There are exciting plants coming our way soon
I am giddy with excitement most of the year to be honest, but I am particularly buzzing when I step into the halls at the IPM Essen in Germany, an international trade event for all things horticulture. On it’s 40th edition, with 1500 exhibitors and countless new plant and product launches, I have hand-picked 6 to watch which should be landing on garden centre shelves in the very near future!
Tillandsia ‘Maya’
For many years, Bromeliads were only really available in the most ‘fluorescent’ of shades, often paired with an equally rainbow container. If such a colour explosion is not for you, then ‘Maya’ manages to tone things down a bit, with a more elegant appearance and bronze-laden shades.
The perfect partner for your moth orchids, as they have similar growing requirements- bright indirect light and ‘steady moisture’, i.e. it’s ok to forget about them every so often and they’ll forgive you! Be racy and plant them together, perhaps!
Azalea ‘Starstyle’
You might already be able to find this beauty out and about. Its slender, spidery flowers provide an entirely different appearance for your spring garden!
Typically used as a houseplant, Azalea are also hardy enough, and look awesome, when planted in the rockery. I am looking forward to seeing the spring light filtering though those gorgeous petals.
Globee Planter
I have been watching this product for a few seasons now, and hopefully some UK stockists will pick it up soon. It has a very simple design, and takes the drama out of planting up a full hanging basket. Simply slide it in a simple potted plant and away it grows for a levitating look.
Indoors, outdoors, and the globe will sit in 3 different positions- hanging, free-standing, or free-standing and at a jaunty angle. I love this one.
Mangave ‘Praying Hands’
This is a unique Agave hybrid, selected in the USA, and now boasting 50-odd cultivars.
It is built for outdoors and will grow care-free in rockeries, borders and patio containers. Although, don’t be afraid to try it as an indoor plant too- ‘Praying Hands’ is the latest release, set to be launched at this years RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Broccoli ‘Purplelicious’
Already available from some outlets, this mind-bending broccoli was quite the spectacle at the IPM this year. Truly amazing colours, and could be the best way to get kids to eat their greens, or rather ‘purples’!
Prudac in The Netherlands really have their finger on the pulse with these fun vegetable releases, look out for their windowsill garden peas in the near future too!
Underground Composter
Plastia Urbalive in Czech Republic have produced a composter which you bury it into the ground, fill with your kitchen waste, and let nature do the work for you!
This is the perfect entry level composter for anyone curious about creating their own gardeners’ gold. Still in its early product stages, this is one well worth keeping an eye on.
You can find out more at https://mrplantgeek.substack.com/
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