Weather conditions across the country ran the gamut this year from normal temperature and precipitation levels to late-spring freezes and excessive rainfall to unusually hot, dry summer conditions. Here are reports from 37 sites in the United States and Canada that highlight species and cultivars that performed well. Trial managers made these choices in mid- to late-July.
CALIFORNIA
S&G Field Trials, Gilroy
Weather conditions have been atypical for the summer in Gilroy with mild temperatures. There have been no extremes in temperatures or precipitation. The average high temperature during the last half of May was 78° with an average low of 48.1°. In June the average high was 83.4° and the average low was 49.4°.
Ageratum ‘Patina
Argyranthemum ‘Shere Monroe Lemon Anemone,’ ‘Shere Maggy Pastel Yellow.’
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Blue Scent.’
Osteospermum ‘Jamboana Landscape Purple,’ ‘Jamboana Landscape White.’
Petunia Plush series.
Salvia ‘Bordeau Steel Blue.’
Verbena ‘Magalena Carpet White.’
For more: S&G Flowers, (408) 848-4051; www.sg-flowers-us.com.
CANADA
Holes Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd., St. Albert, Alberta
The trial gardens at Holes Greenhouses were planted in late May, which is later than years past because of a late, cool spring. May was cool and cloudy. June had a brief period of hot weather, early in the month, followed by cool, rainy conditions and some hail. The night temperatures in June were well below seasonal averages. The weather finally warmed up in early July which brought above-normal temperatures with lots of humidity and regular precipitation overnight. Favorable weather conditions helped fuel an aphid problem.
Alternanthera ‘Royal Tapestry.’
Angelonia ‘AngelMist Spreading White Improved.’
Bacopa ‘Abunda Colossal Lavender.’
Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Yellow.’
Lantana ‘Landmark Rose Sunrise.’
Lobelia ‘Waterfall Light Lavender.’
Petunia Shock Wave Ivory, Easy Wave Mystic Pink, ‘Baby Duck Yellow.’
For more: Valerie Hole, Holes Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd., (780) 419-6804; www.holesonline.com.
University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
Guelph experienced moderate temperatures through mid-July with very little rainfall.
Catharanthus ‘Nirvana Red.’
Hibiscus ‘Luna Rose.’
Impatiens ‘Fanfare Coral Bright.’
Lobelia ‘Laguna Sky Blue.’
Petunia Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, ‘Surprise White,’ ‘Opera Supreme Pink Morn.’
Petunia x calibrachoa ‘SuperCal Terracotta.’
Salvia ‘Mystic
Verbena ‘
For more: Roger Tschanz, University of Guelph, (519) 824-4120; rtschanz@uoguelph.ca.
Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Weather conditions were hot and dry in Fort Collins in June and July. There were nine days of 90° or higher in June, and through mid-July there had been 15 days with temperatures higher than 90°. Total precipitation from the beginning of May until July 24 was 1.69 inches.
Ageratum ‘Patina
Argyranthemum ‘Sunlight.’
Celosia ‘Fresh Look Gold.’
Coleus ‘Splish Splash.’
Geranium (regal) ‘Elegance Bravo.’
Petunia ‘Cascadias Bicolor Fantasy.’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Knee High Red.’
For more: James E. Klett, Colorado State University, (970) 491-7179; jim.klett@colostate.edu; www.flowertrials.colostate.edu.
FLORIDA
University of Florida, Gainesville
Less than an inch of rain fell in April and May at the University of Florida trials in Gainesville. But June brought almost 7 inches of precipitation. High temperatures in May and June averaged in the mid- to high-80s.
Coleus ‘Big Red Judy.’
Petunia x calibrachoa ‘SuperCal Neon Rose.’
Scaevola ‘Surdiva White.’
Vinca Cora series.
Zinnia ‘Solcito.’
For more: Jennifer Boldt, University of Florida, (352) 392-9806; jkboldt@ifas.ufl.edu; http://trialgarden.ifas.ufl.edu.
GEORGIA
University of Georgia, Athens
The trial gardens were planted from late April to mid-May after a late-season hard freeze. It became “unbearably” hot in May with temperatures in the 90s. Despite receiving several surprise downpours, drought conditions prevailed throughout most of Georgia, including Athens. In an effort to use more organic practices, the trial gardens fertilized with worm castings all summer, which translated into good-looking plants.
