The 2026 IPM Essen Novelty Showcase winners were recently awarded and highlighted the most promising new plant introductions. A total of 42 entries from 27 exhibitors competed this year, with eight varieties recognized across six categories. Among the honored innovations, Fignomenal Fig (Ficus carica 'PT-DF-14' PP32,537) was recognized in the woody ornamental category, drawing global attention to its distinctive qualities and market potential.
"Being selected in the woody ornamental category at IPM Essen is a tremendous honor," said breeder of Fignomenal Fig Lloyd Traven, of Peace Tree Farm. "Imagine my excitement discovering a branch on a fig plant that was so markedly different in habit and fruit production. It was covered with fruit from when the leaves came out in April to bearing almost 100 fruits in July in Pennsylvania. They ripen in a northern climate!"
© Peace Tree Farm
Fignomenal Fig is a compact fig tree developed to meet the needs of modern gardens and urban areas. Perfect for small gardens, patios, balconies, and even indoor planters, it maintains a neat, manageable size while delivering impressive yields of high-quality fruit. Its naturally dwarf, low-mounding habit makes it easy to grow, place, and maintain across a wide range of applications.
© Peace Tree Farm
And the flavorful fruit. The plant produces medium-sized figs with deep brown skin and sweet, pink-red flesh, offering the same rich flavor associated with traditional full-size fig trees—now on a compact plant ideal for container growing. Self-fertile and highly productive, Fignomenal requires only a single plant to produce fruit and is capable of year-round production under suitable conditions. With minimal maintenance requirements and low insect pressure, Fignomenal Fig combines ornamental appeal with reliable performance, making it a good choice for both retail and landscape markets.
© Peace Tree Farm
The breeder suggests this plant stay in a container. He shares he still has the first plant in a 10" container after 5 years and it is only 36 inches tall and wide with dense branching. He says the biggest maintenance issue is harvesting all the fruit!
"It's been a pleasure being involved in the introduction and management of Fignomenal," said Brian Kirkland, Business Development Director for Concept Plants, the licensing and marketing agent for Fignomenal in North America. "It's a plant that checks so many boxes. From its compact size, continuous fruiting, along with its ornamental value as a patio plant. This variety has it all!"
For more information:
Peace Tree Farm
Email: [email protected]
peacetreefarm.com/
