Compact Hydrangea conquers the market
In a market where hydrangeas are widely available in large volumes, it may seem difficult to introduce a truly distinctive variety. Yet that is exactly what Jean-Pierre van der Peijl of Van der Peijl Tuinplanten has achieved. With his so-called Little Hydrangea concept, he developed a series of compact hydrangeas that naturally remain low-growing, aligning better with consumer expectations. What started as a simple observation in a garden centre has grown into a proprietary line with international protection and distribution far beyond Europe.
New Variety: Buddleja ‘Birthday Cake’ by Van Vliet New Plants
With Buddleja ‘Birthday Cake’, a compact butterfly bush enters the market that stands out for its abundant flowering and long ornamental value. The purple flowers appear stacked above the plant, creating an effect reminiscent of a layered birthday cake. This gives the plant a full and eye-catching appearance.
A practical advantage is that the flowers turn brown much less quickly during the fading stage compared with many other varieties. As a result, the plant remains visually attractive for a longer period at the garden centre.
Young plants of ‘Birthday Cake’ are exclusively available through Florensis, which markets the variety internationally to professional growers.
Scan smarter: AI cameras guard biodiversity at nursery
Knowing what flying and creeping creatures are present at a location is crucial in agriculture and horticulture, but manually monitoring insects is sheer drudgery. That is about to change. With the results from the project ‘Automatic Insect monitoring at and around nurseries’, North Brabant can fully focus on digitisation to increase biodiversity and refine crop protection.
Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little’ (Little XS) by Van der Peijl Tuinplanten
Within the segment of compact hydrangeas, demand is steadily increasing for varieties that naturally remain small without intensive pruning. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little’, also known as Little XS, responds directly to this development. The plant is a proprietary breeding of Van der Peijl Tuinplanten and forms part of the company’s Little concept, which focuses on compact hydrangeas for smaller gardens. Little XS was developed to offer a recognizable hydrangea that stays compact while maintaining the classic ornamental qualities of Hydrangea macrophylla. The cultivar is available in five flower colours: white, red, blue, purple and pink, allowing growers and retailers to present a varied and attractive colour range.
Grower’s Pride: Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ by Van der Peijl Tuinplanten
Within the range of structural garden plants, Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ occupies a distinctive position. This selection combines a strong tropical appearance with surprisingly good suitability for European gardens. At Van der Peijl Tuinplanten, this cultivar is deliberately cultivated for professional markets such as garden centres, landscapers and export channels. Its compact growth, striking foliage colour and clear recognisability make ‘Charlie Boy’ a distinctive addition to the segment of architectural garden plants.
Breda, Hoogstraten and Zundert will increase cooperation on the three business parks Hazeldonk, Transportzone Meer and Business Centre Treeport
Today, the municipalities of Breda and Zundert and the City of Hoogstraten took an important step towards the future of the cross-border business park area along the A16/E19 on the Belgian-Dutch border. On 5 March, the 'Convenant Grensverbond' (border alliance convenant) was signed: a new and sustainable international collaboration that is necessary to jointly address cross-border challenges.
Tree nursery industry report: industry remains stable, but differences between companies are increasing
The autumn of 2025 was short, erratic and unpredictable for the tree nursery industry. Nevertheless, the industry generally managed to hold up well. Turnover remained on average stable and exports increased significantly. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the differences between companies are increasing and that financial pressure on some entrepreneurs is increasing considerably. This emerged from the Sectorrapport Boomkwekerij Najaar 2025 (tree nursery industry report) published by Van Oers.
Grower’s Pride: NewGen® Buxus
Boxwood has faced significant pressure in recent years. Pests such as boxwood leafminer have damaged confidence in the crop, both at nursery level and in the end market. At the same time, demand for evergreen, formable structure plants has not disappeared. NewGen® Boxwood responds directly to this tension by introducing genetically selected cultivars developed for improved tolerance to boxwood blight and strong resistance to leafminer.