Angelonia ‘AngelMist Spreading Pink.’
Calibrachoa ‘Noa Ultimate Pink.’
Celosia ‘Smart Look Red.’
Cuphea ‘Totally Tempted.’
Impatiens ‘Jambalaya Lilac, ‘Super Elfin XP Punch.’
Ivy geranium ‘Caliente Coral.’
Osteospermum ‘Crescendo Primrose.’
Petunia ‘Fortunia Yellow,’ ‘Sweet Surprise Purple Vein.’
Vinca ‘Viper Apricot,’ ‘Titan Pure White.’
For more: Meg Green, University of Georgia, (706) 542-2471; aardvark@uga.edu; http://ugatrial.hort.uga.edu.
ILLINOIS
Ball Horticultural Co., West Chicago
The trial gardens were planted from May 28-June 12, accompanied by normal weather conditions overall. However, early June brought several consecutive days higher than 90°. There were some outbreaks of Japanese beetles.
Alternanthera ‘Royal Tapestry.’
Calibrachoa Cabaret series.
Impatiens ‘Fanfare Orchid.’
Juncus ‘Javelin.’
Lantana ‘Landmark Rose Sunrise.’
Mandevilla ‘White Velvet.’
Panicum ‘Ruby Ribbons.’
Petunia Shock Wave Pink Vein.
Verbena ‘Aztec Dark Red.’
For more: Jim Nau, Ball Horticultural Co., (630) 231-3600; jnau@ballhort.com; www.ballseed.com/Ball_Gardens.aspx.
IOWA
Noelridge Park Greenhouse, Cedar Rapids
The majority of the beds were planted between May 22 and June 5. Temperatures hovered close to 90° the last week of planting, but a few irrigations kept the young plants in good condition. This site was evaluated in late June. Due to budget cuts, the City of Cedar Rapids will not continue plant evaluations.
Agastache ‘Color
Ageratum ‘Artist Blue.’
Angelonia Serena series.
Argyranthemum ‘Sunlight.’
Calibrachoa Callie series.
Chrysocephalum Flambe [ACCENT OVER E] series.
Diascia Darla series.
Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost.’
Impatiens ‘Firefly Orange II.’
Lobelia ‘Techno Heat Light Blue.’
Nierembergia ‘Lara White.’
Osteospermum ‘Crescendo Primrose.’
Penstemon ‘Lilliput Rose.’
Petunia Limbo series.
For more: City of Cedar Rapids Park Department, (319) 286-5762.
Plantpeddler Inc., Cresco
Container plantings were potted up May 25 and 26, while the beds were planted June 1. Spring in Cresco was cold and damp for several weeks. In June, temperatures were generally in the 60s and low 70s but jumped to 90° or higher late in the month. The gardens also experienced two rounds of hail storms with damaging winds.
Angelonia ‘Angelina Blue,’ ‘Alonia White.’
Begonia ‘Dragone.’
Calitunia ‘Purple.’
Euryops ‘Straelener Sunshine.’
Lobelia Magadi series.
Nemesia ‘Elph Blue evol.’
Petunia ‘Sanguna Lipstick,’ ‘Happy Dream.’
Verbena ‘Carpet Magic Rose.’
For more: Stacy J. Bryant, Plantpeddler Inc., (800) 827-1654; stacyb@plantpeddler.com; www.plantpeddler.com.
LOUISIANA
Burden Center, Baton Rouge
The petunias were planted in late January and the rest of the trials were planted in March and April. Baton Rouge experienced cooler-than-normal spring and summer temperatures with above-average rainfall.
Coleus ‘Zen Moment,’ ‘Royal Glissade,’ ‘Fishnet Stockings.’
Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost.’
Iresine ‘Blazin’ Lime.’
Lantana ‘Lucky Peach,’ ‘Lucky Lemon Cream.’
Petunia Plush series.
Talinum ‘Limon.’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Knee High White.’
For more: Allen Owings, Louisiana State University AgCenter, (225) 578-2417; aowings@agctr.lsu.edu; www.lsuagcenter.com.
MAINE
Rogers Farm, Stillwater
Rogers Farm is the sustainable agriculture research farm of the Maine Ag and Forestry Experiment Station. Late May was perfect for hardening off plants -- good rainfall, no high winds, no burning sun and no extremely cold nights. In the field, cool nights may have made plants develop more slowly than in previous years.
