UF Selects Its Best New Varieties

By Greenhouse Grower staff|July 2, 2008

The University of Florida recently chose 10 varieties as Best New Varieties for 2009 from its spring trial, including ptilotus ‘Joey’ from Benary and heliotrope ‘Scentropia Dark Blue’ from Syngenta Flowers. Those varieties were selected as the two most interesting varieties to 270 consumers who were surveyed during trial garden open houses in May.

Best New Varieties are selected for consistent, excellent garden performance over an eight-week evaluation period. Winners are selected from more than 850 varieties, including 280 new introductions that will be available for 2009.

Besides ‘Joey’ and ‘Scentropia Dark Blue,’ other varieties that made Florida’s Best New Varieties list include:

– Calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Tangerine’ from Selecta First Class
–Coleus ‘Indian Summer’ and ornamental pepper ‘Calico’ from Ball Horticultural Company
–Geranium ‘Caliente Fire ’09,’ and lobelia ‘Techno Heat Dark Blue’ from Syngenta Flowers
–Petunia ‘Potunia Lobster’ and verbena ‘Empress Strawberry Charme’ from Dummen
–Petunia ‘Supertunia Vista Silverberry’ from Proven Winners