Horticultural fans are once again being treated to interesting newcomers with extra added value. From amongst sixteen novelties, the jury of the Florall Awards selected the long-flowering Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ with its high value for the consumer and the hardy Lagerstroemia indica ‘Berry Dazzle’ as the winners. In the Concepts category, Belgicactus’ new total concept for succulents, ‘Fabulous Fat Friends’, was awarded 2nd prize.
GOLD – DAPHNE ‘Perfume Princess’
Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ is the earliest but also the longest flowering of all the varieties of Daphne. The newcomer has one of the sweetest scents and a profusion of large, sweet-smelling flowers from pale pink fading to white. During its long flowering period, this Daphne regales with large, open, pink flowers that fade to white. The intense clusters of flowers can also flower along the stems and furthermore have an intense scent with gentle undertones of citrus. What makes it interesting compared to many of its conspecifics, is that this Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ is more suited to difficult conditions. An additional strength of this winner is that the plant can cope with a broader range of temperatures and quickly recovers after intensive pruning.
The jury praised this newcomer because the combination of its flower, foliage and scent is surprisingly original. The high value for the customer was appreciated, since Daphne is not the easiest of plants. According to the jury, Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ stirs up curiosity and its combination of strengths will easily be able to convince the enthusiast.
This cultivar, won by Timothy D. Wood, is protected by plant breeders’ rights and was launched on the market in Belgium in 2018 by the De Nolf tree nursery from Waregem.
www.denolf.com
SILVER - Fabulous Fat Friends concept
‘Fabulous Fat Friends’ is a total concept for succulents that was launched in 2018 by Belgicactus bvba from Westerlo. Together with the consumer, Belgicactus wants to continue the individual story of each succulent that comes from the nursery.
Succulents are totally hot & happening. Belgicactus provides very resilient plants, so that the Fabulous Fat Friends are not only drought resistant but also very hardy. They offer a perfect response to Nature’s whims. Dry summers and harsh winters are no problem for these strong succulents. And they hardly require any care inside either. So, they are plants that live very long, which immediately explains the new concept’s slogan.
The jury was pleasantly surprised by this well documented, new total concept for succulents. The name and story behind it are appealing and linger in the memory. The label is very simple and really aimed at consumers with just one focus: for inside or for outside. A stylish folder reinforces the ideas behind the concept.
‘Fabulous Fat Friends’ are linked to a logo and visuals, photo labels, a website and interaction with social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
www.fabulousfatfriends.com - www.belgicactus.be
BRONZE – Lagerstroemia indica ‘Berry Dazzle’
The newcomer Lagerstroemia ‘Berry Dazzle’ has a compact and upright habit and delights with a mass of large, fuchsia-purple flowers that harmonise beautifully with the dark purple foliage. Hardiness up to -15° C is definitely an added bonus.
This Berry Dazzle can be used in a multitude of ways. It shows beautifully on its own on a terrace or patio or can be planted in groups in a border, mass or combined planting. This novelty loves a sunny spot in well-drained soil and should be pruned in spring.
The jury felt that this visually very attractive plant is a welcome addition to the range of plants for the garden centre that flower in late summer. The good hardiness was considered a major advantage.
This cultivar was won by Plant Introductions (USA) and it was launched on the market by Plantipp (NL). In Belgium, it was introduced in 2017/2018 by Devriese-Luyssen from Wingene. The cultivar is protected by plant breeders’ rights.
www.plantipp.eu - www.sierplant.be