Basil ‘Pesto Perpetuo.’
Calibrachoa Superbells Dreamsicle.
Coleus ‘Electric Lime,’ ‘Coleusaurus Kiwi.’
Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion.’
Marigold ‘Vanilla.’
Petunia Shock Wave Ivory, Shock Wave Pink Vein, Shock Wave Purple, Shock Wave Rose, Supertunia Raspberry Blast.
Stipa lessingiana ‘Capriccio.’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Knee High Red.’
For more: Lois Berg Stack, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, (207) 581-2949; lstack@umext.maine.edu.
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Horticultural Society Elm Bank Public Garden, Wellesley
The trial gardens were planted May 26. It’s been dry in Wellesley with the exception of a few concentrated rain storms. Temperatures have been primarily in the 80s with some 65° days mixed in. The weather pattern has been unstable. Aphids been a problem this year.
Coleus ‘Chocolate Mint,’ ‘Electric Lime.’
Osteospermum ‘Tradewinds Purple Bicolor.’
Petunia ‘Cascadia Sun Ray.’
Verbena Lanai series.
For more: Peter Hinrichs, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, (617) 933-4925; phinrichs@masshort.org; www.masshort.org.
MICHIGAN
Glass Corner Greenhouse, Grand Rapids
Temperatures in Grand Rapids were above normal in June, but returned to normal for July. Rainfall was below normal for both months. The trials were planted the week of June 4.
.Bacopa jamesbrittenia ‘Britney Grand Pink,’ ‘Britney Grand Red.’
Bracteantha ‘StrawBurst.’
Calibrachoa Colorful Expressions series, Milky Way series.
Coreopsis ‘Carey.’
Cuphea ‘Rico.’
Dahlia ‘Goldalia Scarlet,’ ‘Goldalia
Scaevola ‘Diamond.’
For more: Niles Riese, Glass Corner Greenhouses, (616) 784-0583; nilesr@glasscorner.com; www.glasscorner.com.
Michigan State University, East Lansing
The university trials plants in containers and in ground beds. Trial coordinator Norm Lownds chose his top picks for both categories.
Containers and ground beds:
Angelonia ‘AngelMist White Cloud.’
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita.’
Coleus ‘Chocolate Mint,’ ‘Electric Lime,’ ‘Singing Springs.’
Dianthus ‘Elation Crimson.’
Lantana ‘Lucky Red Hot,’ ‘Bandana Rose,’ ‘Landmark Rose Glow.’
Perilla ‘Magilla Purple.’
Petunia ‘Whispers Red.’
Ground beds only:
Celosia ‘Fresh Look Red.’
Dianthus ‘Supra Purple.’
Impatiens ‘Butterfly Salmon with Eye.’
Petunia ‘Whispers Rose Vein,’ Surfinia Pastel Pink, Shock Wave Rose, Shock Wave Ivory, Shock Wave Purple, ‘Plush Salmon,’ ‘Plush Deep Pink,’ ‘Plush Lilac
Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun.’
Verbena ‘
Zinnia ‘Magellan Coral.’
Zonal geranium ‘Eclipse Rose,’ ‘Showcase Rose Sizzle,’ ‘Graffiti Double Salmon,’ ‘Abigail.’
For more: Norm Lownds, Michigan State University, (517) 355-5191, Ext. 1349; lownds@msu.edu; http://msutrials.ath.cx.
MISSOURI
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
Weather conditions at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center for Home Gardening were slightly cooler than normal in spring, followed by hot, humid weather, which is typical for summer in St. Louis. Some of the impatiens and petunias battled Botrytis.
Coleus ‘Splish Splash.’
Dahlia ‘Mystic Desire.’
Dianthus ‘Melody Blush Pink.’
Helenium ‘Dakota Gold.’
Lantana ‘Luscious Lemonade.’
Rudbeckia hirta ‘
Verbena ‘Finesse.’
For more: June Hutson, Missouri Botanical Garden, (314) 577-9445; june.hutson@mobot.org; www.mobot.org.
Missouri State University, Springfield
The trials, planted May 21-25, hadn’t experienced too many pest infestations by late July with the exception of spider mites and thrips on zinnia and salvia. Spring was wetter than normal and up to late July it was hot and humid.
