GardenGenetics LLC has clinched the prestigious Gold Medal in the “Best Novelty” category at the Green Retail Awards held during Plantarium in the Netherlands. This coveted accolade was awarded for Kodiak® Mixx Diervilla (Diervilla x splendens’ G2X88544VAR’), a newly introduced variety that has captured the hearts of horticultural enthusiasts and experts alike.
Kodiak® Mixx Diervilla: A Symphony of Color and Appeal
Kodiak® Mixx Diervilla dazzles with its delightful mix of green variegated leaves adorned with a creamy white margin. What truly sets it apart are the brilliant young pink shoots that grace the plant throughout the season, infusing it with vibrant charm. From early summer to fall, soft yellow flowers bloom, serving as a beckoning call to bees and other essential pollinators.
A Triumph Recognized
The visionary team at Valkplant recognized the immense potential and retail appeal of Kodiak Mixx Diervilla. Armed with their propagation protocol, they enthusiastically entered this botanical gem into the esteemed Green Retail Award competition. The verdict from independent expert judges of the Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen (Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society) was unanimous—Kodiak Mixx Diervilla deserved nothing less than the Gold Medal.
“The jury was impressed by the color, stability, and innovation this Diervilla brings to the range,” stated the jury’s report. “With a good bushy growth habit, neatly presented, without burnt foliage, it boasts a beautiful, colorful mixture of green variegated leaves with creamy white edges and attractive pinkish red shoots.”
A Delighted Reaction
Rick Grazzini, plant breeder and executive director of GardenGenetics, expressed his delight at the recognition: “We’re thrilled that the jury shares our enthusiasm for Kodiak Mixx Diervilla, a truly fantastic addition to the gardening world. It was a pleasant surprise that Spring Meadow Nursery discovered this sport, and it enriches our offerings. Kodiak Mixx is an exquisite, splendid Diervilla, and we’re grateful for the Gold Medal acknowledgment of its unique qualities.”
Kodiak Mixx Diervilla: An Exquisite Choice for Every Garden
Derived from Kodiak® Orange Diervilla, Kodiak Mixx Diervilla boasts a remarkable blend of beauty and resilience. Ideal for landscape beds and borders, it thrives in the sun while also showcasing tolerance for shady and dry areas. The plant matures to a height of 36 to 48 inches, with a similar spread. Its vibrant fall foliage further enhances its allure, and its deer resistance makes it a practical choice. Kodiak Mixx Diervilla is hardy to USDA zone 6.
Exclusive to the EU
Kodiak Mixx Diervilla is an initial release available exclusively to the EU market via Valkplant. Regrettably, this botanical masterpiece is not currently available in North America. Garden enthusiasts and horticultural connoisseurs in Europe are in for a visual treat with Kodiak Mixx Diervilla gracing their gardens.