Anthony Tesselaar introduces plants for the world

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Sunday, 24 June 2007

Australian plant breeder Anthony Tesselaar has introduced a dizzying array of new plants during his career: Tropicanna canna, Flower Carpet roses and Volcano phlox, to name a few. Singling out exciting plants is a family tradition, according to Tesselaar.

“My father was always on the lookout for something that was different but also easy care,” he said. “He was a Dutch bulb grower and marketer who came to Australia on the eve of World War II. Before Dad began growing bulbs in the mountains outside Melbourne in the 1940s, tulips were pretty much unknown in Australia.”

Each of Tesselaar’s introductions has its place in his personal garden. But he’s hard-pressed to name a favorite.

“If you really had to push me, I would have to say my personal favorite would be Flower Carpet roses,” he said. “Flower Carpet was our first, of course, but I would also cast my vote in favor of its versatility.”

Adaptability is a key requirement for anything Tesselaar introduces. Plants must fit into the lives people lead and tolerate conditions in various climate zones. Longevity, both in the garden and in the marketplace, is a must.

“We only do plants we can see promoting for 20 years or more,” Tesselaar said.

Finding plants that fulfill this long-term commitment requires some research. Tesselaar and his team closely watch gardening and lifestyle trends to home in on the right plants to bring to market.

“We’re always looking for threads to follow in all segments -- not just in gardening,” Tesselaar said. “My wife is a veteran shopper and travels with me worldwide. Inevitably, I end up on shopping adventures here and there. I watch how people buy. You keep your eyes open and see what matters, what makes the sale, whether it’s shoes, clothes, furniture or the housing segment.”

Tesselaar will be offering plenty more plants to pique gardeners’ interests in coming years.

“We have some of the most magnificent magnolias coming through, next-generation Flower Carpet roses, a stunning chocolate-brown Cordyline and a host of new material that is currently going through our trials,” he said.