Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamentals industry, is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal award. Each year since 1970, flower seeds breeders have entered their newest and most innovative varieties into the Fleuroselect Trials. The Fleuroselect Judges, all colleagues from the ornamentals industry, view, review and evaluate these varieties under completely anonymous conditions. New and innovative varieties are eligible for Fleuroselect Approved Novelty status. Select varieties that are judged to be real breakthroughs in breeding technology, innovation and beauty are awarded the Fleuroselect Gold Medal. In 40 years, around 140 varieties have earned this prestigious title. Look for the Fleuroselect Gold Medal logo on award-winning packet seed varieties or view the complete list of winners at www.fleuroselect.com, page: Gold medals. You may be surprised to find more familiar varieties than you might imagine!
This year, the entered varieties were trialled at 15 Fleuroselect trial ground locations across Europe, and the judges awarded the honours to two exceptional, vivid varieties: a striking Sweet Pea, Lathyrus odoratus ‘Villa Roma Scarlet’ from Hem Genetics/Hem Zaden in The Netherlands and the sizzling, orange-red Zinnia marylandica Double Zahara ‘Fire’ from PanAmerican Seed in the U.S.A.
Sweet Pea ‘Villa Roma Scarlet’ will delight the true hobby gardener who can sow and grow this traditional favourite for use in containers and hanging baskets thanks to its compact habit and stunning colour.
Zinnia marylandica Double Zahara ‘Fire’ will be available in garden centres from the Spring of 2011 onwards and will blaze all summer in the garden even under the warmest, driest conditions.
Fleuroselect’s Gold Medal winning introductions can be viewed at 50 Public Gardens across Europe, U.S.A. and Asia. These botanical gardens, display gardens, arboreta, parks and college campuses are situated at highly visible, prime locations and are easily accessible and open to visitors. In addition to educating the public, they enchant visitors with the beauty and joy of viewing and discovering perfectly bred flowers. Each year these gardens are the first to show the new Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner introductions. For detailed information on these show gardens please visit: www.fleuroselect.com, page: Public Gardens.
Source: Fleuroselect