To say that Jan Verschoor is passionate about plants is an understatement, to say the least. This dedicated nurseryman and hybridiser is proud to tell you that he ‘lives for his company’, going on to explain that even during trips abroad to interesting locations, his wife has to work very hard to divert his attention away from plants, even for just a few hours!

Jan is most at home when he's among his plants.

But this dedication is now paying dividends, not only for Jan, but also for plant enthusiasts around the world, as his hard work and commitment has led to the introduction of several new varieties, with many more in the pipeline.

For Jan Verschoor, creating new plants is all about creating harmony. When selecting new varieties, the relationship between the flower and leaf colours features very high on his agenda. He believes in the notion that individual plants should create a harmonious image, while contrasts should come from combinations made with other plants.

This plant with silver foliage blended with lavender-violet flowers is an example of the outstnding qualities Jan looks for when selecting new varieties.

Jan is particularly pleased with some Veronicas he has created with silver-sheened foliage, and it’s these he uses to demonstrate what he means by ‘ harmony’. While one makes a pleasing image together with its lavender-violet flowers, another version he has with paler lavender flowers looks washed out. Before long, it’ll probably end up in the dyke, with the other rejects!   

Reject seedlings are uprooted and tossed into the dyke!

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