Out of 56 new varieties and plants presented by 33 presenters at IPM 2014, the international trade fair in Germany, held January 28-31, seven have been distinguished with awards, reports newPlantsandFlowers, an interactive news portal in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Check out the slideshow to learn more about each of the honored selections.
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Pelargonium grandiflorum 'Bermuda Pink'
Pelargonium grandiflorum ‘Bermuda Pink,’ with gloxinia-shaped flowers from PAC-Elsner in Dresden, Germany, was awarded best new bedding and balcony plant. The Bermuda series consists of four varieties that will be sold as Candy Flowers Bermuda in North America in Spring 2015. Candy Flowers are regal-interspecific geraniums that flower without vernalization and continue flowering throughout the summer, making them easy-to-grow and versatile. They continue to gain popularity among bedding plant growers and consumers, and are bringing new life into the regal market. The new Bermudas will further energize the Candy Flowers series with never-before-seen flower colors and patterns in Regals.
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Erysimum hybride 'Winter Party'
Erysimum hybrid 'Winter Party' by Kientzler from Gensingen, Germany, was awarded best spring flowering variety. The jury appreciated its brilliant play of yellow and pink colors. It flowers from the end of February until the end of May and is a premium product for the balcony, terrace and bedding plant market.
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Kalanchoe 'Queen'
Among the cut flowers, Kalanchoe interspecific hybrid ‘Queen’ from Danish breeder Knud Jepsen was chosen as the best-of-the-best. As the judges could not decide which color was most attractive, the award went to all three varieties. The jury said this variety is a true breakthrough in breeding for this product group. ‘Queen’ is an old, well-known ornamental that appears in a totally new look, and will be a highlight for the innovative florist.
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'Princettia Pearl'
Best flowering indoor plant was awarded to Euphorbia pulcherrima willd ‘Princettia Pearl.' Available from Suntory Flowers, this variety was submitted by Moerheim New Plant from Leimuiderbrug, Netherlands. A true white variety that is absolutely unique in the extensive poinsettia assortment, it has a surprisingly compact growth habit, and cultivation is easy to manage and tolerant to low temperatures. The jury considers ‘Princettia Pearl’ a gem for producers, as it is very versatile.
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Dianella revoluta 'Coolvista'
Dianella revoluta ‘Coolvista’ was awarded best container plant. Submitted by Dutch-based royalty management agency Plantipp, this perennial is a must for landscape architects as it is modern, cool and regal. The jury also noted its upright growth habit, low maintenance and drought tolerance.
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Betula 'Magical Globe'
The award for the best new woody plant went to Betula pendula ‘Magical Globe,’ entered by Kolster from Netherlands. A variety that clearly distinguishes itself from the species, this birch tree stays compact and is ideal for the small garden as a true enrichment of the assortment of low-maintenance garden and container trees.
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Basil Tree
A special marketing prize went this year to the Basil Tree, submitted by Dutch-based Globe Plant and developed in close cooperation with Hishtil from Israel. It is not a new variety but it was awarded for its marketing accomplishments.