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Plant Trials and Tribulations from the Garden of Dr. Allan Armitage

Allan Armitage By Allan Armitage|September 10, 2025

Last month, I highlighted a few of the top performers from the University of Georgia (UGA) trial gardens. This time, I am going to share the performance of a few varieties sent to me by various breeders for my own small in-town garden. The owner is too lazy to take data; has too many deer, but knows when plants do well, and is pleased to share.  So, here we go.

Standouts from the Armitage Garden:

Aptenia — Aptenia cordifolia ‘Golden Cascade’ (Kientzler):
Aptenia — Aptenia cordifolia ‘Golden Cascade’ (Kientzler).

Aptenia cordifolia ‘Golden Cascade’ (Kientzler). | All images courtesy of Dr. Allan Armitage

A wonderful “spiller” for containers and window boxes, this should be much better known.

Dahlia — Dahlia pinnata ‘Venti Pink Burst’ (Selecta):
Dahlia — Dahlia pinnata 'Venti Pink Burst' (Selecta).

Dahlia pinnata ‘Venti Pink Burst’ (Selecta).

This handsome, compact bedding dahlia bloomed early, flowering for a long period of time, and has become my favorite.

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Garden Phlox — Phlox paniculata ‘Ka-Pow Pink’ (Darwin Perennials):
Garden Phlox — Phlox paniculata 'Ka-Pow Pink' (Darwin Perennials).

Phlox paniculata ‘Ka-Pow Pink’ (Darwin Perennials).

Perennials usually require at least two years to look their best, phlox included. The Ka-Pow series flowers well, remains compact, and is mildew-free.

Helleborus — Helleborus x glandorfensis ‘Ice N’ Roses Dark Picotee’ (Heuger Inc):
Helleborus — Helleborus x glandorfensis 'Ice and N’ Roses Dark Picotee' (Heuger Inc).

Helleborus x glandorfensis ‘Ice N’Roses Dark Picotee’ (Heuger Inc).

This German breeding firm continues to send me some of their excellent hellebores. An absolute no-brainer for early-spring sales and early-season, wonderful spring gardens.

Mexican Giant Hyssop — Agastache mexicana ‘Summerlong Coral’ (Darwin Perennials):
Mexican Giant Hyssop — Agastache mexicana 'Summerlong Coral' (Darwin Perennials).

Agastache mexicana ‘Summerlong Coral’ (Darwin Perennials).

Planted in a container with petunias, this variety bloomed most of the season. All the plants in this series have performed well.

Strawflower — Xerochrysum bracteanthum ‘Granvia Gold’ (Suntory Flowers):
Strawflower — Xerochrysum bracteanthum 'Granvia Gold' (Suntory Flowers).

Xerochrysum bracteanthum ‘Granvia Gold’ (Suntory Flowers).

One of the best new long-flowering colorful annuals in recent years. Catches the eye and attracts pollinators.

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Allan Armitage was a professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia for 30 years. He recently retired and remains an active consultant, author and lecturer. See all author stories here.