Within the program, two cultivars stand out: NewGen® Independence (‘SB108’) and NewGen® Freedom (‘SB300’).
Successful spring edition of Florall with international interest and awards for innovations
On 3 March, the spring edition of Florall took place at Waregem Expo. During this trade fair, sixty producers and ten supply and export companies presented their assortment for the upcoming season. Visitors could enjoy a wide range of houseplants, garden plants, terrace plants, and fruit trees. Despite the nice weather – which usually sparks busyness in the garden centres – the fair attracted considerable interest from both national and international visitors.
Grower’s Pride: Cornus alba ‘Nightfall’
With Cornus alba ‘Nightfall’, Boomkwekerij Verpaalen introduces a distinctly dark-leaved selection that adds new depth to the traditional Cornus alba segment. Whereas most Cornus alba cultivars are valued mainly for their winter twigs, 'Nightfall' adds intense purple-black foliage (featuring a greyish-velvety haze on the underside) during the growing season. This dual ornamental value creates year-round appeal and offers clear commercial potential for growers looking to strengthen and differentiate their shrub assortment.
Dutch urban tree tenders are becoming more demanding
Urban tree tenders in the Netherlands are becoming more demanding and performance-oriented. While size and price remain relevant, municipalities increasingly focus on long-term performance under urban stress conditions. For nursery growers supplying the Dutch market, this means that demonstrable quality and documentation are gaining importance.
Grower’s Pride: Carpinus betulus
Carpinus betulus – commonly known as European hornbeam – has been a stable cornerstone of the European forest and hedge plant assortment for decades. While trends shift and new cultivars enter the market, this species continues to prove its value through reliability, adaptability and strong growth. For Roelands Boomkwekerijen, Carpinus betulus is not a side product, but a structural element within the core assortment.
Grower’s Pride: Parrotia persica
Parrotia persica, commonly known as Persian ironwood, is steadily establishing itself as a core species within climate-resilient assortments. At Vormboomkwekerij Ruud van den Berk, this tree is purposefully cultivated in several high-quality shaped forms. The combination of technical reliability, strong ornamental value and broad applicability – as a multi-stemmed tree, standard screen form and low screen form – makes Parrotia a strategic species within the nursery’s assortment.
Germany accelerates transition to peat-reduced and peat-free substrates in the tree nursery industry
The German tree nursery industry is accelerating the transition to peat-reduced and peat-free substrates. Across several federal states, demonstration projects are supporting nurseries in testing alternative growing media as part of Germany’s strategy to significantly reduce peat use in professional horticulture by 2030.
Grower’s Pride: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ has long been a cornerstone within the evergreen assortment. This compact cherry laurel combines a low, spreading habit with a striking spring bloom. For growers, it represents a dependable product with consistent demand in both landscaping projects and retail markets.
Grower's Pride: Taxus Baccata
Taxus baccata is one of the most consistent and durable evergreen products in the professional nursery assortment. While many species are influenced by trends and changing demand, yew remains a reliable cornerstone for growers focusing on quality, longevity and stable sales. The species combines technical reliability with long-term economic value. For Kwekerij Peter Verhoeven, Taxus baccata is therefore not a secondary crop, but a strategic foundation within the assortment, aimed at continuity throughout the supply chain.
Flora Toscana presented scented plants at Myplant
The companies in the Lazio floriculture region joined forces in a strong organisation.
When we talk about a large, contiguous floriculture centre in Italy, the name Pistoia quickly comes to mind. But there is more! In March 2020, when the whole world was overwhelmed and disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, the flower and plant growers of Lazio turned this very difficult period into a unique opportunity: they joined forces and began to build the identity of the flower and plant growing centre of the Lazio region. It was a small step from idea to realisation, and in just 48 hours, the non-profit association became a reality.
The 26th Premio La Città per il Verde (The Green City) produced many interesting projects.
