2017 North Carolina State University Field Trial Results

Posted by Janeen Wright|January 17, 2018

The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, is a 10-acre arboretum and botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants adapted for landscape use in the Southeast. Each year, seed and plug companies submit entries for plant performance evaluation. This year, approximately 360 samples were entered into the trials, which were planted on May 02, 2017.

1 of 23

1 of 23

The J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University field trial overview
2 of 23

Agastache ‘Morello’
3 of 23

Alternanthera 'Plum Dandy'
4 of 23

Calibrachoa 'MiniFamous Neo White Yellow Eye'
5 of 23

Celosia plumosa 'Twisted Red Improved'
6 of 23

Celosia 'Twisted Orange'
7 of 23

Celosia 'Twisted Yellow'
8 of 23

Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry'
9 of 23

Echinacea 'Puff Vanilla'
10 of 23

Colocasia ‘Royal Hawaiian Aloha’
11 of 23

Gaillardia 'Spintop Yellow'
12 of 23

Coleus Great Falls Series (pictured: 'Niagara')
13 of 23

Gypsophila muralis
14 of 23

Hypoestes 'Hippo Rose'
15 of 23

Marigold '17OS07'
16 of 23

Ornamental Oregano 'Kirigami'
17 of 23

Pepper 'Candy Cane Red'
18 of 23

Petunia 'Supertunia Hot Pink Charm'
19 of 23

Petunia 'Sweetunia Miss Marvel'
20 of 23

Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Improved’
21 of 23

Salvia ‘Rockin’ Playin’ the Blues’
22 of 23

Sweet Potato 'FloraMio Cameo'
23 of 23

Zinnia 'Zahara Double Raspberry Ripple'

Trial manager Bernadette Clark says growing conditions this summer started out mild, but by July they turned hot and dry. In the months of July and August, the gardens experienced long periods of temperatures in the 90s, mostly in the low to mid 90s. Three consecutive days of 100+ temperatures occurred July 21 to 23. The precipitation was close to normal for May and June but approximately half of what the gardens typically receive for the months of July and August.

“One of the highlights of the trials this year was the celosia,” Clark says. “The old cockscomb celosias are making a comeback! Beautiful flower colors ranging from yellow to orange to red make these a must have.”

Best in Show

Angelonia ‘AngelMist Spreading Bluebird’
Colocasia ‘Royal Hawaiian Aloha’
Marigold ‘17OS07’
Salvia ‘Rockin’ Playin’ the Blues’
Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Improved’

Top Articles

Horticulture Expert Shares Tips for Bulb Care and Weed Prevention

Top Performers

Bedding Plants:
Celosia ‘Twisted Orange’
Coleus ‘MainStreet Michigan Avenue’
Pepper ‘Midnight Fire’
Petunia ‘ColorRush Pink’
Salvia ‘Rockin’ Playin’ the Blues’
Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Improved’

Containers:
Coleus Great Falls Series
Lantana ‘Havana Sunset’
Pepper ‘Gusto Purple’
Petunia ‘Suntunia Purple Sky’
Thunbergia ‘Tangerine Slice A-Peel’
Thunbergia ‘Lemon A-Peel’

Hanging Baskets:
Calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Neo Vampire’
Calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Neo White + Yellow Eye’
Calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Neo Orange + Red Eye 17’
Ornamental Oregano ‘Kirigami’

Consumer Favorites

Coleus ‘Great Falls Niagara’
Colocasia ‘Royal Hawaiian Aloha’
Hypoestes ‘Hippo Rose’
Marigold ’17OS07′
Salvia ‘Mystic Spires Improved’
Sweet Potato ‘FloraMio Cameo’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Red’
Zinnia ‘Zahara Double Raspberry Ripple’