Charles Valin

Breeding Director (Valin Genetics)

With over 25 years in Horticulture, I am passionate about bringing groundbreaking varieties to the market. After studying Plant Genetics in France, I trained in many breeding companies in Guernsey, The Netherlands and Germany. For 14 years I was the plant breeder for Thompson & Morgan, creating many award-winning varieties including Buddleja BUZZ, Digitalis ILLUMINATION and Helianthus SUNBELIEVABLE. In 2013, my work on Digitalis was recognised by the RHS awarding me the Reginal Cory Memorial Cup and botanically naming Digitalis x valinii after me. In 2019, I founded Valin Genetics as a sister company to Pinnacle Plants, to work on multi genus breeding projects. We are now active in over 100 genera. Our first introduction, Cosmos CHERRY CHOCOLATE, came second at the Chelsea Plant of the Year 2024 and is now successful around the world. I apply my expertise, creativity and traditional methods to new, often unexplored combinations. Supported by colleagues, specialised breeding software, laboratory research and botanical and taxonomic expertise, I endeavour to deliver award winning varieties to the market.

Over the years, my breeding efforts have resulted in over 300 cultivars being introduced. My 10 proudest achievements are listed below:

  • Bidens ‘Pirate’s Pearl’, the first white flowered Bidens on the market at the time
  • Buddleja BUZZ Wine, the closest to red in a manageable habit
  • Digitalis x valinii ILLUMINATION Flame, still the one with the most exotic looking flowers
  • Fragaria ‘Just Add Cream’, everbearer with pink flowers and alpine flavoured fruits
  • Helianthus SUNBELIEVABLE Brown Eyed Girl, blooms non-stop all summer
  • Hydrangea CLOUD NINE, flowers all along the stem with giant florets and some fragrance
  • Lathyrus x hammettii ‘Three Times as Sweet’ AGM, the first really tricolour sweet pea
  • Lycopersicon esculentum ‘Rubylicious’ F1, a very tasty and very late blight resistant tomato
  • Rosa SCENTIFALL Lemon, bred for hanging baskets, fragrance and high disease resistance
  • Weigela ‘Camouflage’, a reverse variegation of a purple leaf, special effect even when out of flower

  

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