Keeping plants in the headlines

Trade and consumer shows aregreat places to see new introductions, keep ahead of trends and collect stories to boost coverage of indoor and outdoor plants in newsletters and on social media.

Everyone lovesanawardand that even extendstothose that breed and sell plants. As the 2023 show season has already kicked off with IPM Essen in Germany,weare beginning to get afeelofthe winning plants that garden centrecustomers will be reading aboutand looking to buy. Promoting those plants on social media and in the plantaria can keep things fresh and up-todate, and it’sevenbetter if youcan be ahead of the game by getting asteer on what’s likely to pique customer interest.

Often what appeals to gardeners on the Continent might not quitehit themark with UK customers. But interest in three winners at January’sIPM Essen is likely to crossthe Channel.

Belowleft: Philodendron ‘Pink Bikini’ continues the trend forvariegated plants adding pink and redtothe colour palette. It’sthick redstems contrast with green and whitevariegated foliage made even more vibrant by reddish pink veins. ‘Pink Bikini’ wasthe Novelty Green Houseplant winner

Belowright: Withexceptionally dark green, almost black glossy foliage and deep red flowers, dramatic Anthurium ‘Delicata’ shows great promise adding richness to displaysall year round especially at Christmas and Valentine’sDay.‘Delicata’ wonthe Novelty Flowering Houseplant award

Left:The Novelty Woody Plant winner wasfield maple ‘Street Pillar’with agreat storytotell. Anarrow,uprighttreewith an attractive-shaped crown, it needs little or no pruning.Ataheightof5mits spread is just 2m so agreat choicefor small gardens. As its name suggests, it’salso perfect as astreet tree because field maples areparticularly effectiveatabsorbing CO2and reducing air pollution. Easy to grow,tolerant of shade and the added bonus of yellowautumn colour, makes it agreat option forlimited private and busy public spaces.

If you are heading for BBC Gar Live at NE in June, then make a beeline for o Potting Bench’, a debut feature devoted to varieties introduced at Peter Seabrook Award for Best New Plant

If youare headingfor BBC Gardener’s World Liveat the NEC, Birmingham in June, then makea beelinefor ‘Hot off the Potting Bench’, adebut featuredevoted to varieties being introduced at the show.

Each introduction will also be competing for the new PeterSeabrookAwardfor Best NewPlant organised by TheColegraveSeabrook Foundation.Entries already confirmed arePeter’s Persica, asingle yellow climbing rose bred by Warner’s Roses, and four new trailing PetuniaSurfinia. Expect also to see apair of sweet cherries, atrio of tomatoes and the first double flowering Mandeville, Sundaville Double Blush Pink, excellent for making asummer statement especially when growninadecorativecontainer.Plants will be judged by apanel of experts but visitors can also cast a vote in theVisitors Choiceaward. If youdogo, whynot let your customers knowwhat youvoted for and see if it’sthe overall winner?