Consumer and Industry Favorites From the University of Georgia 2023 Open House
June 29, 2023 The University of Georgia Trial Gardens hosted its annual Open House for the plant industry on June 7, and for the public on June 10. After tallying up the results, these plants below were the top 10 favorites from both events.
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Top Three Winners
The top three plants were on both lists this year. It is always interesting to see which plants rise to the top, as it is not always the showiest or biggest blooms that win people over.
Rudbeckia ‘MiniBeckia Flame’ (GardenChoice)
The bees are the true judges of which plants are the winners. This superstar has been on trial for a few seasons, and seems to keep getting better every year with perfect symmetry and powerful color.
Crocosmia ‘Nova Gold Dragon’ (Terra Nova Nurseries)
Dramatic. Thrilling. Elegant. How does the bashful crocosmia win, compared to an overflowing basket of petunias or a bursting bed of sunflowers? If you have a moist sunny location, crocosmia will give you and your neighbors an endless supply of flowers.
Echinacea ‘Sundial Pink’ (Terra Nova Nurseries)
2023 has been the best year yet for Echinacea. With 25 new varieties in our garden beds and perfectly mild spring weather, the bed is a rainbow of color and form. Sundial stands out in size and shape, and is the prettiest shade of pink.
Industry Open House Winners
Tagetes triploid ‘Endurance Sunset Gold’ (Syngenta Flowers)
A triploid marigold with enhanced vigor and flower production. An African x French hybrid with compact plants and giant blooms.
Zinnia marylandica ‘Zydeco Fire’ Syngenta Flowers)
Double flowers in a hot orange hue. There are no signs of disease on these zinnias at this point in the season.
Cuphea ‘Sweet Talk Red’ (PanAmerican Seed)
New to market, these cuphea have caught the attention of both horticulturists and pollinators. Compact yet graceful.
Angelonia ‘Archangel Ruby Sangria’ (Ball FloraPlant)
Brand new color on this Angelonia, paired with gorgeous dark green foliage. Spectacular coloration and bloom size.
Petunia ‘Supertunia Hoopla Vivid Orchid’ (Proven Winners)
A ring around a petunia. This is a fresh new look with superb Supertunia genetics.
Centaurea ragusina ‘Silver Swirl’ (Darwin Perennials)
UGA is thrilled to add this sophisticated beauty to its desert perennial collection.
Verbena ‘Superbena Cherryburst 2024’ (Proven Winners)
There were many beautiful verbenas to choose from this year, the competition was tough. ‘Cherryburst 2024’ seems to come alive with deep color and dramatic flair.
Public Open House Winners
Petunia ‘Frosted Sapphire’ (Ball FloraPlant)
‘Frosted Sapphire’ looks like it came from a frozen wonderland.
Zinnia ‘Zesty Orange’ (Ball Ingenuity)
We all know the bees are calling the shots. Congratulations to Zesty Orange for the biggest blooms and most adorable bumblebees.
Bracteantha ‘Granvia Gold’ (Suntory Flowers)
‘Granvia Gold’ is showing off right now, but just wait until the new colors ‘Peachy Keen’ and ‘Pink’ come out to play.
Verbena ‘Superbena Sparkling Amethyst’ (Proven Winners)
Verbenas are loving the early summer sun and perfect weather here at UGA. Local gardeners loved this Sparkling effect.
Salvia ‘Plum Crazy’ (Ball FloraPlant)
The UGA entomology students have been watching this plant closely due to its powerful attraction to honeybees. Great bloom action early in the growing season.
Begonia ‘Double Delight Blush Rose’ (Proven Winners)
This is such a darling plant for shady spaces.
MixMasters ‘Bee’s Glee’ (Ball FloraPlant)
The combo planters are setting the stage for a beautiful season, producing some of the best color and plentiful containers in the entire garden.
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