Four new plants won Gold medals at the well-known new plant judgement at Plantarium 2012. Once again, the jury were under the auspices of the Royal Horticulture Society (Koninklijke Vereniging voor Boskoopse Culturen), which has judged the new plant awards at Plantarium for many years.
Clematis 'Zoprika' (PRINCESS KATE), entered by J. van Zoest BV from Boskoop, won the title of Best New Plant at Plantarium 2012. In their comments about this plant, the jury were enthusiastic about the innovative colour combination in this Clematis. They described PRINCESS KATE as follows: “Flowers abundantly, bearing upright flowers with a unique shape, and has a well-chosen trade name, in line with other varieties of Clematis.”
The other Gold medal winners were Cornus kousa 'Summer Gold' by D. Veerman Jr Boomkwekerijen b.v., Boskoop, of which the jury commented: “Innovative, gold variegated C. kousa; exuberant presentation, stable variegation”, Hydrangea serrata ‘MAK20’ (FLAIR&FLAVOURS COTTON CANDY – FLAIR&FLAVOURS BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE) by Valkplant BV / André van Zoest BV, Boskoop, which drew the following comments from the jury: “Nice compact growth habit, flowers abundantly, the flowers are in a wonderful range of shades and can easily be made more blue, probably has outstanding autumn colours, very attractive” and Veronica longifolia 'Charlotte' by Rijnbeek en Zoon B.V. and Rijnbeek and Son Perennials Export B.V., Boskoop. With regard to this perennial, the jury commented “Attractive, very compact plants, profusion of flowers, excellent presentation, commercially interesting product.”
The jury also awarded 12 Silver medals and 22 Bronze medals. A total of 70 plants were judged. Unfortunately, various entrants were forced to withdraw their plants before the awards took place, partly because of the weather conditions. It may well be possible to enter these plants for the Plantarium awards once again next year.
Very high quality
The jury were very impressed with the level of the entries this year. “The jury felt that the quality of the entries was very high”, said the secretary of the jury, Ronald Houtman. “Last year's critical comments seem to have been taken to heart. The aim must be to come up with new plants which truly enhance the range and which stand out because of their innovative qualities.” Houtman also said it was striking that an unusually high number of shrubs were entered for the awards this year. Generally, perennials tend to predominate.
Source: Plantarium
