Highlights from 2025 Field Trials: Penn State

By Marisa Reyes|November 20, 2025

(Information provided by Krystal Snyder/ Interim Director, Penn State Flower Trials, Commercial Horticulture Educator) 

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Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Sunbeckia Series (Bull Plant Genetics)

All photos courtesy of Krystal Snyder/ Interim Director, Penn State Flower Trials
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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2025 Flower Trials at Penn State
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Petunia Petunia x hybrida Dekko Maxx Pink (Syngenta Flowers)

This season at the Penn State Flower Trials brought a little bit of everything weather-wise. The year started out cold at the end of May, followed by about six weeks of rain totaling 24 inches. Then, from the start of August through mid-September, there was no significant rainfall, and conditions turned hot and dry. In other words, if there was a type of weather to be had, we had it.

As always, the biggest challenge for an outdoor trial is the weather. It’s something the team cannot control, but they can control cultural practices. By continuing to refine and improve culture, plants were healthier and less stressed this season than in years past, even under fluctuating conditions.

We trial on average, 600 annual entries and 300 perennial entries a year. Perennials are trialed for 3 years to get overwintering data. We rate three times per year and have Best in Show (rating of 5.0 all season).

Looking ahead, 2026 marks a major milestone: the 90th anniversary of the Penn State Flower Trials. This is something we are very proud of and will be celebrating all year.

Two Plants That Impressed at Penn State’s 2025 Field Trials

Petunia Petunia x hybrida Dekko Maxx Pink (Syngenta Flowers)

A carpet of pink petunias all season long, and it is an excellent cultivar.

Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Sunbeckia Series (Bull Plant Genetics)

An excellent plant and would make a great addition to fall sales in the northeast.

Save the Date for the 2026 Penn State Flower Trials

Mark your calendar for the annual Field Day: Tuesday, July 23, 2026, when the Penn State Flower Trials will showcase their latest results and celebrate 90 years of trialing.

For all 2025 best of trial results, visit https://agsci.psu.edu/flower-trials/trial-results.