The story begins in Holland, back in 1953, where Dr R A Legro initiated a program of breeding experiments at the renowned University of Wageningen.

The program was moved to the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley, England in 1980, where they were known as “The University Group” Hybrids. Several years later, some of the resulting plants found their way back to Holland, where cut-flower specialist Nico Wigchert worked in conjunction with Bartels Breeding BV to continue the quest.

Nico is justifiably proud of 'Coral Sunset'

Finally, in 2002, Nico selected a plant which he considered good enough to be introduced for both its strength and distinctive colour as a new variety.

Ironically, the color is not especially desirable in the cut-flower trade, but Nico Wigchert’s connections with a leading garden perennials exporter alerted him to the plant’s value.