Dec 11, 2012

Production in Paraiso

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Florexpo, a major unrooted cuttings supplier based in Paraiso, Costa Rica. I was invited to participate in the second annual Florexpo Week, which is an event that brings together breeders, growers and brokers from around the world to take part in variety presentations and tours of the Florexpo facilities.

Over the past couple of years, Florexpo has gone through quite a few changes from its distribution network to quality control. And I got a firsthand look at it all. I’ll be writing an article on all these changes in an upcoming issue of GPN. So be on the lookout.

Today, I want to share with you some of the exciting new varieties available at Florexpo. During my visit in Costa Rica, I participated in presentations from various breeders and learned about popular series and new introductions produced at Florexpo. Here are some new varieties that caught my eye and sparked excitement from Florexpo Week attendees. I couldn’t fit them all, so I’ll include more in my next newsletter!

For more information about Florexpo and its product offering, go to www.florexpo.net.

Phlox Paparazzi Series (Amerinova)

This totally unique series combines the early flowering of Phlox subulata with the early and midsummer performance of other phlox species. It is a highly floriferous and tough perennial with great heat tolerance. Colors in the series include : Miley, Britney (pictured), Angelina, Lindsay, Gaga and Paris.

Geum Cocktail Series (CNB New Plants)

Bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Gardens, ‘Cosmopolitan’ and ‘Banana Daiquiri’ are two new additions to the Cocktail series. Hardy to Zones 4 to 9, these varieties can be used in spring borders. Flowering period is end of April through May. Flower height is 15 to 18 inches, and foliage height is 10 inches.

Delosperma Jewel of Desert Series (Concept Plants)

These new delospermas flower from May until the beginning of winter as long as the sun shines. They are suitable for all container sizes; they look especially nice when three cuttings are added to one pot to make a mixed combination. Other uses include rock gardens, patio plants, roof gardens, living walls and perennial borders.

Gentiana ‘Rocky Diamond Blue Heart’ (Dalina Genetics)

Dalina Genetics has been working on breeding and selection in gentiana for many years now. In 2010, the company registered its trademark Rocky Diamond, and this exciting new plant is now available to dedicated growers. It is not an easy crop to grow, but when done right Blue Heart is absolutely beautiful.

Pericallis Baby Senetti Series (Suntory)

This new series offers advantages for mass market growers and retailers. These compact plants are ideal for high-density production and shipping. They are able to finish in smaller containers and boast early season color. Plant habit is upright and bushy, and they have excellent branching.

What do you think of these new varieties? Will you consider adding them to your production? Let me know what you think; you can shoot me an e-mail at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com. I’d love to hear from you.

– Jasmina