The award, which is divided into four categories: Urban Greenery, Greenery Maintenance, Best Volunteer Initiative for the Management of Urban Green Spaces and The Resilient City, stands out as a national Italian recognition for policies aimed at the valorisation, management and development of urban greenery and landscape. The theme of the 2026 edition focuses on green spaces as strategic infrastructure for quality of life, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. The award ceremony took place on 20 February at the Myplant & Garden, a trade fair for ornamental horticulture, gardening and landscape architecture.
THE ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET
During the Myplant press conference, attention was also paid to figures relating to the Italian market.In 2024, the value of Italian horticulture production exceeded €3.25 billion (ISTAT), up 3.5% on 2023, +23% over five years and +30.8% compared to 2014, despite climatic and market challenges.
Bloombux® as a Boxwood Alternative: Long-Term Trial in Germany Confirms Strengths of the Dwarf Rhododendron
For many years, the Horticultural Teaching and Research Institute (LVG) Bad Zwischenahn-Rostrup in Germany has been testing boxwood alternatives for small edging hedges under practical conditions. The focus is on the question of which woody plants are suitable as a replacement for boxwood – which is currently plagued by diseases and pests – in terms of winter hardiness, pests, diseases, hedge density, and growth vigor. As one of the few flowering alternatives in the field of evergreen shrubs, the Rhododendron Bloombux® from the INKARHO® breeding program has proven its worth.
“Green Olympics” at Myplant & Garden
“Green Olympics” in Milan: Myplant, the international trade fair of horticulture, gardening and landscaping (Fiera Milano Rho, 18–20 February), was presented to the press. A 60,000-sqm “green arena” hosting a major exhibition challenge featuring the finest plants, the most spectacular flowers, the most innovative engines, the best landscape projects, the most sustainable solutions, the greenest cities, the best floral design schools, and the most effective techniques for green care.
BRICODAY, 18th edition: 23-24 September 2026 at FieraMilano Rho (IT).
Bricoday confirmed its central role in the international trade fair landscape of the DIY–home–garden sectors with a record-setting 2025 edition, marked by double-digit growth in both exhibitors and visitors and by strong interest in its rich programme of events, mention the organisers.
Special attention for landscaping at Myplant&Garden
Myplant & Garden is preparing to celebrate its TENTH edition, 18-20 February2026. The theme is 'Green is More". A special milestone that also marks significant growth: 60,000 m2 of exhibition space and the debut of MY LANDSCAPE, in Pavilion 8, the new thematic area dedicated to landscape architecture, the environment and constructed greenery.
Hillier Nurseries, UK, wins AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026
The coveted Gold Rose Award was presented to Hillier Nurseries on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, during a ceremony at IPM Essen in Germany by Linda Hoogendoorn-Veelenturf, CEO of MPS Group – the main sponsor of the Awards. Established in 2009, the AIPH IGOTY Awards recognise best practices in horticulture by the world's leading ornamental plant nurseries and celebrate the expertise and energy they bring to horticulture.
4 Garden plants awarded in IPM Novelty contest
As part of the opening ceremony, the best new plant introductions were honoured in the IPM Novelty Showcase. The competition attracted 42 entries from 27 exhibitors. Eight new varieties were awarded in six categories. Four plants were awarded prizes in the woody plants category.
IPM ESSEN 2026 sends positive signals for the horticultural industry
Discussions with participants revealed concerns about the economic situation, uncertain markets and rising requirements in production and marketing. People are less inclined to make investments. There were positive comments about participation in the IPM. The first three days were well attended and meaningful contacts were made.. “IPM ESSEN is the central international platform for orientation, exchange and future solutions,” summarises Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “Networking within the horticultural industry is essential today – the key to identifying trends early, finding answers together to structural challenges and consistently seizing new opportunities.”
Grower’s Pride: Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’ (EN)
Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’ is a columnar Norway maple that addresses the growing demand for slender avenue trees in streets, residential areas and business parks. For tree nurseries, it is a typical project-oriented product with clear added value in urban environments.
