaying semi-double white flowers adorned with creamy stripes and alluring red stamens, Sparkler is a hybrid gem that blooms in spring and reemerges with single-flowered splendor later in the summer. This double-flowered marvel prolongs the season of interest, presenting a visual delight in any landscape.
Celebrating Excellence at the Wall of Fame
For those attending the event, the Wall of Fame offers a chance to admire past winners. Notable mentions include Tradescantia andersoniana JS® Brainstorm and Mangave Mad about Mangave®’ Red Wing’ PBR, both earning bronze recognition. Brainstorm secured its accolade at Plantarium|Groen-Direkt 2023, while ‘Red Wing’ was honored at SVB-KVBC 2021. Buddleja davidii Butterfly Candy® Little Ruby (‘BotEx 006’PBR) claimed Gold at SVB-KVBC 2021, and the audience’s favorite, Lomandra longifolia White Sands (‘Roma 13’PBR), emerged triumphant at the Groen-Direkt show in 2023.
The Plantarium/Groen-Direkt event serves as a testament to the ever-evolving world of horticulture, spotlighting the innovation, beauty, and diversity that the industry continues to nurture.