Have you seen the photo report from the FlowerTrials? Over 5,000 visitors from 90 countries attended the event, visiting plant breeders over four days. This year, several plant characteristics are standing out. Besides new and vivid colors, some noteworthy plant characteristics include being compact, durable, resistant, uniform, and bee-friendly. These features make the plants appealing and efficient for growers, retailers, and consumers alike. This article explores some of these key plant characteristics, with more to follow later.
Pollinator friendly
Along with the flowers, there were plenty of bees at the FlowerTrials. This isn't surprising, as bee-friendly flowers and plants are becoming more important. Consumers are increasingly focusing on sustainability and are consciously choosing plants that benefit bees and other pollinators.
Bees and bumblebees love the Lavendula Fantasia Purple Flame from Decock Plants
Lavandula Lamorosia Maxi Purple from Grünewald
Ageratum houstonianum Monarch from Florensis, named after a butterfly species and also a butterfly-friendly plant.
Bees also love Erysistible Fire from Syngenta Flowers.
Color explosion
Equally important for both consumers and bees are the appearance and colors of plants. Along with new colors, like Schoneveld Breeding's first F1 cyclamen with blue flowers, there's a trend in cut flowers that's gaining attention: color-changing flowers. An example is the Sugar Candy Rose from Meilland, a potted rose that begins as a deep orange, lightens, and eventually turns pink.
Sugar Candy Rose from Meilland
Q-deville Doris van Graff. As you can see the flowers change color; from light to dark.
Cyclamen Super Serie Dragon F1, The first F1 Cyclamen with blue flowers from Schoneveld Breeding
Metis Coral with edge from Morel is not red, not orange, not yellow but coral.
Clockwise, from left to right: Sunca by Anthura with a striking yellow lip; a colourful nameless appearance by Brandkamp; Begonia by Sakata with chocolate-coloured leaves; Black Forest Ruby by Takii, a dark-leaved dahlia propagated from seed.
New series
Many breeders are now opting to launch complete series featuring multiple colors at once. Examples include Floritec's Miller and Patrese series, HEM Genetics' Digitalis DiBella, Danziger's Osteospermum Besties series, and the Hibiscus D-Tahiti series from HilverdaFlorist, in collaboration with DIEM Breeding.
The Miller series from Floritec
Digitalis DiBella from HEM Genetics in four colours: purple, peach, white and creamy white.
Danziger's nieuwe Osteospermum serie Besties.
The new Hibiscus D-Tahiti series from HilverdaFlorist in collaboration with DIEM Breeding
Strong and foolproof
Another standout feature of plants showcased at the FlowerTrials is their durability against damage. They are designed to withstand rough handling during transport, in stores, and even in consumers' gardens. For instance, Surdiva from Suntory Flowers is weather-resistant and requires minimal maintenance from consumers. Similarly, the Nunki hydrangea from Hoko Breeding boasts strong branches, durability, and a long shelf life.
Surdiva from Suntory Flowers
Nunki from Hoko Breeding
Many international visitors
The organization expressed great satisfaction with this year's FlowerTrials. Marjolein Kuyucu-Lodder, Chairwoman FlowerTrials committee: "The mix of nationalities travelling the Middle and South regions of the Netherlands last week was super impressive. From Brazil to Australia, from Canada to Kenya, FlowerTrials has truly established itself as the key event for professionals in pot and bedding plants worldwide. Furthermore, I am pleased to see that visitors tend to visit more locations. In addition to reconnecting with your existing network, FlowerTrials is the ideal event to discover different plant genetics and widen your horizon."
A visitor from Jordan underlined: "FlowerTrials is the best place to view the major breeders together: It takes only one event to see all the main innovations in the industry." Michael Perry, plant influencer: "The displays that exhibitors put together are so inspirational, I cannot imagine ever not attending!"
Save the date for 2026 edition
Week 24 is Flowertrials week: mark June 9-12, 2026 in your calendar.