Belgium-based Hortinno, known for its exceptional azalea cultivars, is unveiling its latest creation, the Hortinno Cherry Blossom, at the upcoming Trade Fair Aalsmeer in the Netherlands. Christoph Stevens of FlorAmor, the grower behind Hortinno, believes that innovation is key in the world of azaleas, and the Cherry Blossom represents a fresh take on these iconic flowers.
The Cherry Blossom is characterized by its stunning soft pink hue and glossy dark leaves, a signature feature of Hortinno varieties. It boasts an extended flowering period of at least 50 days, setting it apart from the standard azalea assortment. One of its standout attributes is its minimal discoloration and limited shedding of withered bracts, making it a cleaner choice.
Christoph emphasizes that the absence of unsightly brown leaves is a significant advantage. Classic azalea varieties often have bracts around the buds that fall off when the flower opens, detracting from their visual appeal. Hortinno’s Cherry Blossom overcomes this issue, ensuring a pristine appearance throughout its long bloom.
Furthermore, the Cherry Blossom is a sustainable and disease-resistant plant, reducing the need for crop protection. Hortinno has also assessed the air-purifying qualities of their plants and found that azaleas, particularly Hortinno varieties, excel in this aspect. This is attributed to their dark green glossy leaves, a unique Hortinno trait that is continuously improved through research and integrated into their breeding program.
FlorAmor will officially introduce the Cherry Blossom at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer in November. This new azalea cultivar is grown exclusively in collaboration with three closely connected European growers to ensure that it reaches consumers across the continent.
Christoph Stevens shares the mission of FlorAmor: “Let love bloom with every single plant.” They focus on ensuring that every plant they sell brings joy to its new owner. The feel-good factor is central to their philosophy, both for the Hortinno line and their other brand, Flandresse, which features classic azalea varieties. Each plant is cultivated with care, and FlorAmor is eager to showcase their commitment to this vision at the upcoming fair.
The Cherry Blossom is set to make waves in the world of azaleas, offering a cleaner and more sustainable option with a prolonged flowering period, setting a new standard in azalea cultivation.