On May 19, the novelty judging took place, organized by PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt. Eleven of the sixteen submitted new garden plants were judged by the KVBC jury. Hydrangea macrophylla Arctic Circle by De Jong Plant took home the top prize: the Green Retail Award for Best Novelty.
The jury selected this plant for its clear distinction within the already extensive hydrangea range. “This lacecap hydrangea begins flowering with a remarkably symmetrical white circle—something we haven’t seen before in lacecaps. The flowers then develop into mophead clusters. Its well-branched, sturdy, compact growth and healthy, dark green foliage also contributed to the positive assessment. The presentation was excellent, which is a key criterion in a trade fair evaluation,” explains Ronald Houtman, secretary of the KVBC judging committee.
Proud winner Roel de Jong of De Jong Plant BV / Blooming Creations Int. B.V., elaborates on the plant’s features: “It branches easily and can be grown outdoors without using growth inhibitors. The flower heads also contain fertile flowers—great for bees, without compromising the profusion of blooms. The flowers start snow white but gradually turn from light to dark pink as the season progresses. If any sun scorching occurs under intense sunlight—as happens with all white hydrangeas—the petal edges turn pink, which actually adds ornamental value. But ultimately, the main added value of this new variety is the beautifully round bloom, reflected in the
name ‘Arctic Circle.’”
High Standards
According to the jury, the evaluated plants were of a high standard, resulting in the awarding of several medals.
Silver medals were awarded to:
- Rhododendron ‘Mapo 2’ (PINK STAR) by BVBA Leybaert
- Rhododendron ‘Hort44’ (LILA FLAME) by FlorAmor
- Geranium sanguineum ‘MVNG1901’ (FRIVOLIUS LILAC)
- Geranium sanguineum ‘MVNG1905’ (FRIVOLIUS PURPLE)
- Geranium sanguineum ‘MVNG1811’ (FRIVOLIUS PINK), all by Marco van Noort Breeding BV
Bronze medals were awarded to:
- Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Hilpicperf’ (PICTURE PERFECT) by HilverdaFlorist
- Sempervivum ‘GGR2022’ (CHICK CHARMS GOLD RUSH) by @Roots
- Heuchera ‘1811’ (ETERNAL FLAME) by Fa. E. Hopmans
- Rosa ‘Visedabal’ (PETIT SOLEIL) by Meer Plant BV
Four plants were withdrawn from the evaluation. Plants that did not receive a medal were found lacking in presentation or added value compared to existing varieties.
Next novelty presentation and judging
The next novelty evaluation will take place during the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt Autumn Fair on August 27 and 28. Several dozen new plants are expected to be judged by the KVBC jury. Entries can be submitted via plantariumgroendirekt.nl.
