Although the majority of the perennials are still used for larger projects in China, the number of consumers buying them for their own outdoor space is increasing fast, explains Mr. Chen, of Terra Nova Nurseries (TNN) China. The first varieties of this US breeding company entered China in 2007 and since then, they have expanded their assortment for the Chinese market with new and distinctive varieties. Currently, they have more than 200 varieties from more than 20 types that are being trialed, produced and sold in China.
Positive reactions
According to Mr. Chen, the varieties of Terra Nova Nurseries are being received very well by the industry. "I joined the company in 2017 and I am responsible for managing TNN's market and supply chain in China and the application and protection of plant variety rights. Currently, we have 4 authorized partners in China to jointly provide different types and forms of TNN products and services to customers locally and abroad. Because of the diversity, resistance, and novelty of its varieties, TNN has been well received by a large number of professionals in the domestic market. Currently, there are more than 200 varieties from more than 20 types, including Heuchera, Tiarella, Echinacea, Coreopsis, Kniphofia, Begonia, Agastache, Penstemon, Bergenia, Corydalis, and so on, which are being trialed, produced and sold in China."
"We don't like to breed plants that have already been widely used in the market, and we have always been working to breed novel and distinctive varieties. For example, we intend to promote a number of new varieties of Dicentra, Corydalis, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, and other types in the domestic market this year. It is very suitable for partial shade to shade environments and has its own unique characteristics."
The planting of perennials has also gradually extended to the direction of multi-segmented fields in China. Although most of the perennials are still largely used in many landscaping projects, real estate gardens, green spaces in parks, etc., the perennial share at home gardening business has also been significantly improved. Online sales for ornamental plants are becoming more and more mature in the last couple of years. For example, the two largest online shopping platforms in China, Taobao and Tianmao, both have their own flower shopping channels. Plus, there are many specific online flower shops that have newly appeared on the market. All of these promoted the growth of home gardening.
At the same time, the logistics of flowers are also continuously improving, and transportation is getting more efficient. The finished products of larger perennials were previously restricted by logistics transportation, and the losses during long-distance transportation were large. The products could not reach the hands of consumers in a perfect state, resulting in low customer satisfaction and low purchasing rate."
Plant variety rights
"Another aspect of my work is about the application and protection of plant variety rights, which is a very time-consuming process that requires communication and collaboration with multiple departments. We have been doing our best to promote the protection of varietal rights, which is very important for encouraging breeders and promoting innovative development in the industry. In addition, we have joined the ThinkPlants Alliance. ThinkPlants is a marketing platform that includes the member companies such as Terra Nova, Syngenta Flowers, Danziger, and 5 other horticultural companies, focusing on optimizing the supply chain system in the field of perennials.
Bred more than 1,000 varieties since 2017
Founded in 1992 and located in the northwestern United States of Oregon, it has been focusing on the breeding of perennials for many years and has won multiple awards for excellent new flower varieties in Europe and the United States. As of 2017, Terra Nova has bred more than 1,000 new varieties, patented more than 500 varieties in over 70 genera, and continues to bring new and better varieties to the market every year.
More information:
Terra Nova Nurseries Inc.
Contact: Mr. Chen, Manager
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.terranovanurseries.com