Note: Information for this trial report comes from Chad Miller, Assistant Professor of Landscape Horticulture at Colorado State University.
The flower trial garden evaluates the performance of flower varieties under our unique Rocky Mountain environmental conditions. Our growing conditions are characterized by high altitude (around 5,000 feet), intense solar radiation, drying winds, severe hailstorms, large fluctuations between day and night temperatures, season-long need for irrigation, and heavy clay soils. Plants are evaluated based on plant vigor, uniformity, floriferousness, and tolerance to environmental and biotic stresses. Variety performances are judged by selected students, faculty, industry representatives, public horticulturalists, and advanced Master Gardeners.
We had 25 companies participate in our 29th annual, industry-supported, plant trials. The garden was planted with approximately 1,000 different plant varieties this year. Plants are grown in either full sun or under a shade structure that provides about 60 to 70% shade. The plant companies indicate where they would like their varieties grown; in a ground bed, a container, or in both situations. For each ground trial entry, the goal is to plant two parallel rows with nine plants per row for a maximum of 18 plants. Each 20-inch container is planted with five plants. A combination (combo) container is planted with three combo plugs with three plants in each plug. There were 485 varieties planted in sun beds, 50 varieties planted in shade beds, 523 varieties planted in sun containers, and 100 varieties planted in shade containers.
Bloom period data for each variety has been taken since 2007. These data can provide insight and an indication for how long the plants were in bloom and how well they bloomed during that time period. Data were collected on a regular basis, every 7 to 14 days. Overall flowering data were based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 = plants not in bloom or have very few blooms and 5 = plants in full bloom or peak bloom (typically the stage at which the average consumer perceives the plant as being in perfect bloom). One should take into consideration the broad range between these ratings when interpreting these data. If a variety started at full bloom (5), it means it was already in full bloom in the greenhouse before it was planted. All these data are presented in numerical fashion in this performance evaluation. Near the end of the season, any dead plants in the trial were not considered in the evaluation: thus, the data given always reflects the percent of live plants in bloom.
You can find complete 2023 trial results here. Below is a review of three standouts.
Best of Show: Dahlia ‘Dahlegria Apricot Tricolor’ (Syngenta Flowers)
This entry holds the distinction of winning the “Best of Show” from both the industry and public evaluations. This plant is stunning on many levels. Flowers are a stunning combination of fruit stand colors such as apricot yellow, raspberry, as well as magenta. The dark foliage makes a beautiful plant even without the flowers, but when combined it is truly fascinating. Single petals and a pretty yellow eye are also a favorite of bees. It was bred for mildew resistance.
Best New Variety: Begonia ‘Stonehedge Rose Bronze Leaf’ (Benary)
Plants have excellent vigor, never look tired, and keep looking better and better right up until first frost. The large plants are very uniform with bright rose-colored flowers held high above the foliage for maximum show. Stems were also noted to have a nice rosey hue that echoes throughout the entire plant. The entire Stonehedge series was noted for superior performance and the breeder states even more colors will be coming soon.
Best Novelty: Centaurea ‘FanciFillers Chrome Fountain’ (Westhoff)
Selected for great color and great foliage, this plant looks great all by itself or as a companion plant. The rosettes of leaves provide a medium to coarse texture and an overall appearance that always looks very fresh and crisp. As an additional bonus, it is also heat and drought tolerant. Grown mainly as a foliage plant, it may have late blooming flowers that have an interesting appearance or may just be snipped off to maintain the uniform growth habit.
Learn more about other field trials from 2023 here.