Jan 7, 2011

New Berberis Varieties Earn Award of Garden MeritSource: PlantHaven

PlantHaven announced last month that two new berberis varieties have received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

PlantHaven announced last month that two new berberis varieties have received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The award is intended as a practical guide for the ordinary gardener. Proven and outstanding excellence continues to be the most significant factor. The award is only made after a period of assessment by RHS committees and draws upon the knowledge and experience of a wide range of members, including nurserymen, specialist growers and well-known horticulturists.

Although the RHS cannot evaluate woody plants under such extreme climates as ours in the United States, the trials are rigorous in comparing known varieties. Some 70 varieties of berberis were assembled for a five-year trial, ending in 2009. The trial plots were regularly visited and assessed by a panel of industry experts.

Eight new varieties were given the Award of Garden Merit, including berberis ‘Admiration’ and berberis ‘Fireball’. Both varieties were bred by Michal Andrusiv and have been cleared for distribution in the United States. ‘Admiration’ is a recent introduction by PlantHaven Shrub Program members and ‘Fireball’ is a future PlantHaven Shrub Program variety.

For more information, please contact Keith Manbeck at 805.569.0502 or keith.manbeck@planthaven.com.