Kientzler's new bitterwort variety is a crowd pleaser

The “IPM Innovations” competition, initiated by the Zentralverband Gartenbau (ZVG), was once again impressive this year due to the high level of innovation shown by the participants. A total of 55 innovations from 33 exhibitors competed for the “IPM Innovation 2025” prize. Seven new varieties in seven categories, as well as one new variety, were awarded the special prize of the jury. Now the audience award has also been presented. Here is an overview of all the awards:

Audience Award

Special features: Lewisia cotyledon-Hybride 'Sunset Glow' has a short cultivation time, faster than comparable Lewisias. It is ideal for cultivation in cool conditions. The new variety is considered to be extremely floriferous, with large, bright pink to orange-red flowers on short stems. The closed structure and good growth set colorful accents from spring to fall. The plant is easy to care for, drought-resistant and partially hardy in dry locations. Old flowers can simply be broken off. The Lewisia cotyledon hybrid is used as a decorative single pot plant, in combination with other drought-tolerant plants.

Spring-flowering plants

In the category 'Spring-flowering plants', the expert commission chose Primula acaulis Flamenco Mix F1 from Rudy Raes Bloemzaden n.v. in Destelbergen, Belgium. This flamenco dancer has uniquely fringed flowers and is a reference to Spanish tradition. For the jury, the ruffling of the flowers, which is unique among F1 hybrids, was the deciding factor for the award. This is a completely new development for primroses propagated by division and a cultivation advantage for producers.

Bedding and balcony plant

In the category “Bedding and balcony plant” the “IPM Novelty 2025” is Sundaville® Blue from Suntory Flowers Europe from the Netherlands. The attractive growth with less strong tendrils makes this Sundavilla so special. In combination with the extraordinary color, which varies from pink to shades of blue-violet flowers. It flowers throughout the summer and also likes a place in full sun.

Flowering house plants

In the category “Flowering house plants”, Cyclamen persicum 'Illusia' from Schoneveld breeding from Wilp in the Netherlands has been awarded the title “IPM Innovation 2025”. Its great new flower shape does not immediately make it recognizable as a typical cyclamen. When in full bloom, it resembles a crown with countless buds below. It is best suited for fall cultivation. Consumers can enjoy excellent durability of up to four weeks without the flowers aging.

Woody plants

In the category “Woody Plants” the expert commission chose Cornus kousa Flower Tower from Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsg.mbH & Co. KG from Edewecht as “IPM Innovation 2025”. The particularly slender shape can be a highlight for small gardens in urban areas and thus expands the range of attractive Cornus kousa for another important use. The abundant flowering and exciting autumn colors complete the picture.

Green indoor plants

In the category “Green Indoor Plants”, Asplenium antiquum 'Yuaspgio' Gioia from the company Vitro Plus B.V. from Burgh-Hamsteede in the Netherlands was awarded the title “IPM Innovation 2025”. This fern expands the extensive range of green indoor plants with a fern that has unique serrated leaves and a stunning, fresh green color that brightens up any interior. An excellent new trend fern and a variation on the existing bird's nest ferns.

Container Plants

In the category “Container Plants” the title “IPM Innovation 2025” goes to Musa sikkimensis Ever Red from the company Hoogeveen Plants BV from the Netherlands. The special leaf pattern with green and maroon leaves and the compact growth have inspired the jury. As usual for bananas, this Musa also loves warm temperatures and is therefore an attractive addition to the European plant assortment in times of climate change. It immediately breathes a tropical touch into any space.

Cut flowers

In the category “cut flowers”, Rosa Hybrid Under the Stars™ Rosa Loves Me® from the company Roses Forever ApS from Faaborg in Denmark was awarded a special distinction. With just one stem, rose lovers immediately have a whole bouquet in their hands. With five to seven flowers per stem and a very long vase life, it is a delight for all decoration fans. The strong yellow is unique and has an interesting green shimmer.

Special Prize

This year, the Hibiscus syriacus Flower Tower Ruby from the companies Kordes Jungpflanzen Handels GmbH and Heinje is being awarded a special prize by the jury. The narrow column shape is new for hibiscus and is therefore very suitable for small gardens, but also for balconies or terraces, and can be planted as a hedge. It branches well and delights bees and butterflies with its long flowering period from the end of July to the beginning of October.