Launched for Mr Fothergill’s by Sally van der Horst of Fleuroselect
Next year has been designated Year of the Rudbeckia by Fleuroselect, that lovely member of the daisy family, a stalwart of prairie planting and late summer borders.
The plants can be grown from seed to flower in the same year. Treat half-hardy perennials as annuals – a hardy perennial group also exists —more on how to use Rudbeckias. Fleuroselect is a horticultural industry group that judges new varieties and works to protect and popularise them. Each year, a flower and a vegetable (2020 is the cucumber) are chosen.
Year of the Rudbeckia – open day’s keynote speaker
Fleuroselect Secretary-General Sally van der Horst spoke at Mr Fothergill’s Open Day in August. The Kentford trial grounds test more than 2,000 seed lots annually. Sally explained that during European trials, varieties are assessed which could then become Fleuroselect Gold Medal and FleuroStar winners.
She said: “The youthful Mr Fothergill’s joined Fleuroselect after they set up and have been a proud supporter ever since. They are part of the group of companies within Fleuroselect that focus on supplying the home garden market.
Wonderful varieties
“Filling and selling seed packets accounts for most of their main business. If you look at their assortment, many wonderful varieties have received a Fleuroselect Gold Medal.”
The Home Garden Group developed a Plant of the Year campaign to promote one flower and vegetable suitable for hobby gardeners. It started with the sunflower, supported by a spectacular display at RHS Wisley of more than 180 varieties.
The public voted for their favourite, plus visitors from European and Japanese breeding companies. From displays at Wisley, there are now displays in Ireland, France and Germany.
Year of the Rudbeckia – plant trials across Europe
2019 is the year of the Nasturtium and the Carrot. Mr Fothergill’s has nasturtium trials at RHS Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall. The company looks forward to similar displays in 2020 for Rudbeckia.
Abroad, there are displays in:
- The Jardins des Plantes in Paris
- Ega Park in Erfurt, Teagasc
- Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dublin
- Blumeninsel Mainau on Lake Constance.
Sally added: “We believe that the campaign highlights the diversity in each species. We hope that gardeners will branch out and try some of the newer varieties.”
Read more on Mr Fothergill’s Rudbeckia seeds.
