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Garden Trends in Bloom: These Are the Most Innovative Plants of the Year

October 31, 2025

GTA Tuinplanten Colour your season Alex Schoenmaker en Hoogeveen Plants F N Kempen

The Glazen Tulp Award shines a spotlight each year on the most innovative products in the ornamental horticulture sector. In the Garden Plants category, three remarkable innovations have been honored, each enriching the garden experience in its own unique way. From a revolutionary Hydrangea to a striking Delphinium and an elegant ornamental grass: these winners show how innovation and passion come together in green.

Delphinium Red Lark – Nursery Colour your season 
The Delphinium Red Lark by Dirk and Inge van Diepen was named the winner by the professional jury. This garden plant immediately stands out thanks to its bright orange-red flower color. It features sturdy, thick stems that bloom abundantly with large flowers, giving it a powerful and compact appearance.

The jury praised the plant for its innovative color and compact growth habit. The Delphinium Red Lark is not only a visual asset but also a practical choice for gardeners looking for a strong, eye-catching perennial.

“We wanted a Delphinium that stands out not just for its color, but also for its shape and strength,” says Dirk van Diepen. “The Red Lark is the result of years of selection and breeding.”

Hydrangea paniculata Groundbreaker® Blush – Nursery Alex Schoemaker & Plantipp BV
A completely new application for a beloved species: the Groundbreaker® Blush is a broad, ground-covering Hydrangea. It blooms for up to 100 days and transitions from bright white to soft pink. This Hydrangea opens up a new market as a ground cover, with applications in small gardens, containers, and public green spaces. Alex Schoemaker shares how a chance discovery led to a global sales concept:

“A visiting grower saw potential in this low-growing Hydrangea. That was the starting point of an innovation. We immediately partnered with a marketing company to develop a complete concept, which is now being rolled out worldwide. The market inspired us – and that’s the power of collaboration and listening.”

On the future: “This award is the cherry on top! The market may expect the best from us today, but even better in the future! Our collection is never finished and will always keep evolving.”

Pennisetum Tiny Tails – Hoogeveen Plants, F.N. Kempen & Plantipp BV
Pennisetum Tiny Tails won both the public award and third place from the professional jury. Bob Hoogerdijk of Hoogeveen Plants is proud of this compact ornamental grass with dark red foliage and soft flower plumes that bloom from summer to autumn. Together with Plantipp and F.N. Kempen, they developed Tiny Tails. 

“This summer grass combines rich flowering with strong, compact growth. It’s low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and fits into any garden style – from prairie to urban garden.”

The plant is not only visually appealing but also sustainably grown: without chemicals and in a peat-free substrate. “We’re going to highlight this innovation in a big way at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer!” says Bob.

Innovation as a Driving Force
All three winners emphasize the importance of continuous innovation. Whether it’s about color, form, application, or sustainability – innovation is essential to remain relevant in a changing world. “The plant doesn’t change, but the world around us does,” says Alex Schoemaker. “That’s why we keep breeding and innovating. The best is yet to come.” For these growers, the Glazen Tulp Award is not only a recognition of their vision, but also a motivation to bring their innovations further – from the nursery to gardens around the world.

Where to Discover
All innovative products from the winners and other finalists can be viewed online at the Glazen Tulp Award. These new market introductions will also be showcased in person at the Trade Fair Aalsmeer (4–6 November) in the Novelty green house.