Alternanthera ‘Royal Tapestry.’
Coleus ‘Electric Lime,’ ‘Chocolate Mint.’
Hibiscus ‘Luna Rose.’
Impatiens (double) Fanciful Stardust Mix.
Lantana ‘Landmark Blaze,’ ‘Landmark Citrus.’
Petunia Shock Wave Purple.
Talinum ‘Limon.’
For more: Clydette Alsup, Missouri State University, (417) 836-5095; clydettealsup@missouristate.edu; http://ag.missouristate.edu/Horticulture/Horticulture_Variety_Trial.htm.
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau
These container trials were potted up May 21-25. There was a slight shortage of rain but the area enjoyed a mild spring and summer through July. Deer and a few caterpillars were the only pests as of late July.
Celosia ‘Smart Look Red.’
Dianthus ‘Supra Purple.’
Hibiscus ‘Luna Rose.’
Impatiens ‘Butterfly Cherry,’ ‘Firefly Watermelon,’ ‘Fiesta Ole Purple Stripe.’
Lantana ‘Bandana Rose.’
Marigold ‘Moonstruck
Petunia Wave Purple.
Vinca ‘Jaio Dark Red.’
Zinnia ‘Zesty Pink.’
For more: Denise Pingel, Southeast Missouri State University, (573) 651-2316; dlankfordpingel@semo.edu.
NEW YORK
Bluegrass Lane, Cornell University, Ithaca
It was dry when the trials were planted in early June, which was followed by a few weeks of high temperatures. Temperatures turned moderate -- between 70° and 80° -- by the end of July. Herbicide application drifted into the outer edge of the annual beds, leading to reduced flowers and distorted leaves. During periods of drought, the trials switched from overhead irrigation to drip.
Alternanthera ‘Royal Tapestry.’
Angelonia ‘Angelface Blue.’
Cuphea ‘High Gloss Dark Pink.’
Lantana ‘Luscious Lemonade.’
Penstemon ‘
Petunia ‘Jamboree Blue.’
Rudbeckia ‘Radiance.’
Salvia ‘Mystic
Zonal geranium ‘Americana Violet.’
For more: Melissa J. Kitchen, Cornell University Flower Bulb Research Program, (607) 280-4898; www.hort.cornell.edu/miller/bulb/index.html.
NORTH CAROLINA
JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh
The trials were planted April 24 accompanied by dry weather conditions. But the rains came in June. There were some periods of intense heat.
Alternanthera ‘Royal Tapestry.’
Angelonia ‘Angelface Wedgwood Blue.’
Calibrachoa ‘
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita,’ ‘Spirit Appleblossom.’
Cyperus ‘King Tut.’
Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion.’
Impatiens ‘Fiesta Salsa Red Improved.’
Lamium ‘Pink Chablis.’
Lantana ‘Landmark Citrus,’ ‘Landmark Blaze.’
Petunia Surfinia Mini-Mini White Improved, Supertunia Bordeaux, Surfinia Baby Pink Ice, Supertunia Vista Fuchsia, Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, ‘Suncatcher Pink Vein,’ ‘Sweet Surprise Lavender.’
Salvia ‘Sparkler Red,’ ‘Sparkler Purple.’
For more: Bernadette Clark, North Carolina State University, (919) 515-1213; bernadette_clark@ncsu.edu.
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota State University, Fargo, Williston and Dickinson
The Dickinson and Williston plants were put in a week later than normal due to some scheduling conflicts. The Williston plants were put in June 1 and the Dickinson plants June 2 and 3. In Fargo, the geraniums were planted May 25, the verbena on May 26 and the remainder of the annuals were planted June 4-6. It was wet and cool early at all three locations until the end of June when it turned dry and hot.
Dickinson
Lobelia ‘Techno Heat Upright Blue’ and ‘Techno Blue.’
Nicotiana ‘Perfume Deep Purple.’
Petunia Shock Wave series, Jamboree series, Whispers series.
Williston
Achillea ‘Gypsy White.’
Angelonia Carita series.
Antirrhinum Sultan series.
Argyranthemum ‘Sassy White.’
Calibrachoa Callie series.
Diascia ‘Darla Light Pink.’
Lobelia ‘Techno Blue,’ ‘Techno Heat Upright Blue.’
