As the season for Beauty Seasons Winter Ladies® comes to a close at the end of March, it's time to reflect on the success of this hardy and long-flowering heather series. According to Marc Canders from Europlant Canders, the licensor of Beauty Seasons based in Germany, this season has been another success, continuing the increasing popularity of Winter Ladies across Europe since their introduction in 2020.
Test field
Hardy, long-flowering, compact and more
Winter Ladies is a winter heather (erica carnea) introduced in 2020 and is a further development of the previous winter heather Erica darleyensis. Winter Ladies are available in red, pink and white. The plants flower from November to spring, extending the heather season beyond winter. "Winter Ladies bring variety and color to the cold season," says Canders. "Together with the extensive Skyline® range, they form a perfect combination that provides continuous color and diversity from autumn to spring." Additionally, they grow more upright and are completely hardy. Beyond their aesthetic value, Winter Ladies also promote biodiversity. "Their colorful blooms provide a reliable food source for bees and other insects during the colder months, contributing to insect protection and year-round ecological balance."
Growth and success
Over the years, the Winter Ladies have steadily gained popularity, with demand increasing each season. One variety in particular, namely "Sarah," has proven to be a standout. "Sarah now accounts for 70% of our production," Canders explains. "Known for its vibrant red color, it has become a favorite among gardeners looking for a bold and reliable winter bloom."
Looking back on this season
Reflecting on the current season, Canders says it has been another positive one. "The Winter Ladies are sold all over Europe, but mainly in Germany. The demand continues to grow, and growers had no significant challenges, allowing them to successfully meet the market's needs," he adds. "As the season concludes, Winter Ladies continue to stand out for their resilience and beauty, reinforcing their place in winter gardens."
Test field
Looking ahead: new varieties in the works
Europlant Canders, with two young plant producers for their Winter Ladies and ten for the finished product, is actively working on expanding and improving the Winter Ladies range. Currently, they are testing several new varieties, exploring new colors and blooms. "Each new variety is evaluated based on various criteria, and decisions are made about which varieties will be selected for production," says Canders. "The goal is to continue improving and expanding the winter range in the future. And we are seeing very promising new sorts on the test field with very powerful colors"
For more information
Beauty Seasons
Email: info@europlant-canders.de
T: +49 2834 8249
www.beauty-seasons.de