And the winners are...

With a record registration level of 76 plant innovations, the Innovation Showcase, which the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG) initiated as a competition on the occasion of IPM in 2008, has become a permanent fixture. It is the highlight of the fair and an attraction for the visitors and the press.



The 76 innovations submitted by 33 exhibitors were candidates for prizes in eight categories. The expert jury which assessed the plant innovations on Monday evening was able to choose one "Plant Innovation of the Year" in seven categories and to offer a special prize.

Within the framework of the official opening ceremony of the 34th International Plant Fair (IPM) ESSEN, the certificates were handed over to the prize winners by Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, Chairman of the Advisory Board for IPM ESSEN, and Alexandra Berchtenbreiter, German Flower Fairy 2015/2016.



In the "Spring-Flowering Plants" category, the expert commission decided in favour of the Primula filchnerae x Primula praenitens 'Thirtyone' from Cultivaris as the "IPM Innovation 2016". It can be put to versatile uses and is suitable not only as a spring-flowering plant but also as a flowering house plant or as a tub plant.

In the "Bedding and Balcony Plants" category, the Begonia hybrid 'First Kiss' from Dümmen Orange was distinguished as the "IPM Innovation 2016". For a begonia, it is exceptionally branched, free-flowering and low-maintenance. As an eyecatcher, also interesting in the semi-shade in particular.

In the "Tub Plants" category, the Mandevilla x sanderi DIAMANTINA 'Orange Coral' from D.H.M. Innovation from France received the "IPM Innovation 2016" title.

In the "Flowering House Plants" category, the Oerstedella centrandenia 'Panama Orchid' from Hassinger from Wiesbaden received the "IPM Innovation 2016" mark of distinction. With the Oerstedella, the Panama Orchids are extending the classic orchid range by a veritable eye-catcher. It has a short ex-vitro cultivation time of just one year and is satisfied with temperatures of 18 - 20°C.

In the "Green House Plants" category, the Sanseveria hybrid Sansiam Kichaka 'SUPSAM1401' from Suphachadiwong Orchids from Thailand was distinguished as the "IPM Innovation 2016". A swig of water every two weeks is sufficient in order to make it a permanent housemate in the long term. It can be cultivated very simply and quickly and in a wide spectrum of pots.

In the "Cut Flowers" category, the Vanda Jones ex R. Br Kanchana Angelite 'SPCDW1405' from Suphachadiwong Orchids from Thailand was distinguished as the "IPM Innovation 2016".

In the "Woody Plants" category, the expert commission decided in favour of the Vaccinium corymbosum BrazelBerries from zu Jeddeloh in the range as the "IPM Innovation 2016". A special blueberry which can be utilised in a variety of ways in tubs, on terraces or as nibbling fruit. With its compact growth, it is reminiscent of a bowling ball. They are hardy and, in a mild climate, retain their foliage, too.



The jury distinguished the Hydrangea macrophylla Frisbee Hot Pink and Caipirinha varieties from the Hydrangea Breeders Association with a special prize. This serves to honour the particular breeding work which culminates in a product with exceptional cultivation success.

All the plants which took part in the "IPM Innovation 2016" competition are being exhibited in the "Innovation Showcase" of the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG) in Hall 1a. Throughout the period of the fair, the visitors can obtain information about the latest innovations and trends in the plant market.

For more information:
www.messe-essen.de