Nicotiana ‘Perfume Deep Purple.’
Petunia Purple Wave, Shock Wave series, Logro series, Jamboree series.
Verbena ‘Escapade Bright Eye,’ ‘
Fargo
Achillea ‘Gypsy White.’
Antirrhinum Sultan series.
Argyranthemum ‘Sassy White.’
Calibrachoa Callie series.
Verbena ‘Escapade Bright Eye,’ ‘
For more: Barb Laschkewitsch, (701) 231-7484; Barbara.laschkewitsch@ndsu.edu; www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/plantsci.
OHIO
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati
These trials are a cooperative effort between the Ohio State University Hamilton County Cooperative Extension, the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The trials consist of about 200 varieties both in the ground and in containers. Plantings go out after the garden’s 80,000 tulips are dug and removed from the display beds -- usually around the first week in May. The weather started out dry and unusually hot in May and June but cooled down with adequate rainfall by the end of July. Celosia ‘Smart Look Red’ experienced some Phytophthora root and stem rot and the peacocks damaged some of the scaevola and cleome.
Celosia ‘Fresh Look
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita.’
Coleus ‘Kong Scarlet.’
Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusions.’
Impatiens ‘Fanfare Coral Bright.’
Iresine ‘Blazin’ Rose.’
Lantana ‘Citrus Blend.’
Petunia Supertunia Vista Bubblegum.
For more: Stephen Foltz, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, (513) 475-6106; stephen.foltz@cincinnatizoo.org; www.planttrials.com.
Ohio State University, Springfield
The OSU trials were planted May 23 during a dry spell. June brought warmer-than-normal temperatures. But July was the coolest on record, which kept the agyranthemum and osteospermum looking good.
Agastache ‘Color Spires Hot Pink.’
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita.’
Perilla ‘Magilla Purple.’
Petunia Supertunia Vista Bubblegum, Supertunia Raspberry Blast, ‘Baby Duck Yellow,’ Shock Wave Purple, Surfinia Mini-Mini White Improved.’
For more: Pamela J. Bennett, Ohio State University Extension, (937) 328-4607; www.clark.osu.edu.
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City
The shade trials were planted in mid-May while the sun trials were planted in early June. May, June and July had an extraordinary number of rainy days. Despite all of the precipitation, there were few pest or disease outbreaks. Many of the varieties held up particularly well during all the rain.
Callistephus ‘Nevita Rose.’
Celosia ‘Smart Look Red.’
Lobelia ‘Hot Blue.’
Marigold ‘Logro Gold.’
Vinca ‘Titan Pure White.’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Knee-High Red.’
For more: Haldor Howard, Oklahoma State University, (405) 945-3344; hhaldor@osuokc.edu.
PENNSYLVANIA
Southeast Agriculture Research & Extension Center, Landisville
Through mid-July, it was dry with relatively cool nights in Landisville. No disease problems had surfaced primarily because of the weather conditions. But Japanese beetles devastated sweet potato vine, cuphea, many ivy geraniums, salvia and New Guinea impatiens.
Angelonia ‘AngelMist Spreading Purple.’
Calibrachoa Superbells Dreamsicle, ‘Noa Yellow,’ ‘Milky Way Light Blue Improved.’
Coleus ‘Velvet Mocha.’
Dorotheanthus ‘Mezoo Trailing Red.’
Juncus ‘Blue Arrows.’
Lantana ‘Landmark Citrus,’ ‘Lucky Pot of Gold.’
Scaveola ‘Surdiva Light Blue,’ ‘Surdiva Blue.’
Zinnia Zowie! series.
Zonal geraniums ‘Patriot Red Improved.’
For more: Alan H. Michael, Pennsylvania State, (717) 921-8803; ahm4@psu.edu; http://trialgardens.cas.psu.edu.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Park Seed Co., Greenwood
The trial gardens experienced a late frost, and early spring was dry. Whiteflies were the only pest problem as of mid-July.
Angelonia Carita series, Serena series.
Laurentia ‘Avant-Garde Blue.’
Vinca Cora series.
Zinnia Profusion series.
For more: Tiffaney Murphy, Park Seed Co., (800) 622-1012; tmurphy@parkseed.com; www.parkseed.com.
