Since August 2004 several hundred thousand of these pink flowers have been sold. The semi-double, mini Gerbera has a great deal to offer, such as its deep pink center and pale pink petals. Its exclusive looks are emphasized by its royal sounding name. The flower became famous when it was awarded second place in the Gerbera Grower’s Quality Competition at the 2004 Hortifair, confirming the craftsmanship of the breeder. Its successful launch was the result of the excellent cooperation between the breeder Preesman and the Holstein nursery.
In terms of character, Isabelle has nothing to be ashamed of. Statistics from the Aalsmeer test center show an average vase life of 15 days and this Gerbera is fairly resistant to botrytis. In addition the flower, which has a diameter of 3 inches, is extremely flat, circular and uniform. The sturdy stems have an adequate length of 24 to 28 inches. One of the great advantages as far as the grower is concerned is a production yield of 450 stems per 10 square feet/year. For the time being Gerbera Isabelle (vbn code 23569) will continue to be grown exclusively by Holstein Flowers. Supplies are still limited but the product is expected to become more readily available in greater quantity at the Dutch flower auctions starting in summer 2005.
Family
Gerbera is a member of the Asteraceae family.
Top 10 cultivars
Top 10 mini (12-03 – 11-04):
Explanation of the name
The flower was named after Traugott Gerber, a German physician who collected many plants on the Danish peninsula of Jutland, where he died in 1742. G. Jamesonii is the most important ancestor of the modern varieties and was named after the plant collector Jameson who discovered the plant in the Transvaal.
Most important colors
Use for special day(s)
May 31st: 'No Smoking Day': some years ago the Swedish Association of non-smokers started to hand out orange Gerberas and they are now given to non-smokers on May 31st. In 2001 the Dutch non-smokers Association adopted the idea of the orange Gerbera as a symbol of May 31st. Perhaps the date and the orange Gerbera will take on international significance.
Additional information
The launch of the mini Gerbera Isabelle began in the special Gerbera week during which all the breeders showcased their new products. The product was featured as a Primeur both at the Flower Auction of Aalsmeer and the FloraHolland Auction. Currently the product is still being auctioned in the exclusive block at Aalsmeer. In the summer of 2005 the product will be transferred to the normal auction group, as by then the volume will have grown too much to stay in the exclusive slot. This breeder through the media, product brochures and open days keeps buyers informed of new product launches. The breeder also asks his trade contacts to help think up suitable names for his new products.
