Jürgen von den Driesch (on the right) showing visitors the varieties of Brandkamp at the FlowerTrials 2016 in the Netherlands.
Younger generation
The mixed plants seem to catch the attention of the younger generation in particular. According von den Driesch, this generation often lacks the knowledge and time to discover combinations with varieties that fit, can grow and flower together. "By offering a pre-made mix, this problem has been solved easily." And this is visible in the sales of many growers and also for Brandkamp itself. "Here at Brandkamp for example, we also produce the finished Mix-it-Up's and last year, we were completely sold out. Usually, we have about 5 to 10 percent of the plants left", says von den Driesch.
The current demand is mainly coming from the Central and Northern European countries "In the BeNeLux countries, UK, Germany, France and Scandinavia, these mixes are very trendy and is still increasing." And in the coming year, von den Driesch expects a demand from the Eastern European countries. "When looking at other bedding plants, we see that these countries often pick up trends a bit later".
Clockwise: Pink Miracle, FireDancer, Velvet Phantom, and Noblesse.
Trialing the mixes
Brandkamp saw the potential four years ago and started to create mixes. For the mix, they use existing own bred varieties and extensively trials them for one season. "Last year, for example, we started out with 20 mixes and only 1 mix made it to our catalogue", he says. When trialing the varieties, Brandkamp focuses on how the varieties grow together, how they flower together and that there are three different colors visible on the pot. "It is very important that the plant does not only looks stunning on the shelf, but also in the garden of the final consumer."
'Mix-it-Up' assortment
And three years ago, Brandkamp was ready to put its first four interspecific mixes, the so called 'Mix-it-Up', on the market. Over the years, the mixes in this series increased to nine. "'Lady in Red' brings our Mix-it-Up assortment on nine. It is the second tonal mix after 'Pink Miracle' and created with red Petunia, Calibrachoa and Verbena. Like all 'Mix-It-Up's', a real sun worshiper", says von den Driesch.
Supplying cuttings separately
Brandkamp supplies the cuttings to the growers separately. "In the past, we supplied all three cuttings together, but we have found out that this way of supplying the mixes increases the risk of damaging a cutting in the mix. So, when, the mix consists of two instead of three plants it loses its value. And when supplying the cuttings separately, we limit the risk of loosing mixes. Of course, it entails more work for the grower as he needs to combine them, but the profit will be higher."
Win-win situation
In general, the trend of offering mixed containers can be perceived as a win-win situation for both the grower and consumer. "The grower can ask more for these combinations and the consumer enjoys a good combination throughout the season", says von den Driesch.
The Pemba family.
IPM Essen
At the IPM Essen, that will be held from January 24-27, 2017, Brandkamp will present the 'Mix-It-Up' combinations and the addition to the Pretty Pembas family and the new arrivals; the Pemba Yellow and Pemba Apricot. Now, the family consists of eight uniform growing and flowering varieties, that are suitable for all thinkable mix-combinations. "There are not so many series with such an uniformity and range of colours like the Pretty Pemba", says von den Driesch.
For more information
Brandkamp
Jurgen von den Driesch
Email: v.d.driesch@brandkamp.de
www.brandkamp.de