Glow Sticks Fescue Named ‘Best in Show’ at the 2025 Farwest Show
Glow Sticks Fescue, Best in Show winner at the 2025 Farwest Show New Varieties Showcase. | Farwest Show and the Oregon Association of Nurseries
Glow Sticks Fescue (Festuca arundinacea ‘Glow Sticks’ PP34648) was chosen by professional judges as the Best in Show winner in the 2025 Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase.
The plant was discovered by Jeremy Schmidt and introduced by Bristol Briar. It is available from Briggs Nursery at the Farwest Show. It is one of 33 new selections that are on display at the 2025 Farwest Show and available from at least one show exhibitor.
“New plant introductions are the lifeblood of the nursery industry, bringing forth new ideas, inspiration, and even functionality,” says Jamie Moore, Event Coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “Our judges were impressed with the quality and variety of new plants on display at Farwest. We are excited to see these new plants enter the marketplace and proud to play a role in making that happen.”
Festuca arundinacea ‘Glow Sticks’ was submitted by Concept Plants. According to them, “Glow Sticks Fescue dazzles from mid-spring with an incredible show of bright yellow flower spikelets that create a great contrast with the foliage. It’s unlike any ornamental grass you’ve ever seen. The dark-green blades retain their color all year, making this ornamental stunning during the summer months and year-round. Glow Sticks is climate-proof: it tolerates periods of heat and drought and has strong, deep roots that don’t require regular watering. This water-saving plant is disease-resistant and can be grown in any spot within the landscape. Grows to 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. Zones 3a–9b.” It is available as pint, quart, and #1 containers and 72-cell plugs from Briggs Nursery.
In addition to the Best of Show award, judges gave three Awards of Merit as follows:
Summerina Firana Black-Eyed Susan Echibeckia (Echinacea x Rudbeckia hybrida ‘ET RDB 751′ PP34593)
Hybridized in the Netherlands by Bart Noordhuis of Exceptio B.V. and introduced by Exceptio B.V. Submitted by Pacific Plug & Liner.
According to them, “‘Firana’ stands out with massive, fiery two-toned blooms that can reach an impressive 8 inches in diameter. With thick, sturdy flower stems and exceptional vigor, it delivers unmatched garden presence and retail appeal. Like all Echibeckia, it offers the best of both worlds — Rudbeckia’s fast growth and abundant flowers combined with Echinacea’s disease resistance and extended bloom life. With its early bloom time, enormous flowers, and strong stems, ‘Firana’ is a gamechanger for both growers and gardeners, offering vibrant summer color and reliable performance. Grows to 16-20 inches wide by 20-24 inches tall. Zones 7b–9b.”
Echinacea x Rudibeckia hybrida ‘Firana Black-Eyed Susan’ is available as 1.5-gallon containers, 32-cell liners, and 72-cell plugs from Smith Gardens.
Bubble Bath Hardy Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘HYLV19557’ PPAF, CPBRAF)
Hybridized in the Netherlands by Lendert de Vos, introduced by Bloomin’ Easy Plants Inc., and submitted by Bloomin’ Easy Plants Inc.
According to them, “We’ve never seen a hydrangea bloom so much! This petite and sturdy star gives your yard or patio (literally) a full bouquet of creamy lime blooms through summer and fall. Grows to 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall. Zones 3a–8b.”
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bubble Bath’ is available as 15-cell RocketLiner Liners and 60-cell JetPack Plugs from Van Belle Youngplants.
Daphne Perfume Princess White (Daphne odora ‘Daplur2’ PP30790)
Bred by Mark Jury and Anthony Tesselaar, introduced by Anthony Tesselaar Plants, and submitted by Briggs Nursery.
According to them, “This chance mutation of Perfume Princess came from the work of renowned plant breeders Mark Jury and Anthony Tesselaar. Their goal was to combine the tough, strong growth habit of Daphne bhuloa types with the heady fragrance and flowering performance of Daphne odora varieties. Like its parent, it blooms early and long with intoxicating fragrance with citrus undertones. The deliciously fragrant, bright white flowers emerge in mid-winter and continue through spring, blooming along the stem as well as at each branch tip. The plant maintains a dense upright bush shape with glossy green pointed leaves. Good disease resistance. Unfussy, grows almost anywhere, even in full sun. It’ll grow in any soil but prefers soils that are slightly acidic and free-draining. Full sun to part shade. Grows to 3 feet wide by 4 feet tall. Zones 7a–10b.”
Daphne odora ‘Daplur2’ is available as #2 containers and quart liners from Briggs Nursery.
All of the New Varieties Showcase selections are viewable at the Farwest Show and at FarwestShow.com/NVS. Complete details on events, schedules, speakers, and education for Farwest are all available at FarwestShow.com. For further questions, contact Jamie Moore, OAN Events and Education Coordinator, at [email protected].
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