Gold
Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’ - Willy De Nolf
The new Distylium cultivar (First Editions®) is being marketed in Belgium by tree nursery Willy De Nolf in Waregem. It is a (dark green) evergreen plant on which small, red flowers appear in winter.
The professional jury was unanimous in its decision. In addition to its robustness in various weather conditions (dryness, humidity, heat) and its versatility, the jury saw ‘Vintage Jade’ as a champion of broad biodiversity in gardens. The plant is a valuable addition to the range of box, cherry laurel, holly or juniper.
“It’s a plant that literally brings you to your knees so you can admire it. And in that sense, it can also stimulate attention for other plants”, according to the jury.
Silver
Pyracantha coccinea ‘Red Star' - GrootGroenPlus
Silver went to Pyracantha coccinea ‘Red Star.’ This evergreen plant is characterised by its many red berries in autumn and winter. In spring, the plant has white flowers. That means that throughout the year, ‘Red Star’ is of ornamental value for a very long time. “The plant had fallen out of grace a little in Europa, but this improved cultivar means it is back”, said the jury.
The jury praised its resistance to dryness, its disease tolerance and the relative lack of thorns. Birds often favour Pyracantha as a place to nest, whilst the berries and flowers are popular with birds and bees.
This plant was also a winner at GrootGroenPlus in the Netherlands and is being marketed there by HoogeveenPlants BV.HoogeveenPlants BV.
Bronze
Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ - Agapanthuskwekerij
Bronze went to Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’, which in Belgium is sold by ‘Agapanthuskwekerij’ in Aalter.
Fireworks’ is the first repeat-flowering, evergreen, bicoloured Agapanthus in the world.
