Serena Bariloche INTA, Navidad INTA and Floriana INTA are the three new Glandularia varieties presented by the research teams of INTA Bariloche in Río Negro and the Floriculture Institute. Featuring intense colours, high rusticity and striking flowers, the new cultivars stand out for their ornamental value in pots, flowerbeds and landscape design.
According to Paula Bologna, biologist at the Floriculture Institute of INTA Castelar, each variety has distinctive traits reflected in its name. Serena Bariloche INTA, for example, is a low growing plant whose name refers to its pale pink flowers that fade into white, giving it a delicate and serene appearance.
© INTA
In addition to its ornamental qualities, Serena Bariloche INTA is a highly rustic plant, able to withstand wide temperature fluctuations. Developed within the breeding programme at INTA Bariloche, it also shows good tolerance to low temperatures.
Navidad INTA is described as a very rustic variety with an upright growth habit. It stands out for its large inflorescences of intense red colour, reminiscent of traditional Christmas decorations, which inspired its name. Due to its structure and vivid red flowers, it is particularly eye catching in open field conditions.
Floriana INTA, meanwhile, is characterised by its abundant lilac coloured flowering. The plant has an upright architecture, with a tendency to become decumbent at maturity. It is the second Glandularia variety with divided leaves, following Alba INTA. Bologna also highlighted that its showy flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Floriana INTA was selected as the public favorite during the Floriculture Institute's demonstration day in 2024.
Three varieties, many uses
According to the specialist, all three varieties are suitable for outdoor use, both in pots and in flowerbeds. They require full sun and moderate irrigation and are well suited for outdoor landscape designs.
They are low maintenance plants, selected for their rusticity. Nevertheless, pruning and fertilisation after flowering are recommended to maintain their ornamental characteristics.
"These are three new varieties that are mainly differentiated by their novel flower colors and architectural traits," Bologna concluded.
Source: intainforma.inta.gob.ar
