Jul 23, 2010

‘Phantom’ Petunia Wins 2010 Fleuroselect Industry AwardSource: Fleuroselect

A unique color combination helped the Petunia x hybrida ‘Phantom’ from Ball FloraPlant win the 2010 Fleuroselect Industry Award. The winner was announced earlier this month at the organization’s annual gala dinner in Poland.

A team of 28 international judges selected the winner from seven entries. It was the unique color of this Petunia that won over the experts, with its black petals and yellow star center. The variety was bred by Ball FloraPlant’s Jian Ping Ren.

The entries for the 2010 Fleuroselect Industry Awards were presented at five FlowerTrials locations in the Netherlands. Of the seven starters, five made it to the final round. In addition to Ball FloraPlant’s Petunia x hybrida ‘Phantom’, the other contenders were calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Double Pink’ and Pelargonium zonale ‘Sunrise XL Evita’ from Selecta Klemm, gerbera hybrid ‘Grandèra Bright Red’ of Kieft-Pro-Seeds and verbena ‘Compact Lascar Pink’, also from Selecta Klemm. Alcea rosea annua ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ from Takii and a red Penstemon hartwegii from Syngenta Flowers did not flower on time for the final round of judging, because of dark spring conditions.

Judges evaluated the entries on their presentation at point of sale and their ability to create a buzz and offer something unexpected.

For more information, visit www.fleuroselect.com. To learn about the winning variety, visit www.ballfloraplant.com.