The first entries for the new product inspection by PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt have arrived. In any case, a new Scabiosa, three new Geraniums, a Hydrangea and a Rosa will compete for the Green Retail Award. Growers can submit new plant varieties for inspection until the end of April, with a chance to win the Best Novelty Award May 2025.
Novelty presentation
The new products can be viewed on 19 May (from 7.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and on 20 May (from 7.30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) during the GROEN-Direkt Mid-Season Days in Hazerswoude. The novelties will be clearly presented on the exhibition's main square, complete with any medals. On 19 May, the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt Green Retail Award for Best Novelty May 2025 will be presented.
International attention
The official inspection will be carried out by the expert jury of the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Association (KVBC). This additional judging moment – last year in June, now moved to May – offers growers and breeders the chance to put their spring novelties in the spotlight. This does not only happen on the GROEN-Direkt floor, but also in the international press beforehand.
Registration until 30 April at the latest
Registration for the competition is open until 30 April, but the sooner you register, the more attention your new product will receive through the trade media and online communication channels. You can register via the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt website.
The first entries to compete for this internationally recognised title are:
Scabiosa columbaria 'Lier 01' (LAURIE)
Is a compact and long-flowering Scabiosa with deep blue flowers that remain upright and do not drop. This new variety stands out for its exceptionally long flowering period – from May until the first frost – and its compact growth habit, which is not only visually appealing but also offers logistical advantages for transport and display.
Compared to well-known varieties like 'Butterfly Blue', LAURIE stays lower and denser, making it an excellent choice for both retail and landscaping purposes. This Scabiosa columbaria mutant also performs very well in warmer climates.
The plant was bred by W. and M. Lier-Gielens MTS from Meijel and will be available on the market from 2025 through Kientzler Jungpflanzen and Van Lier-Gielens. Plant breeder's rights have been applied for. Van Vliet New Plants BV from Stroe has submitted this variety for novelty evaluation.
Geranium sanguineum FRIVOLIUS series
The FRIVOLIUS series of Geranium sanguineum, developed by Marco Van Noort Breeding of Warmond, consists of strong, healthy garden geraniums with remarkably large flowers, fresh green to dark green leaves and a compact, spreading but not rampant habit. All cultivars flower richly and long-lasting, are suitable for borders, landscaping and container cultivation, and have been marketed through Vitroflora and Allplant since 2023. The series is protected by plant breeders' rights and is also distinguished by good drought tolerance and strong visual appeal thanks to its contrasting leaf and flower colour.
FRIVOLIUS PURPLE (‘MVNG1905’)
This cultivar stands out for its intense dark cerise-purple flowers and particularly early flowering. The fresh dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with the deep purple hue of the flowers.
FRIVOLIUS LILAC (‘MVNG1901’)
This variety is characterised by its pretty lilac-pink flowers. FRIVOLIUS LILAC forms a groundcover carpet without a rampant character, making it very suitable for both gardens and public green spaces.
FRIVOLIUS PINK (‘MVNG1811’)
This selection is distinguished by its large pink flowers and early, long-lasting flowering. The bright green leaves and strong drought resistance make it ideal for a variety of garden and landscape projects.
Hydrangea paniculata 'HYLV19557' (GARDENLIGHTS LITTLELIGHT)
Is a compact, hardy, and low-maintenance panicle hydrangea that stands out for its elegance and simplicity. This new introduction is remarkable for its unique flowering habit: a sea of white to cream-colored flowers that form a dense floral carpet, well supported by strong, self-supporting branches. Flowering begins in June and continues into September, providing long-lasting ornamental value in any garden. Thanks to its neat, compact growth, GARDENLIGHTS LITTLELIGHT fits perfectly into modern gardens and smaller outdoor spaces.
The plant was bred from seedling by Lendert de Vos BV in Reeuwijk and will be marketed from 2025 by Leybaert BV from Lokeren, Belgium. Plant breeder's rights have been granted.
Rosa 'Visedabal' (PETIT SOLEIL)
Is a compact, bushy rose that adds a vibrant touch to any garden, balcony, or terrace throughout the season. Its small, single, bright yellow flowers resemble little suns and form a striking contrast with the glossy light green foliage. PETIT SOLEIL blooms abundantly from spring through autumn and is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. In autumn, decorative red hips appear, adding an extra splash of colour and providing a feast for birds.
As a member of the Naturosa family, this non-grafted rose is known for its exceptional health, strong resistance to pests and diseases, and excellent climate resilience. These qualities make PETIT SOLEIL a sustainable choice for both home gardeners and professional landscaping projects.
The variety was bred by Viva International – Martin Vissers and will be commercially available from 2025 through Meer Plant BV from Meer/Hoogstraten, Belgium. Plant breeder's rights are pending.
August next inspection
The novelty inspection in May is organised by PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt. A novelty inspection and presentation will also take place during the next PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt trade fair on 27 and 28 August. During this edition, there will also be awards for Best Market Innovation for new concepts and brands and a Visitors' Favorite for immediately available product innovations.
