Feb 19, 2014

Spring Trials Sneak Peek — Part 5

The 2014 California Spring Trials are almost here! Just a week and a half until the big event begins.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve been sending you sneak peeks into some of the new varieties that will debut at the trials and today will be the last of the series. The participating breeders have so many new varieties and programs in the works, and they’ve been kind enough to share some of their new introductions with me.

For those of you not attending Spring Trials, we’ll be posting tons of photos of all the new varieties on www.californiaspringtrials.com. We’ll also be blogging from the road, so be sure to check your e-mail!

In the meantime, here’s my last sneak peek into the new varieties that will be on display at Spring Trials.

Lobularia ‘Bicolor Pink Stream’ (Danziger)

‘Bicolor Pink Stream’ has the same controlled habit as the other Streams. It was bred for quart and basket production and would also be a great component for combinations. This unique and fragrant addition will deliver that first smell of spring.

Erysimum ‘Honeyberry’ (Skagit Gardens)

An early bloomer, the intense magenta-purple blooms on ‘Honeyberry’ age to soft mauve. Robust, variegated foliage ages from gold to cream. It features a sturdy, upright habit. Flower color is more intense when grown in cooler temperatures.

Petunia ‘Supertunia Black Cherry’ (Proven Winners)

‘Supertunia Black Cherry’ shows off a unique burgundy color flower with a black throat, while offering great heat and humidity tolerance. It will reach 8 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. This variety performs best in full sun.

Impatiens Big Bounce series (Selecta)

These new interspecific impatiens present a great opportunity to merchandise a shade product with confidence. Big Bounce impatiens are vigorous and strong performing. They are highly resistant to Impatiens Downy Mildew, and, as the name implies, they bounce back after wilt.

Geranium ‘Candy Flowers Light Pink’ (Elsner PAC)

This exciting new novelty boasts a never-before-seen bicolor in regals. It can be grown earlier and later than traditional regal geraniums, making it a great season extender. ‘Candy Flowers Light Pink’ adds consumer appeal with summer flowering and heat and sun tolerance.

Salvia ‘Love and Wishes’ (Sunset Western Garden Collection)

This tough plant glows with purple flowers from early spring until frost. Like its cousin ‘Wendy’s Wish’, this salvia will form a ball of color with no pruning or deadheading. Hardy to Zone 9, it blooms straight through heat and humidity and is drought tolerant once established.

Will you be attending this year’s Spring Trials? What types of varieties are you looking to add to your production? Send me an e-mail and let me know your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you’re unable to attend the trials, be sure to check out our extended post-trials coverage in the June and July issues of GPN.

– Jasmina