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| Patrick Pineau with Coppertina ninebark |
Patrick Pineau, head of Research and Development for Minier Nurseries, has worked with us to bring 13 varieties to the Proven Winners flowering shrub collection. It was this ongoing relationship that prompted our invitation for him to join us at MANTS for the annual garden writers luncheon. Unfortunately, the Polar Vortex had other plans, and Patrick made it as far as Toronto before turning back to France. After recovering from his travels, he sat down to answer a few questions about French gardens today and the plants that make up this new landscape.
How did you become involved in the horticulture industry?
Minier nurseries have been a historical anchor of French horticulture since 1856, but its main development was after the second world war at the impulse of Robert Minier, who has developed international connections with other nurseries, especially with US nurseries like Iseli for conifers.
In that same time, Minier started breeding activity, especially in Hibiscus syriacus and Syringa vulgaris. Now, in 40 years, Minier has launched more than 40 selections to the market, and some of them are now mainstays for all growers in Europe.
Of course, everybody knows the classical French gardens: the old castles with Buxus, Carpinus and Taxus pruned, but now the French landscape is more about the use and layout of little urban spaces with compact shrubs, grasses, climbing plants, and little trees. Using color is also important; French gardens are not green and uniform like in the past, but evolve across the seasons while keeping a certain structure and using perspective.
How are the plants bred by Minier changing or continuing this French tradition?
In the past 20 years, plant consumption habits have changed, linked to decreasing available space. It's the reason why we focus on compact plants and little trees. Minier carries on its work on Syringa vulgaris genus (a historical genus by well-known French breeder Lemoine at the beginning of last century) and Hibiscus syriacus, but, of course, we are looking for compact habits, sterility and diseases resistance, three of most important things demanded by new gardeners.
What trends are you seeing in new woody ornamentals? What traits are you looking for in a plant?
Disease resistance and drought resistance seem to be important, and we focus also on maintenance in the garden. Also, we have to think about the main needs of the market in 10 or 15 years, especially for trees.
Which Minier plants in the Proven Winners line have the most unique or surprising traits?
Of course, as a breeder, Minier considers all his plants unique, but we are also growers, and we focus also on improved performance in production for our partners. For example, Forsythia Show Off® Starlet is a neat, sanitary improvement in container production in comparison to the recent compact varieties on the market. It's the same for Ceanothus Marie Rose®, which needs less pruning for the growers. And, what is good for growers is also good for the gardens.
What is your favorite Proven Winners ColorChoice shrub?
One of our favorites is Physocarpus Coppertina® with its new copper colored leaves in spring. It is easy to grow and without problems in garden - well in phase with the new trends in the garden.
Thank you for your time, Patrick!
For a detailed look at the 13 Minier varieties in the Proven Winners ColorChoice collection, please visit our slideshow: The French Connection: Proven Winners ColorChoice Flowering Shrubs from Minier Nursery.
*Interview was edited for clarity.
