Buddleja davidii 'SMNBDBT' (ROCKETSTAR INDIGO), submitted by Valkplant BV from Boskoop, has been chosen as the best Novelty of Plantarium 2018.
The jury particularly liked the distinctive and innovative combination of properties of the plant. The shrubs have abundant branches and a dense and low growth. There is a beautiful contrast between the dark-green leaf and the warm colours of the flowers, which are deep violet with an orange eye. Because of the large influence of Buddleja davidii in the hybrid, the plant is very hardy and suitable for different uses.
- Four gold awards
Apart from the best novelty, four other plants were awarded gold by the jury. Carex morrowii 'Everglow' (EVERCOLOR), submitted by Cammeraat Potcultuur BV from Boskoop, Echinacea 'IFECSSSAL' (SUNSSEEKERS SALMON) of Gootjes-AllPlant BV from Heerhugowaard, Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA8' (BELLARAGAZZA LIMETTA) of Valkplant BV, and Hydrangea macrophylla 'ROCO131801' (ROCO BLACK KNIGHT) of RoCo Young Plants BV from Reeuwijk were presented with a gold medal. The jury also awarded eight silver and eight bronze medals.
- 63 plants judged
For the 36th edition of Plantarium, 95 novelties were submitted. Of these, 88 were accepted for the showcase. Eventually, 63 plants were judged. According to the jury this is a good number. Unfortunately, a number of participants were forced to withdraw their entries due to unforeseen circumstances. The judging of the novelties is done by a professional judging committee from the Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen (The Royal Society for Boskoop Cultures).
After the trade fair, the best Plantarium novelty gets a place in the Harry van de Laar assortment garden in Boskoop. The Best Novelties of the past years have been planted in a dedicated Plantarium border. The plants here can count on a lot of attention from the public. Besides this, it can be observed how the plant performs in terms of ornamental and practical value when planted in the garden.
As regards the Triple Beauty, the jury was enthusiastic about the nice combination of three colourful perennials and grasses in a single pot. Easy to use and very user-friendly for the consumer.
The jury was unanimous about the Ficinia Ice Crystal, a new plant with a modern look. Ficinia Ice Crystal is highly suitable for use in a small garden or on a balcony. The beautiful colour and fine hairs on the leaves give the plant an icy style.
- Second and third place
In the category Garden plants, seven entries were judged by the jury. Second place went to Amelanchier alnifolia 'Saskatoon Berry', submitted by Joh. Stolwijk & Zn. from Boskoop, and third place was for Pinus nigra ‘Aron’ (Summer Breeze) of Van Son & Koot bv from Kaatsheuvel. There were six entries in the category Concepts. Good Roots of Hoogeveen Plants from Hazerswoude ended up second, and the third place went to Create your own garden of Koetsier Vaste Planten from Boskoop.
Judging
The jury for the Press Award consisted of 18 journalists, representing the following countries: Germany, England, Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic and Switzerland. The award was presented by the chairman of the Jury, Andreas Henk, trade journalist at Gabot – Das Gartenbau Portal from Germany.