Grower’s Pride: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ (EN)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ is a classic within the conifer assortment and a stable cornerstone product for many nurseries. Its narrow, dense growth and long-lasting fresh green colour make this variety a key choice for hedges and linear plantings.
Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea serrata Living Red Velvet (EN)
Hydrangea serrata Living Red Velvet is part of a new generation of hydrangeas selected not only for colour, but also for winter hardiness and reblooming capacity. For nurseries, this series offers a distinctive story towards trade and consumers, with Living Red Velvet as a key colour highlight.
Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ (EN)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ is the compact counterpart of ‘Limelight’ and fits perfectly with the growing demand for smaller, container-friendly hydrangeas. It allows nurseries and traders to serve small gardens, balconies and patios without compromising on quality or visual impact.
Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ (EN)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ has become a standard variety in many nursery and trade assortments. Its combination of strong growth, reliable flowering and a highly recognisable look makes this panicle hydrangea a true backbone crop.
Seven plants nominated for the Show your colours Award at the IPM
Seven nominations have been announced for the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026. This was done by IPM Essen and Bizz Holland. All exhibitors at the trade fair who have woody plants and perennials in their range were invited to submit plants or plant concepts. The Award will be presented on Thursday 29 January at 3 p.m. at the BIZZ Holland stand in Hall 8, where the plants will also be on display. IPM and Bizz Holland are organising this show for the eighth year running.
The roadshow toward Greenitaly 2026 begins: meeting with associations and sector entities
PARMA, January 22, 2026 – On Tuesday, January 20, Fiere di Parma hosted the first Green Agorà 2026, a meeting dedicated to dialogue with professional organizations, the Orders of Chartered Agronomists and Forestry Doctors, trade associations, and public entities within the horticultural sector.
14 national pavilions bring international diversity to IPM ESSEN 2026
International joint stands are among the established focal points of IPM ESSEN. They bring together exhibitors from one country or region in one place, making it easier to compare product ranges and solutions, and creating space for discussions about trends, markets and cooperation. At IPM ESSEN 2026, taking place from 27 to 30 January 2026 at Messe Essen, 14 joint stands from 13 nations will be represented.
33rd International Trade Fair for Plants, Horticultural Technology and Landscape Architecture GREEN IS LIFE
The international GREEN IS LIFE trade fair presents garden plants, techniques and technologies for the production of plants and green areas, products and services for horticulture, garden and urban greenery equipment, as well as landscape architecture including cut and potted flowers.
Groeibalans opts for innovative future with new base in ROOTZ
Zundert, 14 January 2026 – Groeibalans, the independent consultancy and research agency for the tree nursery sector, is taking an important step towards the future. Starting today, the Groeibalans team will, in addition to their current location, also rent, work and innovate from ROOTZ, the knowledge and innovation centre of and for the tree nursery sector. With this branch, Groeibalans is strengthening its position as an expert partner at the heart of the sector.
Flemish novelties at IPM
The company Rudy Raes Flower Seeds will once again be presenting striking new products at IPM 2026.
Strong Flemish presence at IPM 2026 in Essen
From 27 to 30 January 2026, Flanders will once again showcase itself as a leading player in international horticulture at the Internationale Pflanzenmesse (IPM) in Essen. With a strong stand concept, innovative plant novelties and sustainable solutions, it will underline why Flanders has been a fixture at this leading trade fair for decades.
’Avenue of the Year’ competition in Germany – an opportunity for the tree nursery industry
Avenues deserve special protection for their ecological value and for their cultural and historical significance. However, many are endangered by road construction, soil pollutants and other negative influences. This has prompted the German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) to launch the Allee des Jahres('Avenue o the Year') initiative.
European Commission wants to speed up approval of biocontrol and biocides: opportunity for even more sustainable farming in Europe
According to the European Commission, the authorisation of biocontrol and biocides is still too slow. On 16 December, the European Commission therefore launched legislative proposals for faster authorisation of biocontrol, a collective term for biological and natural plant protection products.
