A wetter-than-normal spring and an unusually hot summer put the plant varieties in the Colorado State University to the test. Trial Director Dr. James Klett says July, August, and early September were extremely hot, with temperatures in the high nineties — record breaking temperatures for this area. Extensive advertising on social media in the Fort Collins and Front Range of Colorado resulted in nearly 400 people coming to the trials during a three-hour period one Saturday, and the plan is to continue these efforts.
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Best of Show: Rudbeckia 'Sunbeckia Ophelia' (Flamingo Holland)
This spectacular plant was selected as the “Best of Show” winner for 2021. Gigantic yellow flowers glow in the sun and attract attention from across the garden. The huge flowers created a near-solid canopy of yellow color that created enormous flower power. Foliage that was visible is very attractive and clean. Plants required no pinching and matured at a nice medium height. The long-lasting flowers kept a fresh look and stayed low maintenance by “burying its dead”. Performance was excellent both in-ground and containers.
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Best New Variety: Bidens 'Brazen Imperial Luck' (Syngenta Flowers)
The vigorous plants were densely branched and created a solid mound of flowers across the canopy which created an impressive display of color. Blooms maintained a uniform pattern and had a rich saturated red color that paired well with the dark green foliage. This entry was also very popular among the bees.
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Best Novelty: Heliotropium 'Augusta Lavender' (Proven Winners)
Prolific flowering was sustained throughout the entire growing season. The soft lavender flowers were very showy and had a slight fragrance in the heat of the afternoon. Plants had good uniformity and were a favorite of pollinators.
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Begonia 'Jurassic Pink Splash' (Ball Ingeniuty)
Great foliage provided a lot of interest all season even without flowers. Pink shades flow down along the center of the leaf with a very nice silver and green on the outer leaf. The large leaf size and unique colors stands out from many other garden plants. Plants had good vigor and uniformity.
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Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Good Night Kiss' (Ball FloraPlant)
Flowerswere stunning with a bright pink/purple outer flowers with a very dark center and a yellow throat. The intense color is made even more vivid against the dark green foliage. Plants are dense, with a nice uniform, mounding growth habit.
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Dahlia 'City Lights Purple' (Selecta One)
This was a favorite plant from the voting on Consumer Day as well as the industry evaluation due to the abundant rich, dark purple flowers and dark foliage. The consistent appearance was a reason for it being a repeat winner from 2020. Plants were uniform in habit and maintained a fresh appearance by burying its dead.
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Best Vegetative Container Plant: Petunia 'Bee's Knees' (Ball FloraPlant)
Bright yellow flowers covered the plants for impressive flower power in both containers and the ground. Plants had good vigor and maintained a nice growth habit in the ground or trailed over the container without opening up in the middle. The two-toned yellow flowers had proven a dependable performer over the past years and are a repeat winner.
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7
Best of Show: Rudbeckia 'Sunbeckia Ophelia' (Flamingo Holland)
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Best New Variety: Bidens 'Brazen Imperial Luck' (Syngenta Flowers)
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Best Novelty: Heliotropium 'Augusta Lavender' (Proven Winners)
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Begonia 'Jurassic Pink Splash' (Ball Ingeniuty)
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Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Good Night Kiss' (Ball FloraPlant)
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Dahlia 'City Lights Purple' (Selecta One)
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Best Vegetative Container Plant: Petunia 'Bee's Knees' (Ball FloraPlant)
November 9, 2021 
