NL: Plantarium|Groen-Direkt receives first entries for new product inspection in May

The initial submissions for the new product inspection by Plantarium|Groen-Direkt have been received. Among them are a new Scabiosa, three new Geraniums, a Hydrangea, and a Rosa, all vying for the Green Retail Award. Growers have until the end of April to submit new plant varieties for inspection, with the opportunity to win the Best Novelty Award in May 2025.

Novelty presentation
The new products will be on display during the GROEN-Direkt Mid-Season Days in Hazerswoude on May 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The novelties, along with any awarded medals, will be prominently showcased in the exhibition's main square. The Plantarium|Groen-Direkt Green Retail Award for Best Novelty May 2025 will be presented on May 19.

The official inspection will be conducted by the expert jury of the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Association (KVBC). This additional judging opportunity, previously held in June and now moved to May, allows growers and breeders to showcase their spring novelties. This exposure extends beyond the Groen-Direkt floor, reaching the international press beforehand.

Registration closes on April 30
Registration for the competition is open until April 30. However, the earlier you register, the more attention your new product will gain through trade media and online communication channels. You can register on the Plantarium|Groen-Direkt website.

The first entries to compete for this title are:

Scabiosa columbaria 'Lier 01' (Laurie)
This Scabiosa variety is compact and long-flowering, featuring deep blue flowers that remain upright without drooping. It is distinguished by its exceptionally long blooming period, lasting from May until the first frost. Its compact growth habit is both visually appealing and provides logistical benefits for transport and display.

Compared to popular varieties like 'Butterfly Blue,' Laurie maintains a lower and denser growth, making it an excellent choice for both retail and landscaping applications. This Scabiosa columbaria mutant also thrives in warmer climates.

The plant was bred by W. and M. Lier-Gielens MTS from Meijel and will be available on the market from 2025 through Kientzler Jungpflanzen and Van Lier-Gielens. Plant breeder's rights have been applied for. Van Vliet New Plants BV from Stroe has submitted this variety for novelty evaluation.

Geranium sanguineum Frivolius series
The Frivolius series of Geranium sanguineum, developed by Marco Van Noort Breeding in Warmond, features robust and healthy garden geraniums with notably large flowers, fresh green to dark green leaves, and a compact, spreading habit that is not overly aggressive. All cultivars in this series bloom profusely and for an extended period, making them ideal for borders, landscaping, and container cultivation. They have been available through Vitroflora and Allplant since 2023. Protected by plant breeders' rights, the series is also notable for its excellent drought tolerance and strong visual appeal, highlighted by the contrasting colors of its leaves and flowers.

Frivolius Purple ('MVNG1905'): This cultivar stands out for its intense dark cerise-purple flowers and particularly early flowering. The fresh dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with the deep purple hue of the flowers.

Frivolius Lilac ('MVNG1901'): This variety is characterized by its pretty lilac-pink flowers. FRIVOLIUS LILAC forms a groundcover carpet without a rampant character, making it very suitable for both gardens and public green spaces.

Frivolius Pink ('MVNG1811'): This selection is distinguished by its large pink flowers and early, long-lasting flowering. The bright green leaves and strong drought resistance make it ideal for a variety of garden and landscape projects.

Hydrangea paniculata 'HYLV19557' (Gardenlights Littlelight)
This new panicle hydrangea is compact, hardy, and low-maintenance, distinguished by its elegance and simplicity. Notable for its unique flowering habit, it features a sea of white to cream-colored flowers that create a dense floral carpet, supported by strong, self-supporting branches. Blooming from June to September, it offers long-lasting ornamental value in any garden. Its neat, compact growth makes Gardenlights Littlelight an ideal choice for modern gardens and smaller outdoor spaces.

The plant was bred from seedlings by Lendert de Vos BV in Reeuwijk and will be marketed from 2025 by Leybaert BV from Lokeren, Belgium. Plant breeder's rights have been granted.

Rosa 'Visedabal' (Petit Soleil)
This is a compact, bushy rose that adds a vibrant touch to any garden, balcony, or terrace throughout the season. Its small, single, bright yellow flowers resemble little suns and form a striking contrast with the glossy light green foliage. Petit Soleil blooms abundantly from spring through autumn and is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. In autumn, decorative red hips appear, adding an extra splash of color and providing a feast for birds.

As a member of the Naturosa family, this non-grafted rose is known for its exceptional health, strong resistance to pests and diseases, and excellent climate resilience. These qualities make Petit Soleil a sustainable choice for both home gardeners and professional landscaping projects.

The variety was bred by Viva International – Martin Vissers and will be commercially available from 2025 through Meer Plant BV from Meer/Hoogstraten, Belgium. Plant breeder's rights are pending.

Next inspection in August
The novelty inspection in May is organized by Plantarium|Groen-Direkt. Another inspection and presentation of novelties will occur during the upcoming Plantarium|Groen-Direkt trade fair on August 27 and 28. This edition will also feature awards for Best Market Innovation, recognizing new concepts and brands, as well as a Visitors' Favorite award for product innovations that are immediately available.

For more information:
PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt
www.plantariumgroendirekt.nl