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Cotyledon Elephant Trunk wins Best in Cacti & Succulents at HTA New Plant Awards

A sleek succulent with uniquely fun and quirky leaves has triumphed in this on-trend new category at the 2024 National Plant Show

A ‘wacky’ brand-new succulent with never-before-seen leaves has captured judges’ imaginations at this year’s HTA New Plant Awards.

Low maintenance, easy to grow and doling out a whole load of quirky character, Cotyledon Elephant Trunk ticks all the boxes for a new houseplant that is guaranteed to become a talking point.


What’s the story behind Cotyledon Elephant Trunk?

Cotyledon Elephant Trunk was developed by specialist succulent grower Amigo Plant, based in the Netherlands, through their own breeding programme.

Launched in March 2024, the unique succulent is the result of crossbreeding Amigo’s existing range with South African Cotyledon species. Its very fitting name was coined by plant scout Fons Bon of Waterdrinker Plants & Flowers, Netherlands.

The Amigo-grown succulent is supplied for retail by Netherlands-based international supplier Javado, and was entered for the Cacti & Succulents category in the New Plant Awards by Javado’s Michel Heemskerk.

© Olivia Drake
The line-up of entries in the Cacti & Succulents category at the 2024 HTA New Plant Awards
What’s so special about Cotyledon Elephant Trunk?

Cotyledon Elephant Trunk immediately stood out among the cactus and succulent entries this year by the unique and quirky shape of its leaves, the likes of which have never been seen before. The long, fleshy, tube-like grey leaves are indeed very reminiscent of the graceful trunk of an elephant.

It is a plant that sparks the imagination, with judges describing it as ‘fun’, ‘wacky’ and ‘like Medusa’s hair’. They also cited its appeal to children, who will enjoy touching the tactile leaves.

Kids will go straight for it. It’s really interesting and different

- Andy Bunker, show judge and Sales Director at Alton Garden Centre
The key to success
Javado’s Michel Heemskerk, who entered Elephant Trunk for this year’s New Plant Awards, explains what he looks for when he chooses top picks to enter for these prestigious prizes.

“Firstly, would I buy it myself? There are so many products out there, so I consider which ones I actually like myself. Then I want to find out whether the plant is really different to what’s already on the market; for instance a new colour. Then I consider what the shelf life is. At the end of the day, is this plant a winner and does it tick all the boxes? If so, it’s a strong contender.”


© Olivia Drake
The Cotyledon impressed the panel of judges and judging coordinator Pippa Greenwood
What did the judges think?

This year’s judging panel consisted of Emma Allen (RHS Head of Horticultural Relations), Andy Bunker (Alton Garden Centre), Cath Quinney (Bennybeg Plant Centre), Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) and Josh Egan-Wyer (Pershore College).

Emma Allen says, “I really enjoyed the unique shape of the leaves, which are accurately reflected by the cultivar name. It’s a fun plant that will have consumer appeal on account of the unusual trunk-like leaves.”

This is a serious wacky number. I think it’s a fantastic plant

- Pippa Greenwood, HTA Horticulture Manager and judging coordinator
Andy Bunker adds, “It’s got great saleability. Kids will come in and go straight for it. It’s really interesting and different.”

HTA Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood, who coordinated the judging, says: “This is a serious wacky number and I must admit I thought it was rather fun. It also rather vividly reminded me of Medusa’s hair. I think it’s a fantastic plant.”


© Horticultural Trades Association
Emma Allen presents the Best in Cacti & Succulents award to Michel Heemskerk of Javado
How to grow Cotyledon Elephant Trunk

Like most succulents, Cotyledon Elephant Trunk is very easy to grow. It will thrive on a sunny windowsill and will only require occasional watering, once the top of the compost has dried out.

“The biggest challenge is don’t overwater it – that’s the only thing they don’t want. Keep them on the dry side,” says Michel.
 


Where can I buy Cotyledon Elephant Trunk?

Check your local garden centre for Cotyledon Elephant Trunk. Javado supply around 400 branches in the UK, including Notcutts and Blue Diamond garden centres.

© Horticultural Trades Association
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