2015 Texas A&M University (Overton, Texas) Field Trials Results

The Texas A&M University trials had more than 500 entries that represented around 70 species, most were annual bedding plant entries. There were also a number of herbaceous perennials included.

Weather conditions were cool and wet through May. Overton had a record 14 inches of rain in May. June continued to be warm and wet. July began a six-week period with no significant rainfall. The latter part of July and the first half of August were very hot and dry. Late August into September was seasonably warm, but with long periods between rain events.

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Best Of Show

■ Vinca ‘Soiree Kawaii Coral,’ ‘Soiree Kawaii Lavender’
■ Vinca Valiant Series
■ Lantana Evita Series
■ Lantana ‘Luscious Pinkberry Blend’
■ Begonia ‘Unstoppable Upright White’

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■ Basil ‘Floral Spires Lavender’
■ Basil ‘Balsamic Blooms’
■ Coleus ‘Sovar’
■ Coleus ‘Stained Glassworks Burgundy Wedding Train’
■ Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Spreading Shell Pink’
■ Lobularia ‘Yolo Top Dark Lavender’
■ Portulaca Mojave Series
■ Petunia ‘Easy Wave Silver’
■ Petunia ‘Cascadias Indian’
■ Sedum ‘Lemon Coral’

Consumer Favorites

■ Petunia ‘Tidal Wave Red Velour’
■ Zinnia ‘Solmar Red’
■ Hibiscus ‘Summer Storm’
■ Petunia ‘Supertunia Violet Star Charm’
■ Hibiscus ‘Honeymoon White of Eye’
■ Tecoma ‘Orange’
■ Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’
■ Hibiscus ‘Honeymoon Deep Red’
■ Hibiscus ‘Peppermint Flare’
■ Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Spreading White’

Trial Manager Notes

A new approach that I have tried the past couple of years with geraniums, and which I have expanded to dahlias, is to put one replication in full sun and two replications under 30 percent shade. I have found that trialing these two species in shade is more representative of how we would grow these species in this part of the country. For example, plants would be sited with morning sun only or in containers on patios with protection from the heat of the day.

Some tried-and-true varieties looked good this year, such as the Vinca Cora Series, the Begonia BIG Series in the sun, ‘Basket of Fire’ pepper, Petunia ‘Tidal Wave Silver,’ Petunia ‘Supertunia Vista Bubble Gum’ and New Guinea Impatiens ‘Bounce White.’

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