2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Angelonia 'Archangel Cherry Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Angelonia 'Archangel Cherry Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Angelonia 'Archangel Dark Rose'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Angelonia 'Archangel Dark Rose'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Argyranthemum 'White Butterfly'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Argyranthemum 'White Butterfly'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Begonia 'Jurassic Red Splash'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Begonia 'Jurassic Red Splash'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Calibrachoa 'Superbells Pomegranate Punch'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Celosia 'Kelos Fire Scarlet Improved'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Celosia 'Kelos Fire Scarlet Improved'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Coleus 'Under the Sea Pink Reef'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Coleus 'Under the Sea Pink Reef'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Geranium (interspecific) 'Caliente Fire'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Geranium (interspecific) 'Caliente Fire'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Geranium (interspecific) 'Caliente Fire'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Geranium (interspecific) 'Calliope Dark Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Geranium (interspecific) 'Calliope Dark Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Impatiens 'Big Bounce Lilac'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Impatiens 'Big Bounce Lilac'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Lantana 'Lucky Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Lantana 'Lucky Red'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Lantana 'Lucky Sunrise Rose'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Impatiens × hyb. 'Sunpatiens Compact Coral Pink'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Impatiens × hyb. 'Sunpatiens Compact Coral Pink'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
New Guinea Impatiens 'Sunstanding Salmon'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
New Guinea Impatiens 'Sunstanding Salmon'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Petunia (vegetative spreading) 'ColorRush Pink'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Petunia (seed spreading) 'Tidal Wave Red Velour'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Petunia (seed spreading) 'Tidal Wave Red Velour'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Phlox 'Gisele Hot Pink'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Phlox 'Gisele Hot Pink'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Vinca (Catharanthus) 'Mega Bloom Polkadot'
2016 Colorado State University Field Trials
Vinca (Catharanthus) 'Mega Bloom Polkadot'
Colorado weather was quite warm in July with several days over 90°F, but most of the annuals in the Colorado State University (CSU) trials performed extremely well overall, says Jim Klett, Professor and Extension Landscape Horticulturist for CSU. More than 1,000 different plant varieties from 22 participating breeders filled the trial gardens this year, with 350 that were new varieties for 2016. CSU hosted the Home Garden Seed Association National Meeting this summer and had more than 100 of the association’s entries in the trials, including 50 vegetable varieties. Results for top performing perennials from CSU field trials will be out in late October.
Best Of Show
Argyranthemum ‘White Butterfly’
Top Performers
Angelonia ‘Archangel Dark Rose’
Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Pomegranate Punch’
Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Scarlet Improved’
Coleus ‘Under the Sea Pink Reef’
Geranium ‘Calliope Dark Red’
Impatiens ‘Big Bounce Lilac’
New Guinea Impatiens ‘SunStanding Salmon’
Petunia (Seed Spreading) ‘Tidal Wave Red Velour’
Impatiens × hyb. ‘SunPatiens Compact Coral Pink’
Vinca (Catharanthus) ‘Mega Bloom Polkadot’
Consumer Favorites
Celosia ‘Dracula’
Canna ‘Toucan Scarlet’
Cyperus ‘King Tut’ (Graceful Grasses)
Petunia ‘Crazytunia Frisky Purple’
Zinnia ‘California Giants’ (Home Garden Seed Association)
Dahlia ‘Burgundy and White’
Some Other Outstanding Plants
Angelonia ‘Archangel Cherry Red’
Geranium (Interspecific) ‘Caliente Fire’
Lantana ‘Lucky Sunrise Rose’
Phlox ‘Gisele Hot Pink’
Dr. Klett’s Comments About The Best Of Show Plants:
Best of Show- Argyranthemum ‘White Butterfly’ (Proven Winners)
‘White Butterfly’ came covered with white flowers in 2016. Plants had continuous bloom all through the growing season and looked fresh even during the summer heat. The plants maintained excellent uniformity and the continuous growth helped them “bury the dead,” so no dead-heading was required.
Best New Variety – Lantana ‘Lucky Red’ (Ball FloraPlant)
The flowers on this plant were abundant. The blooms had many citrus tones but were predominantly noted for a good dark red. This plant was unique for combining both red flower color with a uniform growth habit. Blooming started early, and it was noted that it didn’t cycle in and out of flowering like other lantanas.
Best Novelty – Begonia ‘Jurassic Red Splash’ (Ball Ingenuity)
Red Splash had fantastic foliage color, which gave this plant great interest as soon as it was planted in the garden. The foliage was a dramatic combination of red and silver, with large jagged edges. This is a good choice for shady areas as it has iridescent foliage with the occasional beam of sunlight. Plants were well branched. This also does well as an indoor plant.
Janeen Wright is former Editor for Greenhouse Grower. . See all author stories here.