During the first day of GrootGroenPlus 2026, the results of the Green Grand Prix and the KVBC novelty inspection were announced. At the Green Grand Prix, several outstanding products from the GGP participants received awards. In addition, the Koninklijke Vereniging van Boskoopse Culturen (KVBC) inspected the submitted novelties.

Three gold awards at the Green Grand Prix

At the Green Grand Prix, three plants received a gold award: Cardiandra ‘Suapc 1707’ (AUTUMN BOUQUET), Miscanthus sinensis ‘Vica 21’ (VOLCANO) and Quercus ilex ‘Pyramidia’ (IDEAPYRA). Autumn Bouquet stood out in particular for its deep green foliage and attractive lilac-pink flowers. Its late flowering period was also appreciated. Miscanthus ‘Vulcano’ scored points thanks to the high ornamental value of its flower plumes, which turn deep red, while Pyramidia, with its attractive holly-like foliage, was regarded as a good example of a plant of tomorrow.

Silver was awarded to Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Hilmah’ (METEOR) and Miscanthus sinensis ‘Royal Purple’, respectively an attractive shrub that turns an intense red in autumn and a tall-growing ornamental grass with attractive flower plumes that also develop intense colour in autumn. Agapanthus ‘V002’, with the trade name Lady Lauren, received a bronze award. According to the jury, this compact, white-flowering African lily is well suited to the consumer market, partly because of the plant’s good health. In addition, several entries from the Better Buxus assortment received an honourable mention.

A total of 18 plants were entered, 16 of which were assessed. The plants were judged on various aspects, including presentation, uniformity and novelty value. Factors such as value to nature and resilience were also taken into account.

Cardiandra named best novelty in KVBC assessment
The KVBC inspectors were also present on the opening day. The highest rating in the novelty assessment went to Cardiandra ‘Suapc 1707’ (AUTUMN BOUQUET). The entry from Jens Meyer Jungpflanzen in Apen and Diderk Heinje Baumschul-Pflanzen-Handel GmbH & Co. KG in Edewecht was awarded gold with a score of 8.1, making it the best novelty at GrootGroenPlus 2026.

The jury was particularly impressed by the compact, densely branched and very profusely flowering plants and their striking colour combination. The jury also appreciated the fact that this introduction demonstrates that innovation is not limited to well-known genera.

Picea glauca ‘Klavercon’ (LITTLE NORDIC) from Hoogeveen Plants BV in Hazerswoude-Dorp received silver with a score of 7.3. According to the jury, the slightly drooping branches combined with a straight leader create a distinctive plant form within the Picea glauca assortment.

Two novelties received bronze, both with a score of 6.5. Leucothoe ‘Opstal12’ (SPARKLING GOLD) from Boomkwekerij Ron van Opstal BV in Zundert was praised for its compact growth, bright yellow foliage and orange young shoots. Phillyrea angustifolia ‘HUGP16’ (GRAND PRIX) from Boomkamp Boomkwekerijen B.V. in Hengelo and Boomkwekerij Huijbregts BV in Wernhout stood out for its healthy plants, upright growth habit and presentation with large, full specimens.

With these inspections, both strong products from existing assortments and new cultivars were given a platform on the first day of GrootGroenPlus 2026.