For many years, Fuchsias and Lantanas have been among the biggest items in the Brandkamp breeding program. The Fuchsia range "Jollies" and the Lantana range "Tropic Lantana" is popular in Europe and abroad as well, Jürgen von den Driesch of Brandkamp tells us. Like many other traditional bedding plants, however, fuchsias face stiff competition from newer bedding plants. "The pieces from the cake are going to be smaller for every crop", Jürgen says.
Brandkamp fuchsias in the breeding greenhouse
Jollies Revel, with red/deep violet flowers. The half-filled flowers stand on an upright growing shape.
Special niche
Market demand dictates finding a niche. Some consumers, Jürgen knows, are looking for specials more than standard products. "This is one reason for the success of Jollies La Grande or varieties like Jollies Miraval with its bright, unusual color combination." Every year, Jürgen sees more sales from their Jollies cuttings, but this doesn't apply to the total group of fuchsias, he believes.
Brandkamp fuchsias in the production greenhouse
Jollies Biarritz: upright growing with filled red/white flowers. In the segment of filled flowers, Jollies Biarritz fuchsias flower very early.
The breeding process
So the demand is there, but how to cater to that market? Jürgen says it's simple. Their main focus in breeding new varieties is looking at new color combinations, followed be improving older varieties. And finally, he adds, Brandkamp looks to introduce specials. Regarding the Jollies, they require a bit of extra attention from the breeder, to achieve their "bushy habit with good branching, continual flowering during the summer, attractive buds, and easy cultivation".
Jollies Trailing Rodez: semi-trailing with well-formed white/cherry flowers, early flowering, useful for baskets and pots as well.
Jollies
The Jollies family currently consists of 15 upright, 6 half-trailing, 7 trailing, and 8 La Grande - a total of 36 varieties. Brandkamp started with the first steps 6 years ago, and now the Jollies pot and label prove to be very popular, Jürgen tells us. There's still a lot in the pipeline, so give Brandkamp a visit at the FlowerTrials if you want to know more.
Jollies Trailing Grenoble: many smaller pink/violet flowers fill a trailing growing plant, also useful for pots and baskets
FlowerTrials
During the FlowerTrials in week 24, German breeder and propagator Brandkamp will show a wide range from their assortment, as well as new Chrysanthemums, bedding plants and cut flowers, at their guest location Green 05 in Maasdijk, Westland region, Netherlands.
A few new Jollies varieties will be introduced for the new assortment 2018/2019. They will all be on display during the FlowerTrials. In the Tropic Lantana range are two new varieties. After the three new varieties from last season, there will again be new additions to this range.
Tropic Lantana Bamboo: clear yellow, larger flowers. Like all Tropic Lantanas, Bamboo has compact growth and a lot of shoots. Bamboo is good to use for all pot sizes from small (11 cm pot) to big (17 cm pot)
Tropic Lantana Ara, colourful like a tropical bird with pink/creme/ivory larger flowers. Useful for many kinds of product forms, like bigger and smaller pots.
For more information
BrandkampEmail: info@brandkamp.de
www.brandkamp.de