Tillandsia 'Samantha' wins Glass Tulip award

ENCINITAS, Calif. -- Tillandsia ‘Samantha,' created by Bird Rock Tropicals, has been awarded the Glass Tulip award by FloraHolland.

Known as the Oscar of the European horticultural industry, the FloraHolland Glazen Tulip Award is presented each year to the most successful market introductions. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’, a creation of American tillandsia breeder Pamela Koide Hyatt of Bird Rock Tropicals, was entered by suppliers Bromelia Specialist BV, Stofbergen Plant Company BV and Ronald Bunnik.

According to FloraHolland, the jury found Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ possesses much innovative value, yet still remains neutral, giving it broad appeal across many styles and tastes. Said the judges, “The Tillandsia has a definite presence, and is very decorative all by itself. It is a multi-faceted product for any home.”

Bird Rock Tropicals has been breeding Tillandsias since 1981. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ has taken 20 years to bring to market. Tillandsias are extremely slow growing plants, and a hybridizing program can last a lifetime. The parents were chosen for their subtle beauty and long-lasting bloom.
Bird Rock Tropicals collaborates with Belgium-based Deroose Plants, a leader in tissue culture production and a worldwide distributor of Bromeliads. Tillandsia ‘Samantha’ first earned international recognition when it made the short list of semifinalists for Plant of the Year at the 2012 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Each year, FloraHolland presents the Glass Tulip award to the most successful introduction to the market in the categories of cut flowers, houseplants, garden plants and sales concepts. Hundreds of new products and concepts are introduced at FloraHolland. This is done via auction clock sales and through FloraHolland Connect.

For more information on the plant, visit www.birdrocktropicals.com.