Day Two Recap: 2015 California Spring Trials
It was another jam-packed day for the GPN crew, from Watsonville to Salinas. This time we weren’t so lucky to arrive at our destinations on time, but it was only because it was so hard to leave each one. These trial exhibitors know how to have a good time!
First, we visited the “labyrinth” at Pacific Plug & Liner. We got to see a ton of new offerings from Cultivaris, Cohen, Jaldety, Hishtil and Sunset Western Garden Collection. And we also got to check out varieties from PP&L’s coreopsis trial this year (which you’ll be able to read more about in the September issue of GPN).
Then we headed right down the road to Benary and enjoyed their fun “disco party.” They shared a lot of interesting retail concepts to get consumers more engaged.
We spent our afternoon in Salinas at a brand new Spring Trials stop, Floricultura, where we got to see so many new and unique varieties from Westhoff and Beekenkamp and learn about new edible selections at Plug Connection.
Here’s a snapshot of the great things we saw on Day 2, and don’t forget to check out the gallery on www.californiaspringtrials.com to see even more photos!
Campanula Adansa and Ambella series (Pacific Plug & Liner)
The folks at Pacific Plug & Liner shared that they will begin to direct their focus more toward perennials. New this year are the Adansa and Ambella series of campanula. Adansa is ideal for larger pots, and Ambella is more compact.
Gaura ‘Gauriella Bicolor’ (Jaldety)
This new gaura has great novel appeal with its bicolor pink and white flowers.
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Cultivaris)
Cultivaris’ new salvia introductions boast strong plants that are disease resistant with a long-lasting flowering season. ‘Little Kiss’ is an improved form of ‘Hot Lips’ and is a Southern Living exclusive.
Begonia ‘Nonstop Joy Yellow’ (Benary)
A new class of begonia, ‘Nonstop Joy Yellow’ boasts a more mounded habit that will ship well and show nicely at retail. It is easy to grow and exhibits impressive garden performance.
Begonia ‘San Francisco’ (Benary)
Like ‘Santa Cruz’, this new begonia serves as a competitive alternative to cuttings. It features bright salmon flowers and is ideal for pots, hanging baskets and mixed containers.
Petunia ‘Hells Fruit Punch’ (Westhoff)
A new addition to the Hells series, Fruit Punch may be the brightest pink I’ve seen. It looks great in baskets and will make an excellent component in combinations.
Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Purple’ (Beekenkamp)
This new series is daylength neutral and easy to grow. It is heat and drought tolerant.
— Jasmina
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