The request for novelties is very important in the field of ornamental horticulture. Since 1972, INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research) and SAPHO (Association for the improvement of horticultural plants) have cooperated to propose innovative varieties. These innovations include aesthetic traits (colour, shape), new uses (ground cover, compact habit) and rusticity (disease and frost resistance). SAPHO is now acting for the edition of these new varieties in different countries (Europe, USA). Several techniques have been developed to increase the genetic variability in different species bred during those last 32 years: intra- and interspecific hybridization, in vitro culture (somaclonal variation, embryo rescue, micro-propagation of selected hybrids), mutagenesis to modify flower colour and plant habit and growth. Up to now, this collaboration has produced 25 varieties that have been protected through breeders' rights and spread in Europe. Some varieties have also been patented and propagated in North America under licence. Some have received an award in professional trade shows. The success of this project shows that collaboration between public institutes and private firms is essential to improve the quality of plants and regularly propose new varieties to the market