“The
flower
business
never
sits
still.
There
is
a
constant
need
for
improved
varieties
and
newer
introductions
to
feed
the
need
of
mass
market,
but
also
the
smaller
independent
garden
centers,”
says
Robin
van
Schaaf
of
2Plant
International.
This
company
provides
Lilies
(Lily
looks),
Callas,
and
flowering
perennials
to
professional
flower
growers
throughout
the
US
and
Canada,
focusing
on
the
larger
growers.
Robin
points
out
that
they
sell
directly
to
growers
without
the
involvement
of
a
middleman.
At
Cultivate’24,
they
launched
their
Calla
‘Frozen
Queen’
variety.
We
interviewed
Robin
to
learn
more
about
this
variety,
which
he
sees
as
a
“breakthrough
in
breeding”.
Calla
‘Frozen
Queen’
Of
course,
this
made
us
curious
about
the
characteristics
of
this
flower.
According
to
Robin,
it
is
especially
its
foliage
that
stands
out,
saying:
“It’s
a
Calla
with
a
variegated
foliage.
It
produces
hot
pink
to
red
colored
flowers
that
beautifully
contrast
with
the
leaves.
We
named
it
‘Frozen
Queen’
because
it
reflects
the
way
this
Calla
looks.
Currently,
there
is
nothing
like
this
on
the
market.”
The
foliage
He
continues
by
drawing
attention
to
the
plant’s
performance:
“We
have
trialed
this
variety
in
indoor
and
outdoor
conditions.
What
we
have
noticed
is
that
even
in
full
sun
the
foliage
did
not
burn
or
scorch.
It
branches
well,
what
is
a
big
plus
to
get
the
pot
full.
In
other
words,
it’s
a
strong
performer
with
an
exceptional
look.”
Cultivate
As
mentioned,
the
Calla
‘Frozen
Queen’
was
first
introduced
in
July,
at
the
Cultivate
trade
show
in
Ohio.
Robin
explains,
why
the
2Plants
International
team
chose
this
location
to
present
their
latest
variety.
“It
was
the
perfect
timing.
Namely,
we
had
signed
a
contract
that
determined
that
we
would
sell
this
variety
to
wholesalers
about
6
weeks
before
Cultivate.
Aside
from
that,
it
has
always
been
a
very
good
show
for
us.
We
have
been
present
each
year,
we
do
so
since
2Plant
International
has
been
around.”
Frank
Ritico,
Co
owner
2Plant
International,
with
the
Calla
‘Frozen
Queen’
Awaiting
feedback
At
the
moment,
the
team
is
awaiting
feedback
from
growers.
“We
are
currently
in
the
process
of
placing
the
‘Frozen
Queen’
with
growers.
So
far,
there
was
a
lot
of
interest,
and
several
trials
have
been
sent
out.
We
are
curious
to
know
what
the
reactions
will
be.
Once
we
get
the
feedback,
we
will
see
how
much
potential
this
calla
has,
and
whether
it
will
generate
its
own
place,”
Robin
concludes.
For
more
information:
2Plant
International
www.2plant.com
