Plantarium, the international nursery stock trade fair held annually in late August in Holland, reports that attendance up from last year and that the percentage of foreign professional visitors, representing 53 countries, was a record twenty percent.

Global trading

The Plantarium 2008 theme, 'Global trading', was underscored by the participation of 47 foreign entries from 15 countries, including China and the USA. There were in excess of 270 exhibitors at the show.

The introduction of new varieties and plants remains one of the pillars of Plantarium. This year saw the inspection of 90 new introductions of which Dicentra 'Burning Hearts' was the only one to win a gold medal (last year four gold medals were awarded), and thus the award of Best Novelty - which is what new introductions are called in Europe - of Plantarium 2008. According to the very strict jury, "D. 'Burning Hearts' is innovative in that it has a striking red flower color and flower/leaf combination." Out of the 90 new introductions inspected, 13 won a silver medal and 30 won a bronze medal.

Dicentra 'Burning Hearts' PPAF has softly dissected fernlike foliage in a lovely shade of silver blue-grey. The deep red flowers have a clean white edge and are borne on masses of pendulous trusses. Blooming can begin as early as the middle of April and continue throughout the summer until the middle of October. Mature height and spread will be about 10" (25 cm). Zone 3-9.