Plant trials underway at Ohio State's Columbus campus

Members of the horticulture industry are welcome to view the 727 varieties that are part of the this year’s annuals trials at Ohio St. Univ. in Columbus. Conducted every year by the Floriculture Program in the Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, the cultivar trials evaluate new ornamental plants. This year’s trials include 457 bedding-plant cultivars, 210 container-plant cultivars, 56 shade-plant cultivars, and four mixed-container combinations from more than 30 companies. About 5,000 plants were planted this year, occupying about 10,000 sq. ft. of landscape bed space and 800 containers.
The field and container trials can be viewed at any time, any day of the week. The shade-plant and mixed-container trials can be viewed Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
All of the trial plants are subjected to two separate evaluations. A grower evaluation looks at flower quality, flower quantity, vegetative vigor, uniformity and overall ratings. A consumer evaluation is based on personal preference.
Attendees at this year’s OFA Short Course, July 9-12, in Columbus are invited to visit the trials. On July 9, busses (courtesy of OFA) will run between the trials and the Columbus Convention Center starting at 5:15 p.m.. The final departure from the campus will occur at 6:45 p.m. On July 11, Ohio St.’s Chadwick Arboretum will host a reception with refreshments and entertainment at 6 p.m., thanks to the sponsorship of Blooms of Bressingham. Buses will be available for this event as well, with final departure from campus at 8 p.m.
The trials will be open for viewing any time during the Short Course, including the shade-plant and mixed-container trials (8 a.m.-4 p.m. during the weekend).