Ready-to-order innovations compete for visitor approval at Plantarium|Groen-Direkt

What will be the true bestsellers for the upcoming gardening season? At the Spring Edition of Plantarium|Groen-Direkt (February 3 and 4), the 'Visitor's Favourites' take center stage. These innovations stand out not only for their novelty but, above all, for their immediate availability to the trade.

Upon entering the trade fair, visitors are immediately introduced to the cream of the crop in product innovation. The unique concept of the Visitor's Favourites combines innovation with commercial power. All nominated plants can be purchased directly in sufficient quantities, making the selection especially relevant for buyers looking to act quickly.

© PLANTARIUM|GROEN-DirektBuddleja Butterfly Candy 'Little Bubblegum'

Voting with the green ball
Visitors decide for themselves who wins the coveted Green Retail Award for Visitor's Favourite. Using the well-known green balls, they can vote for their favorite newcomer. The winner will be announced at the end of the fair.

The nominees for Spring 2026
The organization has selected the following contenders, partly based on their significant added value compared to the existing assortment. The nominees are Agapanthus 'Lady Lauren' from Agapanthus BV; Baccharis 'Coral Wave' from Van der Peijl Tuinplanten; Buddleja Butterfly Candy 'Little Bubblegum' from Van Son & Koot; Buxus Newgen from Van Vliet New Plants BV; Helleborus Frostkiss Rhythm Pink from Kwekerij Verboom BV; Lomandra longifolia Miner's Gold from Hoogeveen Plants; Loropetalum chinense 'Black Pearl' from Kwekerij Roos; Nerium oleander 'Evolution' from GROEN-Direkt Boskoop; Pericallis POP Epic Cerise from Beekenkamp Plants; Symphoricarpos 'Little Berry' from Joh. Stolwijk en Zn.; and Viburnum x 'NCVX2' Yin from Van Son & Koot.

Directly available for the trade
Unlike many other trials, the Visitor's Favourites focus on immediate marketability. During the fair, the novelties can be ordered directly from the exhibitors at their stands and via the GROEN-Direkt sample layer fair. This makes the event the ultimate starting point for an up-to-date spring assortment in garden centers.

Looking ahead: Autumn Fair and KVBC Awards
While the focus is currently on the Spring Fair on February 3 and 4, registration for the Autumn Fair on August 26 and 27 is already open. During the autumn edition, in addition to the Visitor's Favourite, the prestigious KVBC Novelty Awards will take place, along with the judging for the Best Market Innovation.