Marlies Bensdorp
A cyclamen has since long ceased to be just a cyclamen, they now come in many colors and sizes. Over the years breeders were busy experimenting with the flower which now can be fringed or smooth, large or miniature and in bright or soft color shades. In addition, the cyclamen are also developed on leaf color, and of course on resistance, flowering, duration of cultivation etc..
VICTORIA
“Typical Morel,” explains Marlies, “is the crown of the Victoria. Its fringe, refers only to the top of the petal, like a queen's crown and is accompanied by a coloured border, echoing the eye colour. Cyclamen with this feature are named 'Victoria'. Another feature, that only we have, we call ‘fantasia’, Bi-coloured petals whose colour starts at the base of the flower and spreads out towards the top, leaving the border of the flower really white. These varieties are found in the Fantasia series."
Novelties
The novelties – this year there are officialy 14 – are across all six series in which Morel had divided its range. There are two mini-types (Smartiz and Metis), two midi-types (Tianis and Premium) and two large-types (Latinia and Halios). Within these types a distinction is made in leaf coloring and shape, with outstanding names such as 'Flamed', 'Blush' and 'Dhiva'.
Specialty
Originally Morel is specialized in large flowering varieties, explains Marlies. "The plants grow better in the South of France due to the fact that the climate is warmer. The competition has different specialties, but you see that both us and them are now present over the entire range. But plenty of challenges remain to try to outdo each other with new and special characteristics.”
Morel also organises trials in the South of France. There will be many more varieties on show, because we could not bring all we have with us.
For more information:
S.A.S. MOREL Diffusion2565, Rue de Montourey
83600 Fréjus, France
Marlies Bensdorp
E: marlies.bensdorp@cyclamen.com
T: +33 (0)6 20 69 51 78
www.cyclamen.com