Ten plants were designated as top-performing herbaceous perennials from the 2013 Colorado State University trials. They have been overwintered for two winters and three growing seasons before they were given this distinction.
1
of
10
1
of
10
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Diana’ (Blooms of Bressingham)
The ‘Pretty Lady Diana’ plants continued to be solid performers and produced a lot of deep pink blooms in August until early October. The plants were healthy and vigorous. Judges mentioned that the plants would not take up a lot of space and would be great for a small garden or in a mixed border. Bred by Yoshihiro Kanazawaand planted in 2011.
Judges said that ‘Decadence Lemon Meringue’ continues to amaze in the 2013 growing season. They also mentioned that the blooms have a clear, crisp yellow flower color, and that plants were vigorous and strong. Even though blooms were brief, the plants had an open, airy habit and nice foliage to enjoy the rest of the season. Planted in 2011.
3
of
10
Geranium ‘Eureka Blue’ (Blooms of Bressingham)
‘Eureka Blue’ continues to impress with the extreme color impact of bright violet blooms. Judges said the plant would be a great landscape variety because it looks good even when not in bloom. Plants had healthy foliage all season long. Bred by Brian Kabbes and planted in 2011.
Judges said 'Summerific Cranberry Crush’ continues to be a fantastic grower with its dark red blooms and dark glossy foliage. The leaves were deeply lobed and had an attractive dark red hue that matured into dark green. Judges noted that these plants gave the garden a dramatic tropical effect and would be great for late summer color in the back of a border. Bred by Clarence H. Falstad and planted in 2011.
5
of
10
Nepeta ‘Novanepjun’ (Star Roses and Plants/The Conard-Pyle Co.)
‘Novanepjun’ plants continued to perform nicely. Vigorous plants were very floriferous with bright lavender flowers. The plants continued to be a great intermediate size at 18 inches tall and 28 inches wide. Plants filled in the space quickly, making a great groundcover. Bred by Michael S. Dobres and planted in 2011.
6
of
10
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Emily' (Blooms of Bressingham)
‘Pretty Lady Emily’ had great flower power late in the season. Judges said that the double light pink flowers were unique and plants were amazing flowering machines. The foliage is dark green and was healthy all season long. Bred by Yoshihiro Kanazawa and planted in 2011.
7
of
10
Penstemon schmidel ‘Blue Riding Hood’ (Pacific Plug and Liner)
Judges said that ‘Blue Riding Hood’ plants are strong with a good blue flower color. The plants put on a great flower show in June, and their growth habits were uniform and compact. The foliage was glossy and medium green in color. Bred by Remy Lubbe and planted in 2011.
Judges said that ‘Triple Play’ serves several functions. The plant’s blooms were pink and complemented the variegated white and green foliage. Even when there are no blooms, this variegated ground cover gives interest to the garden all season long. Bred by Janet Sacks and Martin Schafer and planted in 2011.
9
of
10
Salvia nemorosa ‘Balyriclu' (Darwin Perennials)
‘Balyriclu’ had great flower power with its purple blooms. Judges said that the plant’s uniformity and clean foliage made the plants enjoyable even when not in bloom. They also mentioned that the blooms are attractive as they age and flower stems keep their color for a long time. Bred by Lynne Knosher and planted in 2011.
10
of
10
Agastache ‘Blue Boa’ (Terra Nova Nurseries)
'Blue Boa' has been in the ground one winter and two growing seasons and has shown excellent performance thus far in the trial. The Perennial Trial Committee usually awards Top Performer to plants that have been in the ground two winters and three growing seasons. The plant impressed the committee so much that they designated a Too Good to Wait Performer. Judges were impressed with the non-stop flower power of 'Blue Boa.' Plants produced bright lavender blooms heavily throughout the growing season. Judges said this plant is drought tolerant, a bee attractor and will bring great to joy to home gardeners. Planted in 2012.
Advertisement
View all
1
of
10
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Diana’ (Blooms of Bressingham)