NL: Arctic Circle hydrangea wins Green Retail Award for Best Novelty

On May 19, Plantarium|Groen-Direkt held its latest novelty evaluation. Out of sixteen entries, eleven were evaluated by the KVBC jury. The Hydrangea macrophylla Arctic Circle, submitted by De Jong Plant, won the top prize: the Green Retail Award for Best Novelty.

The jury selected this plant for its clear distinction within the already extensive hydrangea range. "This lacecap hydrangea begins flowering with a remarkably symmetrical white circle—something we haven't seen before in lacecaps. The flowers then develop into mophead clusters. Its well-branched, sturdy, compact growth and healthy, dark green foliage also contributed to the positive assessment. The presentation was excellent, which is a key criterion in a trade fair evaluation," explains Ronald Houtman, secretary of the KVBC judging committee.

Proud winner Roel de Jong of De Jong Plant BV / Blooming Creations Int. B.V., elaborates on the plant's features: "It branches easily and can be grown outdoors without using growth inhibitors. The flower heads also contain fertile flowers—great for bees, without compromising the profusion of blooms. The flowers start snow white but gradually turn from light to dark pink as the season progresses. If any sun scorching occurs under intense sunlight—as happens with all white hydrangeas—the petal edges turn pink, which actually adds ornamental value. But ultimately, the main added value of this new variety is the beautifully round bloom, reflected in the name 'Arctic Circle.'"

High standards
According to the jury, the evaluated plants were of a high standard, which led to the awarding of several medals. Silver medals were awarded to Rhododendron 'Mapo 2' (Pink Star) by BVBA Leybaert, Rhododendron 'Hort44' (Lila Flame) by FlorAmor, and three Geranium sanguineum varieties: 'MVNG1901' (Frivolius Lilac), 'MVNG1905' (Frivolius Purple), and 'MVNG1811' (Frivolius Pink), all by Marco van Noort Breeding BV.

Bronze medals were awarded to Dianthus caryophyllus 'Hilpicperf' (Picture Perfect) by HilverdaFlorist, Sempervivum 'GGR2022' (Chick Charms Gold Rush) by @Roots, Heuchera 'FJF 1811' (Eternal Flame) by Fa. E. Hopmans, and Rosa 'Visedabal' (Petit Soleil) by Meer Plant BV.

Four plants were withdrawn from the evaluation. The plants that did not receive a medal were found to lack either presentation quality or added value compared to existing varieties.

The next novelty evaluation will take place during the Plantarium|Groen-Direkt Autumn Fair on August 27 and 28. Several dozen new plants are expected to be judged by the KVBC jury.