Royal FloraHolland launches second major annual trade fair
Vandaag heeft Royal FloraHolland (RFH) een geheel nieuwe voorjaarsbeurs gelanceerd: Flora Spring Expo. Deze beurs vindt op 18 en 19 maart plaats op eigen locatie van RFH in Aalsmeer-Oost. Kwekers, kopers en ketenpartijen in Nederland én internationaal kunnen nu kennismaken met de beurs, die de belofte in zich draagt de tweede grote beurs van RFH te worden. Zo kan de sierteeltsector zich naast de Trade Fair Aalsmeer in het najaar – die onlangs voor de 25e keer gehouden werd -voortaan ook in het voorjaar van haar beste kant laten zien.
Dutch growers aware of environmental impact of crop protection: sector wants to make greater use of green alternatives
In the floriculture sector, 83% of entrepreneurs are aware of the environmental impact of the chemical crop protection products they use. Many of them have a strong desire to use more “green” alternatives. However, more than half (53%) experience problems in making crop protection more sustainable. They need greater availability of alternatives, clear and consistent legislation and regulations for all countries, and more technical knowledge and information. This is evident from the latest Ornamental Horticulture Trend Report, published today by Royal FloraHolland.
Shaping a Green Future at IPM ESSEN 2026
From 27 to 30 January 2026, Messe Essen will become the central ordering and communication platform for the international green sector. IPM ESSEN 2026 will cover the entire horticultural value chain – from plants and technology to floristry and garden features. The focus is no longer solely on products, but on strategies for an industry in transition.
Interesting techniques in Greek landscaping projects
While searching for interesting landscaping projects in the Mediterranean region, GGP. News came into contact with GardenDaddies from Kilkis (Greece). We spoke with Anastasios Poulcharidis and Olga Christodoulidou about how they approach their work.
Myplant & Garden: the tenth edition of the international trade fair for the professional green sector is approaching
Bigger, more international, with a new exhibition layout and a dense programme of initiatives: this is how Myplant & Garden is preparing to celebrate its tenth edition, scheduled from 18 to 20 February 2026 at FieraMilano Rho.
Myplant & Garden Middle East: a great first edition
Myplant & Garden Middle East 2025 presented itself from the outset as an event of strong strategic relevance for the entire Gulf region. It was officially inaugurated by H.E. Mohammed Salman Alhammadi of MOCCAE and by H.E. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, in the presence of high-ranking institutional representatives, international delegations, and key stakeholders in the sector. Among the authorities in attendance were also the Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, Lorenzo Fanara, and the President of the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Mirco Carloni, demonstrating the centrality of the importance of green within the international political debate.
MPS accelerates footprinting in ornamental horticulture through collaboration with Rabobank
MPS's HortiFootprint Calculator enables growers to gain insight into their environmental impact. This insight provides direction for sustainability plans. To accelerate sustainability in the Dutch floriculture sector, Rabobank will introduce a voucher scheme on 1 December 2025 that will reimburse business customers in greenhouse floriculture for part of the costs of a footprint calculation. By redeeming this voucher at Rabobank and getting started with the HortiFootprint Calculator, growers will be prepared for the increasing demand for transparency in the chain.
PAYSALIA 2025, A MUST FOR THE LANDSCAPING SECTOR
From December 2 to 4, 2025, the Paysalia trade show returns to Eurexpo Lyon with a bold ambition: to bring together all stakeholders in the landscape sector around a rich, committed, and forward-looking program. Professionals, local authorities, businesses, students... everyone is invited to participate in three days of discussion, inspiration, and training to tackle the major challenges facing the sector together.
Myplant & Garden Middle East launches first edition in Dubai
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment the inaugural edition of Myplant & Garden Middle East 2025 opened at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. The exhibition was officially inaugurated by HE Dr. Mohammed Salman Alhammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE.