“Everything we do is to get the best outcome for the plants we’re entrusted with”

For over two decade , Plants For Europe ( PFE ) has been an autonomous power in the garden plant industry , serving breeders and growers across the globe . Founded in 2003 by Graham Spencer , the company was created to fill a critical gap in the market by providing independent , pan - European representation for developer of newfangled garden plant variety show . " Back then , there was a existent pauperization for an agent not tie to growers or breeders , someone who could act entirely in the best interest of the plant itself , " allege Graham Spencer , Founder and Director of PFE . Even today , this independence remains a core principle . " Everything we do is to get the best outcome for the industrial plant we ’re confide with . We ’re free to act with everyone and anyone , so there are no limitation for the stock breeder as to who might develop their mixture and where they might be sold . " In this article , the PFE squad shares more about how it all begin , what PFE does , which varieties are curve , and what ’s next .

Alice Crick , Helen Spencer , and Graham Spencer .

Trusted by breeders and growers alikePFE now offers an panoptic suite of services for both stock breeder and growers . " For breeders and owners of new flora diversity , PFE offer full guidance through the development procedure , " explicate Spencer , " We mold with breeders at all stages of the procedure , from analysing whether a novel variety has potential in the market to arranging commercial trials . We ’ll also complete all the rational dimension protective covering , and build exciting product launch . A openhanded element for us is driving exposure and income with on-going marketing . Each flora in the PFE portfolio carries adequate weight and effort . "

They also offer Procedural Representation as a standalone religious service . " We can behave as the official illustration before the Plant Variety Offices of the EU , in the UK , and in many other countries . We have extensive experience finish , filing and managing applications for Plant Variety Rights , with breeders around the human beings working with us to protect their form . "

For growers and marketers of new plants , PFE can also help oneself . " We introduce new variety every class , providing all over funding for growers and marketers . We avail agriculturist to discover new varieties to freshen the market and make their own output place upright out , including high declaration photography and storytelling for each new multifariousness . We have robust relationship with growers and nurseries across the world , from young plant life growers to institute finisher and buyers . "

spheric range , local expertiseWith a footprint extending from the UK and Europe to the US , Japan , Australia , and beyond , PFE ’s influence is external . Yet its team remains intentionally small and hands - on . " We ’re just three hoi polloi , " Spencer notes , " but between us , we have decades of industry experience — and we ’re all deeply passionate about plants . "

Graham Spencer , with 40 years in horticulture , brings a deep understanding of IP law and merchandising . Helen Spencer contributes extensive know - how in supplying range direction and procural . And Alice Crick handle marketing — alongside consider for her RHS Level 2 and gardening professionally . " Together , the three of us work to get the good results for every plant in our portfolio , whether it ’s brand unexampled or already well - established in the marketplace . "

Commercial trials that define the stageOne of PFE ’s most powerful putz is its commercial test programme . Thanks to PFE ’s long - stand relationships with run nursery and vernal plant agriculturist , new variety can be tested in existent - world originate conditions before they ever reach the market .

" This give us sureness that a works will perform well for both cultivator and consumers . It also give us the opportunity to gather fantastic visuals and firsthand noesis we can clear on . "

Trends : Tougher , better , more beautifulAnd what tendency are you seeing ? " We ’re reckon big interestingness in resilient smorgasbord . We ’re sing about plants that can cope well with the change in climate , volunteer improved pest and disease electric resistance , and are easy to grow in a wide range of condition . The visual appealingness in the garden nerve center is still one of the important constituent . However , let a bouncy plant will ensure longevity in the marketplace .

Nepeta Summer trick

Nepeta Summer Magic is a good good example . This diverseness is continuous flowering , extremely weather resistant , pest and disease - free , and also looks fantastic ! It ’s a heavily - working kind . "

Upper left : Euphorbia Little Treasure , bottom left : Ajuga Midnight Mystery , and on the right : Coleus gaunt

What ’s hot?Among PFE ’s unexampled varieties in their portfolio are Euphorbia Walberton ’s ® Little Treasure ® , Coleus scutellarioides haggard ™ and Ajuga reptans Midnight Mystery . " Little Treasure has bright yellowish foliage and copper - toned shoots in cold months , and is evenly at home in pots and borders . Skeletal has a fishbone foliage in burgundy and lime which makes this a must - have for bluff garden centre displays . And Midnight Mystery is the first Ajuga with dismal leaves and pink flowers , offering a arresting portmanteau word of bauble and versatility . "

Geum Totally Tangerine

The team also foreground Geum Totally Tangerine . " Some plant have a timeless appeal that go on to vibrate with people year after year . Geum wholly Tangerine is a good deterrent example . It ’s been on the grocery store for several year , and we always see it in RHS Chelsea show garden , every year . It ’s a top plant life . "

Pennisetum Chelsea

" Pennisetum Chelsea is another best in family flora " , Crick adds . " take for its strong leafage colouration and compendious habit – this variety works so well in mixed containers . "

Looking aheadPFE is not rest on its honour . " We ’ve got several projects in the word of mouth , " teases Crick . " New Nemesia reproduction , jaw - dropping roses , and Digitalis that do n’t need a frigid full stop to produce flowers . It ’s going to be exciting . "

PFE team with Ann Jennen and Maartje Kortekaas

First Time at FlowerTrialsEager to see PFE ’s form and meet the team ? They are make their debut at FlowerTrials this yr . " We ’re thrilled to be exhibit for the first fourth dimension , " says Spencer . " It ’s a big adventure for us and we ’re so thankful to our hosts Vitroflora and Alkemade in Lisse , the Netherlands .

For more informationAlice CrickPlants for EuropeEmail:[email protected]www.plantsforeurope.com