Dümmen Orange launches new Candela Veronica series

Dutch plant breeder and propagator Dümmen Orange has launched Veronica Candela, a new series comprising three heat-tolerant, programmable and boldly coloured Veronica spicata cultivars. Candela Veronicas can be grown in a patio pot or plant border but also makes a great landscape feature.

Candela Pink, Candela Hot Pink, and Candela Blue stand out for compact growth habit, robust growth and are ideal for programmed production.

Dümmen’s product managers rate the new Candela series as an ideal container plant for retail. Growing to just 25-30 cm,  plants are compact and produce masses of erect flower spikes above lush green foliage.

All three Candela varieties have the ability to rebloom after cutting back.

Veronica spicata usually flowers from June to August, but the Candela varieties can be programmed for May to September flowering, giving more flexibility in terms of sales periods.

Keeping the plants well-spaced during production and using drip irrigation promotes their naturally compact habit, minimising the use of PGRs. Depending on the season, cultivation time from potting up to ready to market is 8-10 weeks (summer) or 7-9 weeks (late summer).

The new Veronica spicata varieties are ideal for pot or container sizes from 12 to 21 cm. One plant is plenty for 12-17 cm pots; use three in 18-21 cm containers.

Between week –30, growers can purchase Candelas as URC in 128-cell trays with one cutting per plug. Candelas are also available as rooted cuttings, eliminating the six-week rooting phase.

For outdoor production, Dümmen Orange recommends potting up between weeks 08 and 28. The watering requirements during cultivation are moderate, the daytime temperature should be between 18-22°C.

With their profusion of large, bright flower spikes on long, sturdy stems they are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, providing them with vital nutrition. Candela Pink, Candela Hot Pink and Candela Blue are ideal for balcony, patio and flower bed use, but thanks to their excellent heat tolerance these robust plants are also perfect for professional landscaping.