If you dropped by Royal Van Zanten during the FlowerTrials this year, you probably noticed something right away: this breeder isn’t just introducing plants—they’re telling stories through them. And whether you’re a florist with a flair for the bold or a retailer sniffing out that next bestseller, there was plenty to see, smell, and consider.
Sniffing Around at Royal Van Zanten's 2025 Flower Trials
As always, both the greenhouse and outdoor garden in Rijsenhout were packed with plants and people. It was like walking into a candy store with all the fresh colors within reach and the right person to explain the specs of all the product lines and novelties. Nick Nieuwesteeg, the Market Manager Pot & Bedding for Europe and North America, was so kind to do the grand tour.
So, let’s unpack what was presented behind the greenhouse doors in 2025.
Artistic® Jeff – A Colorful Disruption in Pot Chrysanthemums
You know how bicolored pot Chrysanthemums used to be mostly single-flowered? Decorative, sure, but not particularly lush. Well, say hello to Artistic Jeff. It’s the first time we’re seeing fully double, filled pot mums with two or even three tones, without losing the plant’s rhythm.
The original mother plant is a rosy pink, and she’s got colorful offspring on the way. What makes Artistic Jeff interesting for growers is that it’s a true color mutant. That means all colors in the series grow at the same pace—perfect for mix trays, three-in-one pots, or playful patio bowls. It’s the kind of line that could easily stand out in-store without needing glitter or gimmicks.
Ball Chrysanthemums Shifting With the Seasons
Something else was clear: the ball Chrysanthemum is finding a new rhythm. No longer stuck in the 'grave flower' corner, it’s now making a bid as a legit late-summer patio plant. Especially in southern and eastern European markets, where the traditional November peak is getting nudged earlier.
Inside vs. outside cultivation also got a spotlight. Outdoor-grown ball Chrysanthemums stay prettier for longer and have more robust stems. But let’s be honest—outdoor growing is tough and expensive. Indoor production with blackout techniques makes for longer planning windows and weekly bloom timing. Growers need options, and Royal Van Zanten seems to be making room for both.
Skyscraper® – Compact Ball Chrysanthemum for Stackable Style
The Sky series has been around for a while, especially the Skyfall version for hanging baskets. Now, meet the Skyscraper. It’s even flatter, more compact, and perfect for bowls and patios. Plus, it travels well—think layered transport trays and lower emissions per plant. The two-tone colorway shown at the FlowerTrials had serious Halloween and autumn display potential.
Colorita® – The Compact Alstroemeria for a Cool Climate
Another head-turner was the Colorita series. These pot Alstroemerias, coming out of tissue culture, are as tidy as they are tough. Think: compact, winter-hardy to around -10°C (pretty ideal for much of northern Europe), and now available in three new colors. No need to dance around branding—yes, they’re Alstroemerias, but Royal Van Zanten lets them carry the label Colorita, because they're something special. If you’re working with seasonal offerings or high-end patio mixes, this one's a solid bet.
Aster Tiara® Relaunch – Making Room for the Bees
Florists looking for bee-friendly options will appreciate the updated Aster Tiara series. What was once double-flowered has been relaunched as single blooms with open, anemone-like centers—an open buffet for pollinators. The new varieties come in multiple colors and are set to be commercially available next year. They’ve been bred with mixed containers and scale in mind, so you’re not just buying pretty—you’re buying purpose.
Celosia Deep Purple, Now Improved
Deep Purple has been a Celosia staple for ages, but the team felt it was time to give this bestseller a sustainability refresh. The new version—tentatively called Merida Purple or maybe it will be marketed as just Deep Purple Improved—needs less growth regulator and can handle cooler growing conditions. That’s less input, more flexibility, and still the same recognizable aesthetic. Not a drastic visual shift, but for growers, a quieter revolution.
Jellyfish® – The Branded Collaboration Project
Of course, no visit to Royal Van Zanten is complete without meeting Jellyfish. This quirky pot Chrysanthemum was developed through a co-creation model with SVCO and Berkhout Plants—two top Dutch growers who know their marketing game. It started as a nickname (the blooms kind of look like tiny jellyfish), but when retailers started asking for “that jellyfish one,” the name stuck.
Jellyfish now comes with branded sleeves and looks great in mix bowls. It’s exclusive, but also the kind of plant that signals the shift from standard production toward character-driven, collaborative horticulture. It’s a pot Chrysanthemum, sure—but one with a story and a team behind it.
The Plant Journey – From 2018 to Now
A lot of what you saw on the tables this year didn’t just pop up overnight. Many of the new varieties—especially the PaX series—have been in the works since 2018. The process starts with a breeder’s selection (usually a pink), hoping for color mutants. Then comes local trialing, international testing, and only after solid grower feedback does something get a name and go commercial.
PaX wasn’t initially vigorous enough for larger pots, but its uniformity and gentle blooming pattern made it ideal for 10.5 to 12 cm containers. It opens slowly, stays pretty for longer, and as of now, it’s become the top-selling Chrysanthemum in smaller pot sizes across Europe.
What's the Take for You as a Florist or Consumer?
So what does this all mean for florists and end consumers? Expect more color mixes that don’t clash, more bee-friendly options, and a rising tide of branded lines designed to stand out on the shelf. The demand is shifting toward the personal and the distinctive, and breeders like Royal Van Zanten are clearly listening.
If you’re ordering for autumn 2025, keep Artistic Jeff, Colorita, and Skyscraper on your radar. And if you’re into collaborative retail stories? Jellyfish is swimming your way.
Header image: the pot Chrysanthemum Artistic® Jeff Apricot, Pink, and Terra.
