The International Plant Fair IPM Esseen opened with a strong focus on innovation and excellence, highlighted by the presentation of the IPM Novelties 2026 awards. The official opening was led by North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Silke Gorißen, alongside Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, President of the German Horticultural Association (ZVG), who welcomed exhibitors and trade visitors from around the world to Messe Essen.
The ceremonial highlight of the opening was the IPM Novelty Showcase, where the best new plant introductions of 2026 were honoured. The competition attracted 42 entries from 27 exhibitors, with eight new varieties receiving awards across six categories. These winners reflect both market trends and the industry's response to challenges such as urbanisation, climate change and consumer demand for versatile, resilient plants.
In the spring flowering plant category, the award went to Pericallis x hybrida Senetti® Blue Spoon from Suntory Flowers Europe in the Netherlands. The variety stood out for its abundance of blue, spoon-shaped ray florets, contrasted by a bright yellow centre and a compact, bushy growth habit. The bedding and balcony plant award was claimed by Garden Gerbera Garvinea Sweet Pastry from HilverdaFlorist, also based in the Netherlands, recognised for its modern colouring, compact form and continuous reblooming, making it suitable for beds, containers and even cut-flower use.
© IPM Essen
The flowering houseplant award was presented to Tillandsia Camina from Anthura BV. Its vigorous growth and richly branched pink to violet inflorescence create a striking contrast with dark green foliage, making it a strong statement plant for interiors. In the woody plant category, multiple varieties were honoured. Ficus carica Fignomenal ('PT-DF-14' PBR) from Fitzgerald Nurseries in Ireland impressed the jury with its extremely dwarf, low-growing habit, combining ornamental appeal with edible value and suitability for indoor and outdoor urban gardening. Rhododendron hybrid Grazeasy Purple from Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsgesellschaft in Germany was recognised for its lush, intensely purple flowers set against dark, narrow foliage, and for its versatility in containers, hedges or as a specimen plant. Another woody plant award went to Cercis griffithii Blue Lagoon ('RAFMAR1' PBR) from Kordes Jungpflanzen Handels in Germany, noted for its rare blue-grey, heart-shaped leaves and early flowering that also benefits pollinators.
© IPM Essen
The cut flower award was given to Clematis Amazing Tokyo ('Zo07201' PBR) from Marginpar in the Netherlands. Its sturdy stems and open flower form offer a wide range of floristic design possibilities and strong visual impact in bouquets and arrangements. In the perennial category, Yucca 'French Flag' from Plantipp BV was honoured for its drought resistance, architectural form and suitability for Mediterranean-style gardens, as well as its pollinator-friendly flowering from May to June.
All entries in the IPM Novelty Showcase can be viewed throughout the fair at the Horticulture Info Centre in Hall 4. Trade visitors are also invited to vote on site for their favourite, with the Audience Award set to be announced on 29 January 2026.
For more information:
IPM Essen
+49.(0) 201 7244 0
www.ipm-essen.de
