Ohio State University 2021 Field Trials Return With Strong Performances

By Robin Siktberg|December 21, 2021

The Ohio State University had trials in two locations in 2021, along with two different treatment variables. In Columbus, in the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, the plants were on a high-maintenance schedule; the beds were mulched, plants received one application of a 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer, were deadheaded on a regular basis, and watered regularly. In Springfield, in the Snyder Park Gardens and Arboretum, the plants were on a low-maintenance schedule; plants still received one application of a 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer, but beds were not mulched or deadheaded, and were watered only on an as-needed basis.

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Petunia hybrid 'Surfinia Purple Heart' (Suntory Flowers)
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Bracteantha bracteatum 'Granvia Gold' (Suntory Flowers)
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Helianthus hybrid 'Suncredible Saturn'
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Petunia 'ColorRush Merlot Star Imp' (Ball FloraPlant)
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Petunia hybrid 'Supertunia Vista Bubblegum' (Proven Winners)
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Petunia hybrid 'Supertunia Vista Jazzberry' (Proven Winners)
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Rudbeckia hirta 'MiniBeckia Flame' (GardenChoice)
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Salvia hybrid 'Unplugged Pink (Proven Winners)
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Rex Begonia hybrid 'Jurassic Megalo Reptile' (Ball Ingenuity)

Trials in both locations were great overall, particularly when they hit stride in mid-July. There was a hiccup the second week of July when it rained for 10 out of 11 days. The petunias took a beating except for a few cultivars that held up exceptionally well through the rains (Petunia ‘Surfinia Sumo Pink’, P. ‘Supertunia Vista Snowdrift’, P. ‘Bubblegum’, P. ‘Jazzberry’, P. ‘Mini Vista White’, and P. ‘CannonBall Merlot Star Improved’. Most of them came back for a nice fall show.

Both sites had challenges with deer eating tomatoes, begonias, and impatiens, but this only caused issues with tomato production.

Two plants in particular stood out and were dubbed Best of Show.”

Top Performers at both sites is really hard to pick because there were so many. The following are the top ten performers in no particular order:

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