The 2010 Fleuroselect Gold Medal recognising exceptional developments in ornamental breeding has been won by Sanvitalia speciosa 'Million Suns'. This new cultivar shone out as a real winner with its abundance of perfectly formed, golden yellow flowers. The Fleuroselect judges found the variety to show exceptional compactness, excellent basal branching and a longer flowering period, impressing from May to the first frosts. It was judged to be an overall superior product for both growers and consumers alike.

USE

Sanvitalia speciosa is a bright, compact, ball-shaped annual plant with small flowers and constant floridity during the summer. 'Million Suns' is the perfect example of the best the species has to offer. It is excellent for borders, containers or hanging baskets and should be planted in rich, well draining soil.

MARKET VALUE

The grower will benefit from the compact, uniform habit of Sanvitalia speciosa 'Millions Suns'. The strong plant is easy to transport and is moreover exceptionally resistant to diseases and pests. The retailer will in turn appreciate the multitude of golden yellow, rich flowers on sturdy, healthy-looking plants. For the consumer and landscaper the advantages are endless. 'Million Suns' superior basal branching allows the variety to form an attractive, 25 cm high, closed carpet for bedding out, it is particularly unsusceptible to pests or disease and it is avoided by slugs. The variety is a low maintenance, highly resilient garden and patio performer and the perfect, golden flowers shine out in pots, containers and borders in their millions all summer long making it a treat to behold.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Sanvitalia speciosa belongs to the 'Asteraceae' family and is commonly named the 'Creeping Zinnia'. The species is native to Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America.