Sep 25, 2015

Standouts at CSU Trial Garden By Jasmina Dolce

Now that fall has officially commenced, most summer trial gardens across the country are coming to a close. Judges have submitted their results, and the outstanding trial performers will soon be announced if they haven’t already.

One of my favorites is the Colorado State University flower trial garden in Fort Collins. Each year, their annual trial consists of more than 1,000 different varieties of bedding plants. Plants are evaluated for plant vigor, uniformity, floriferousness, and tolerance to environmental and biotic stresses.

I know many growers rely on university trials to plan for their upcoming season. The folks at CSU recently announced their 2015 “Best of” annuals. Here are some of the standouts. To learn more about the flower trials at CSU, click here.

Best of show: Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Spreading Tropical Orange’ (Sakata)

This variety boasts vivid electric orange flowers that contrast well against the beautiful variegated foliage. Plants maintained a high level of flower power all season. Plants grew well in full sun but would also be adaptable to light shade.

Best novelty: Celosia ‘Dragon’s Breath’ (Sakata)

This plant received a lot of attention even before it started flowering because of its attractive burgundy foliage. Flowers had a two-toned combination of burgundy and hints of fluorescent purple.

Best new variety: Lobularia ‘Raspberry Stream’ (Danziger)

Extreme flower power joins intense raspberry color for an impressive flower display. Overall it had a very uniform growth habit and held its shape. Plants maintained a clean appearance all season.

Best calibrachoa: ‘Superbells Evening Star’ (Proven Winners)

Noted for its unique flower color that would shimmer in the sunlight, blooms seemed to be made up of three different shades of purple with a dark eye. Growth habit was uniform, and flowers opened up earlier in the day than other calibrachoa.

Best interspecific geranium: ‘Big EZEE Neon’ (Dümmen Orange)

Large, vigorous plants presented large umbels of flowers that made a very attractive display of color. Blooms were a unique vivid watermelon color.

Best petunia (vegetative/mounding): ‘Perfectunia Orange Morn’ (Westhoff)

Flowers on this plant were unique with a beautiful soft orange color complemented by a white and yellow eye. It was noted that blooms were still attractive even as they faded.

Best verbena: ‘EnduraScape Hot Pink’ (Ball FloraPlant)

This is a great plant for the landscape with a vigorous spreading habit. It is covered with many bright pink flowers. Plants were very uniform and resistant to mildew.

– Jasmina