Due to the Covid pandemic, today, the spring edition of Florall had to be held digitally.
There were no physical presentations, but a digital platform. This way, wholesalers and retailers get the chance to view the spring assortment of the Flemish growers and to get in touch with them.
Once again, a professional jury awarded potentially interesting innovations. After an intensive deliberation phase, during which various aspects of the candidates were taken into account and weighed, the jury made the decision to award Gold for Betterbuxus®. Agapanthus “Poppin’ Purple” that was awarded a silver medal also received its first public award. The spectacular colours convinced the jury to award Bronze to Leucothoe 'Rant01' (Firestar).
Betterbuxus® wins Gold
These new varieties which are resistant against fungal diseases oppose to the main problem of Buxus. They are the result of the breeding work of one decade at Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) and PCS during which the natural resistance of wild varieties had been introduced from seedlings.
>> Here you can find further information and pictures
The jury focuses on the innovating aspect of this plant and thinks that the name Betterbuxus® should help to oppose to the idea according to which Buxus is a difficult plant. Provided that a bit attention is paid to the boxwood tree moth, the resistance against the fungal diseases will put the plants into the position to grow undisturbed during summer. And this will result in ad added value.
Another aspect appealing to the jury concerned diversity. These plants thrive as a patio plant both in pots and in the garden. The slightly looser growth habit does not have to represent a disadvantage, since it gives a certain touch of modernity. Furthermore, these plants can be used as soil cover and for pruning. In winter, the plant provides green shades.
This hybrid offers the potential to get international success, even beyond the Flemish market. In this manner, both Flemish research, focussing on horticulture, and the branch itself will have the chance to reach more global attention.
The company Herplant in Beerse named this variety.
Agapanthus “Poppin’ Purple”
This is the first deep purple long-flowering evergreen Agapanthus (the so-called African lily or love flower) available on the market.
>> Here you can find further information and pictures
This colourful plant can address a wide audience. This plant brings
colour to the garden and flowers over a long period of time. The “Poppin’ Purple” plant does not grow too tall. And it is exactly this aspect permitting to plant it both on borders and in a pot.
There are still purple varieties. However, the jury believes that the 'Poppin Purple' will stand out with its colour. The Agapanthus is a popular long-flowering plant that can profit from other flowers bringing colours to the garden. The Agapanthus plant attracts butterflies and it also bee-friendly.
The company Agapanthuskwekerij in Aalter named this variety.
Leucothoe ‘Rant01’ (Firestar)
The Leucothoe or grape heather needs some acidic soil and light shade.
>> Here you can find further information and pictures
The jury finds that the spectacular colours red, green, and colourful are innovating in comparison with the colours of the other Leucothoe. The different colours result in ad added value in various seasons, and even in winter. This plant grows slowly. This is the reason why it requires little maintenance.
It is a variety adapting to these weird times. At the moment, what we need is freedom, creativity and playfulness. And this plant can bring all this to our terrace. This plant has the potential to make us happy.
The company Van Vliet new plants bv in Stroe (NL) named this variety.
Jury Composition
- Lucien Verschoren, Association of the Arborists
- Marc Verachtert, horticultural journalist
- Jesse Tavernier, Ornamental Plant Research (PCS)
- Elias De Boeck, Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM)
- Jarne Depaepe, Association of the Garden Contractors and/or of the green cultivation (AVBS)