The 'IPM Novelty Showcase' competition, initiated by the ZVG, announced its winners yesterday, on the first day of the IPM Essen trade fair. 33 exhibitors from eleven countries submitted a total of 55 plant innovations in the run-up to the trade fair. A total of seven new varieties were honored in different categories and one additional plant was awarded a special prize by the jury. The certificates were presented by Andreas Kröger, ZVG Vice President (Hamburg) and the German Flower Fairy 2024/25, Anne-Marie Bals.
The Novelty Showcase winners
The winners
In the 'Spring Flowering Plants' category, the expert committee chose Primula acaulis Flamenco Mix F1 from Rudy Raes Bloemzaden n.v. in Belgium. This flamenco dancer has uniquely fringed flowers and pays homage to Spanish tradition. For the jury, the ruffled flowers, which are unique to F1 hybrids, were the deciding factor for the award. This is completely new for generatively propagated primroses and offers a cultivation advantage for growers.
In the 'Bedding and Balcony Plants' category, Sundaville Blue from Suntory Flowers Europe in the Netherlands was honored as the 'IPM Novelty 2025'. The attractive growth with less vigorous tendrils makes this Sundaville so special. The extraordinary color of the flowers varies from pink to shades of blue-violet. It flowers throughout the summer and also likes a spot in full sun.
In the 'Flowering Indoor Pot Plants' category, Cyclamen persicum 'Illusia' from Schoneveld breeding in the Netherlands was awarded the title 'IPM Novelty 2025'. The new flower shape means it is not immediately recognizable as a typical cyclamen. In full bloom, it resembles a corolla with countless buds underneath. It is best suited for autumn cultivation. The consumer can enjoy an excellent shelf life of up to four weeks without the flowers aging.
In the 'Tree Nursery Products' category, the jury chose Cornus kousa Flower Tower from Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsg.mbH & Co. KG from Germany. The particularly slender shape can be a highlight for small gardens in urban areas and thus expands the range of the attractive Cornus kousa for another important use. The abundant flowering and exciting autumn colors complete the picture.
Asplenium antiquum 'Yuaspgio' Gioia from Vitro Plus B.V. in the Netherlands was honored in the 'Foliage Indoor Pot Plants' category. This fern expands the extensive range of green houseplants with unique, serrated leaves and a stunning, fresh green color that brightens up any interior. An excellent new trend fern and a variation on the existing bird's nest ferns.
Musa sikkimensis Ever Red from Hoogeveen Plants BV from the Netherlands won in the 'Container Plants' category. The special leaf pattern with green and chestnut-red leaves and the compact growth impressed the jury. As is usual for bananas, this Musa also loves warm temperatures and is therefore an attractive addition to the European plant range in times of climate change. It immediately adds a tropical touch to any space.
In the 'Cut Flowers' category, Rosa Hybrid Under the Stars Rosa Loves Me from the Danish company Roses Forever ApS was recognized as a speciality. With five to seven flowers on just one stem, rose lovers immediately have a whole bouquet in their hands. They also have a very long shelf life to the delight of all decoration fans. The vivid yellow color is unique and has an interesting green shimmer.
The Roses Forever spray rose Rosa Loves Me Under the Stars wins one of the awards. The variety will soon be available from Golden Tulip Farms in Kenya.
The Hibiscus syriacus Flower Tower Ruby from the companies Kordes Jungpflanzen Handels GmbH and Heinje was honored with a special prize from the jury this year. The narrow columnar form is new for hibiscus and is therefore very suitable for small gardens, but also for balconies or terraces - it can also be planted as a hedge. It branches out well and delights bees and butterflies with its long flowering period from the end of July to the beginning of October.
On display
All 55 plants that took part in the IPM Novelty Showcase will be on display in Hall 4 in the ZVG Horticulture Info Centre. Visitors will be able to discover the latest innovations and trends in the plant market and take part in the visitor survey throughout the event. The public prize will be awarded on the penultimate day of the fair, 30 January 2025.
For more information:IPM Essen
www.ipm-essen.de