Solanum melongena (Pick-&-Joy Aubergine) wins Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026

Solanum melongena (Pick-&-Joy Aubergine) from Vreugdenhil Young Plants in De Lier was awarded the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2026 on Thursday, 29 January, during the IPM 2026 trade fair in Essen, Germany. The prize was presented to Petra Vreugdenhil at the Show Your Colours presentation in the BIZZ Holland stand by Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf on behalf of the IPM organization.

Upon receiving the award, Vreugdenhil said she was surprised that the Pick-&-Joy Aubergine emerged as the winner among so many beautiful entries. “It is a wonderful reward for all the energy we put into the product,” said Vreugdenhil. The jury stated that the plant appeals to a broad target group and fits well with today’s garden trends. In addition, the Pick-&-Joy Aubergine makes an attractive gift, for example for a birthday or a dinner with friends, with the included recipe providing a nice extra touch.

© IPM Essen

Second and third place
Second place went to Rhododendron Hybrid Grazeasy Purple, submitted by Diderk Heinje Pflanzenhandelsges. mbH & Co. KG. The jury praised this plant for its beautiful leaf shape and attractive buds. The lasting green color was seen as an important plus, and the plant performs excellently both on the balcony and in the garden.

Third place was awarded to Salix candida ‘Jefberg’ (First Editions Iceberg Alley), submitted by Joh. Stolwijk & Zonen. The jury appreciated the plant for its compact, strong growth. Its attractive grey color gives it a stylish appearance and makes it easy to combine with other plants in the garden.

The other nominees were Cercis canadensis ‘JN100’ Hearts A’Fire – Joh. Stolwijk & Zonen; Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmaceight’ EUPBRAF (Endless Summer Dreamcloud) – Endless Summer (Bailey Nurseries International); NewGen Buxus – Van Vliet New Plants BV; and Picea Magical Christmas – Magical Garden Plants.