(ZVG) The ‘IPM Innovations’ competition, initiated by the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG), once again impressed this year with the high level of innovation demonstrated by the participants. A total of 42 new varieties from 27 exhibitors competed for the ‘IPM Innovation 2026’ award. Following yesterday’s assessment by the expert panel, eight new varieties will be honoured across six categories.
The certificates were presented today during the official opening of the 42nd International Plant Fair (IPM) by ZVG Vice-President Andreas Kröger and ZVG Vice-President Karoline Heiser, as well as Hannes Schrader, the Flower Ambassador for German Horticulture and Floristry 2025/26.
In the ‘Spring-flowering’ category, the expert committee selected Pericallis x hybrida Senetti® Blue Spoon from Suntory Flowers Europe in Leimuiderbrug, the Netherlands. The jury was impressed by the distinctive flower shape combined with the colour of this Pericallis. With its numerous blue spoon-shaped flowers and compact, bushy growth habit, the new variety immediately catches the eye. The contrast with the yellow centre of the flower is also striking.
In the ‘Bedding and Balcony Plant’ category, the Garden Gerbera Garvinea® Sweet Pastry from HilverdaFlorist in De Kwakel, the Netherlands, has been awarded the ‘IPM Novelty 2026’ title. The trendy new colour and the beautiful, compact plants are what make this Garden Gerbera so special. It is suitable for planting in flowerbeds and borders, as well as in pots and planters,
In the ‘Bedding and Balcony Plants’ category, the Garden Gerbera Garvinea® Sweet Pastry from HilverdaFlorist in De Kwakel, the Netherlands, has been awarded the ‘IPM Novelty 2026’ prize. The trendy new colour and the beautiful, compact plants are what make this Garden Gerbera so special. It is suitable for planting in flowerbeds and borders, pots and planters, as well as for making your own bouquets. This was yet another reason for the decision to award the prize. The continuous re-flowering also impressed the jury.
In the ‘Flowering Houseplants’ category, the Tillandsia (Tillandsia) Camina® from Anthura BV in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, has been awarded the title ‘IPM Novelty 2026’. Camina® is a vigorous plant with a richly branched pink to purple inflorescence, which forms a beautiful contrast to its dark green foliage. It was this special combination that earned the new Tillandsia variety the award from the expert panel. The richly branched inflorescence and its uniform development make it equally attractive to consumers and growers alike.
In the ‘Shrubs’ category, the expert jury awarded no fewer than three New Variety Awards due to the large number of new varieties submitted. The expert panel chose Ficus carica ‘Fignomenal’ (‘PT-DF-14’PBR) from Fitzgerald Nurseries Ltd. in Kilkenny (Ireland) in particular because of this fig’s extremely dwarf and low-growing habit. It is perfect for urban gardening, both indoors and outdoors. Consumers and growers can look forward to a fruit-bearing shrub that is very much on trend and perfect for snacking.
The rhododendron hybrid ‘Grazeasy® Purple’ from Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG in Jeddeloh also received a New Variety Award. From May to June, the new ‘Purple’ variety displays lush, deep purple flowers that stand out strikingly against the dark, lance-shaped leaves – a feature that also impressed the jury. ‘Grazeasy® Purple’ is highly versatile and can be planted in a pot, as a hedge or as a specimen plant in a border.
With Cercis griffithii ‘Blue Lagoon’ (‘RAFMAR1’PBR) from Kordes Jungpflanzen Handels GmbH in Bilsen, the jury recognised a shrub or small tree that, with its heart-shaped leaves in a striking blue-grey hue, offers a blend of colour and form. This striking colour is relatively rare in deciduous trees. Its early flowering supports pollinators and helps to keep the garden lively and balanced. Yet another reason for the jury’s award.
In the ‘Cut Flowers’ category, the award went to Clematis AMAZING®™ TOKYO (‘Zo07201’PBR) from Marginpar B.V. in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands. This clematis impressed with its sturdy stems and open flower form, which offers a wide range of possibilities for floral design and enables attractive arrangements.
In the ‘Perennials’ category, Yucca ‘French Flag’ PBR from Plantipp BV in IJsselstein, the Netherlands, was awarded the title ‘IPM Novelty 2026’. This drought-tolerant yucca is ideal for Mediterranean gardens and as an architectural plant, and is also well-suited to climate change. This also impressed the jury, who highlighted its pollinator-friendly flowers in May–June, which appear in clusters of white blossoms.
The New Products Showcase at the Horticulture Information Centre in Hall 4 will feature all the plants that took part in the ‘IPM New Product 2026’ competition. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be able to find out about the latest innovations and trends in the plant market and take part in the visitor survey. The presentation of the People’s Choice Award will take place on 29 January 2026, the penultimate day of the fair.
