Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Emerges From Pandemic Shutdown With Strong-Performing Annuals
November 25, 2020 Note: Information for this trial update was provided by Scott Beuerlein, Manager of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Outreach; Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture; Kyra Back, Head Gardener; and Natasha Dobias, Horticulturist.
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Leave it to a pandemic to trip up a winning streak. After several years of strong, even record-breaking attendance, attendance and revenues at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 2020 Annuals Trials were severely reduced due to a 3½-month closure and continuing reduced capacity.
Nevertheless, the floral show must go on, and our 100,000 tulips were spectacular despite being seen by only a skeleton staff of horticulturists and animal keepers. One of our folks thought to cut some and share with front-line staff at nearby hospitals, which seemed a worthy use. Then, annuals season was upon us, and despite no seasonal staff or volunteers and while still not knowing whether anyone would see our annuals, we powered through and got them planted.
We wound up enjoying a beautiful season of annuals, and it really seemed to us that when we were finally able to reopen early in July, our guests appreciated them more than ever and showed increased interest. Far too stubborn to let a mere pandemic slow us down, we remain energized and focused on continuing and growing our unique brand of annuals trials and display garden.
Asking us to name just two or three favorite plants in 2020 is difficult. First, we’ll name the entire SunPatiens Series as one of our choices. Consistent, superb performers with high impact color, they excel in our continental climate and urban, calcareous soils. The Viking Series of Begonia also proved exceptional plants. Out of the series, we selected Begonia ‘Viking Pink on Chocolate’ as our favorite. Large, adaptable, and very rich in color, it’s a great landscape plant.
We should also recognize Pentas ‘Graffiti OG Lavender’. Not only is it a beautiful and strong grower, but it fits nicely with our various programs built around pollinator friendly plants. Special mentions also go to Coleus ‘Flamethrower Cajun Spice’ and ‘Sweet Caroline Medusa Green’ sweet potato.
Check out the slideshow above for highlights from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 2020 Annuals Trials.
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