In Belgium’s horticultural heartland, Plant Select NV has quietly built a name as one of the world’s most innovative young plant growers. What sets them apart isn’t just their ability to cultivate high-quality plants—it’s how they do it. A mastery of tissue culture, a deep commitment to sustainability, and a belief in teamwork have turned this family-owned business into a leader in Bamboo (Fargesia) and Hydrangea production.
Their journey began over three decades ago with a vision to grow stronger, healthier plants using advanced propagation techniques. Today, they are one of the only companies worldwide that can successfully cultivate compact and bushy Bamboo in a small pot, making this sought-after plant more accessible than ever. Their “One Boo” branding has transformed Bamboo’s market perception, showcasing its potential for patios, terraces, and gardens in a way that resonates with modern consumers.
It’s this spirit of innovation that wowed the AIPH IGOTY 2025 jury.
The judges were particularly impressed by Plant Select’s technical expertise. Their state-of-the-art in-vitro lab allows them to breed disease-free, high-performing young plants that thrive in a variety of conditions. Holding 16 plant licences, including Hydrangea, Ilex, and Agapanthus, they don’t just grow plants—they develop them, refine them, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in young plant production.
“We’re always looking ahead,” says Luka Snels, Managing Director of Plant Select NV. “Our approach is about more than just growing plants. It’s about research, sustainability, and delivering something truly valuable to our customers and the environment.”
Sustainability is not an afterthought at Plant Select—it’s built into every stage of production. The company’s Ilex Crenata ‘Dark Green’ project is a prime example. Recognising that Ilex traditionally prefers peat-heavy soils, which pose sustainability challenges, they are developing a new cultivar that thrives in less acidic conditions, reducing the need for peat while maintaining plant health and performance. This commitment to future-proofing horticulture is exactly what made them stand out to the jury.
But their strength isn’t just in their research and growing methods—it’s in their people. With a team of 32 employees, Plant Select fosters a culture of collaboration, openness, and problem-solving where every voice matters. At the heart of this is their mother-and-daughter leadership, a dynamic rarely seen in the horticultural sector. Their approach brings a strong sense of empathy into the workplace, creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
“We believe that when people feel at home and can truly be themselves, they do their best work,” says Snels. “That’s what makes Plant Select strong—our team, their ideas, and how we work together.”
The industry took notice on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, when Plant Select NV was recognised as the Gold Winner of the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2025 Award in the Young Plants category, presented by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). The award was presented on stage by Anna Holthaus, IPM Essen Marketing Coordinator, the host sponsor of the AIPH IGOTY Awards Ceremony at IPM Essen, Germany.
The jury acknowledged Plant Select’s technical precision, sustainability-first approach, and ability to deliver exceptional young plants that meet the highest global standards. Their expertise in tissue culture, branding, and future-focused breeding strategies placed them at the forefront of the young plants sector.
Looking ahead, Plant Select is determined to keep evolving. Bamboo, with its carbon-absorbing potential and versatile applications, will play a key role in their plans, alongside ongoing research into “plants of the future.”
Their focus remains on delivering young plants that are beautiful and beneficial to the planet.
For Plant Select, the journey of innovation never stops. And that is exactly why they caught the jury’s attention.
