Cardiandra Autumn Bouquet wins Best New Variety at GrootGroenPlus 2026

On the first day of GrootGroenPlus 2026 in Zundert, the KVBC judging committee awarded prizes to four new varieties. Ten plants had been entered, of which seven were assessed. Cardiandra ‘Suapc 1707’ (Autumn Bouquet) won a gold medal and was named Best New Variety at GrootGroenPlus 2026. In addition, the jury awarded one silver and two bronze medals.

The relatively unknown Cardiandra was entered by Jens Meyer Jungpflanzen from Apen in Germany and Diderk Heinje Baumschul-Pflanzen-Handel GmbH & Co. KG from Edewecht, also in Germany. The jury described the plants as exceptionally beautiful and excellently presented: compact, densely branched, very profusely flowering and with a striking colour scheme. The jury also appreciated that Autumn Bouquet demonstrates that innovation is not limited to the well-known genera.

© Koninklijke Vereniging van Boskoopse Culturen

Silver for Picea glauca
The silver KVBC Medal went to Picea glauca ‘Klavercon’ (Little Nordic) from Hoogeveen Plants BV in Hazerswoude-Dorp. The jury praised its form, with slightly drooping branches and a straight top. This results in an attractive plant shape and makes Little Nordic stand out within the Picea glauca range.

Two bronze medals
Leucothoe ‘Opstal12’ (Sparkling Gold) from Boomkwekerij Ron van Opstal BV in Zundert received a bronze medal. The jury described the new variety as a fairly compact-growing plant and highlighted its fresh yellow foliage and orange young shoots.

Phillyrea angustifolia ‘HUGP16’ (Grand Prix) was also awarded a bronze medal. This new variety was entered by Boomkamp Boomkwekerijen B.V. from Hengelo and Boomkwekerij Huijbregts BV from Wernhout. The jury praised the healthy plants, the striking upright growth habit and the presentation featuring large, full plants.