Encinitas, Calif. – Tillandsia ‘Samantha’, created by Bird Rock Tropicals, has been awarded the prestigious Glass Tulip award by FloraHolland.
Known as the Oscar of the European horticultural industry, the FloraHolland Glazen Tulip Award is presented each year to the most successful market introductions. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’, a creation of American tillandsia breeder Pamela Koide Hyatt of Bird Rock Tropicals, was entered by suppliers Bromelia Specialist BV, Stofbergen Plant Company BV and Ronald Bunnik.
According to FloraHolland, the jury found Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ possesses much innovative value, yet still remains neutral, giving it broad appeal across many styles and tastes. Said the judges, “The Tillandsia has a definite presence, and is very decorative all by itself. It is a multi-faceted product for any home.”
Bird Rock Tropicals has been breeding Tillandsias since 1981. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ has taken 20 years to bring to market. Tillandsias are extremely slow growing plants, and a hybridizing program can last a lifetime. The parents were chosen for their subtle beauty and long-lasting bloom.
Bird Rock Tropicals collaborates with Belgium-based Deroose Plants, a leader in tissue culture production and a worldwide distributor of Bromeliads. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ first earned international recognition when it made the short list of semifinalists for Plant of the Year at the 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Each year, FloraHolland presents the Glass Tulip award to the most successful introduction to the market in the categories of cut flowers, houseplants, garden plants and sales concepts. Hundreds of new products and concepts are introduced at FloraHolland. This is done via auction clock sales and through FloraHolland Connect.
Television personality and jury chairman Rob Verlinden presented the 2013 Glass Tulip awards at a ceremony on January 31 in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Verlinden’s popular television program often features new flowers and plants. Highlights of the Glazen Tulip 2013 awards ceremony will be broadcast on Dutch channel SBSG on February 23, 2013.
For more information or to order any of Bird Rock Tropicals’ products, call 760-436-3088 or visit www.birdrocktropicals.com.
Bird Rock Tropicals produces many different types of Bromeliads and maintains one of the largest living collections. Specializing in Tillandsias, they currently propagate more than 600 species and 225 hybrids. Their Bromeliad production includes Aechmeas, Bilbergias, Neoregelias, Vrieseas and several other genera. In addition, they have offered many different varieties of Orchids but are now focusing production on their extensive Tillandsia hybridizing program. For more information, visit www.birdrocktropicals.com.
Source: Bird Rock Tropicals