TENNESSEE
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville has been in a drought since spring, and as of mid-July rainfall totals were 13 inches below average. Instead of insect and disease problems, the trial gardens have been invaded by rodents. Wood rats have eaten many plants off at the base and control has been “challenging.”
Ageratum ‘Artist Rose.’
Antirrhinum ‘Speedy Sonnet Rose.’
Calibrachoa ‘
Celosia ‘Smart Look Red.’
Chrysocephalum ‘Flambe [ADD ACCENT OVER E] Yellow.’
Geranium ‘Caliente Coral.’
Pentas ‘Northern Lights Lavender.’
Petunia Supertunia Raspberry Blast, Surfinia Mini-Mini White.
Scaevola ‘White,’ ‘Blue.’
Zinnia ‘Profusion Fire.’
For more: Sue Hamilton, University of Tennessee, (865) 974-7324; sueham@utk.edu; http://utgardens.tennessee.edu.
TEXAS
The Dallas Arboretum
It’s been a record year for precipitation in Dallas coupled with lower-than-normal temperatures. That’s quite a change from last year’s 60-plus days of 100° or higher temperatures with barely any rainfall. “It’s one of the reasons why we make such an excellent test ground,” said Denise Robb, the arboretum’s plant trials research and greenhouse manager.
Basil ‘Pesto Perpetuo.’
Cuphea ‘Flamenco Cha Cha,’ ‘Totally Tempted.’
Echinacea ‘Fragrant Angel.’
Marigold ‘
Marigold Perfection series.
Portulaca Hot Shot series.
Zinnia Profusion Knee High series, ‘Solcito.’
For more: Denise Robb, Dallas Arboretum, drobb@dallasarboretum.org; (214) 515-6586.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Just like its neighbor to the east, Fort Worth has experienced record rainfall during spring and summer.
Calylophus ‘Compact Gold.’
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant.’
Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips.’
Salvia greggii ‘Pink Preference,’ ‘Dark Dancer.’
Salvia farinacea ‘Henry Duelberg,’ ‘Augusta Duelberg.’
Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape.’
For more: Kathleen Cook, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, (817) 871-7688; www.fwbg.org.
Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Overton
The trials were planted from late April to late May when weather conditions were warm, wet and humid. Temperatures started to rise in early June with continued humidity. July was one of the wettest months on record in Overton with moderately high temperatures and excessive cloud cover. The wet conditions resulted in some crown rot. Grasshoppers have caused minor damage.
Acalypha ‘Beyond Paradise,’ ‘Brazen.’
Anagallis ‘Angie Blue.’
Celosia ‘Smart Look Red,’ ‘New Look Dark Red.’
Coleus ‘Electric Lime,’ ‘Tiny Toes.’
Cuphea ‘Flamenco Tango.’
Euphorbia ‘Burgundy Wine.’
Lantana ‘Patriot Classic Desert Sunset,’ ‘Landmark Rose Sunrise,’ ‘Lucky Honey Blush,’ ‘Jo’s Chiffon.’
Ornamental pepper ‘NuMex Twilight,’ ‘Garden Leader Blue Chilis.’
Pentas ‘Northern Lights Lavender.’
Petunia Supertunia Vista Bubblegum.
Vinca Cora series, Nirvana series.
Zinnia ‘Profusion Knee High Red Improved.’
For more: Brent Pemberton, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, (903) 834-6191; b-pemberton@tamu.edu; http://overton.tamu.edu/flowers.
WASHINGTON
WeHoP/ The Plant Station, Castle Rock
The annual trials at the Plant Station were planted during April, May and June. Spring brought low temperatures and June and early July was drier than normal. There were downpours for four days in mid-July.
Bracteantha ‘Mohave Lemon.’
Calibrachoa Superbells Apricot Punch.
Coleus ‘Big Red Judy.’
Cuphea ‘Flamenco ChaCha,’ ‘Totally Tempted.’
Diascia ‘Piccadilly Denim Blue.’
Lantana ‘Luscious Tropical Fruit.’
Petunia ‘SweetSunshine Red,’ ‘SweetSunshine Compact Lime.’
Verbena ‘
Viola ‘Sorbet Baby Face Blue.’
For more: Tonya Lehner Cole, (360) 681-0990; www.wehop.com.
WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Weather conditions at the West Madison Research Station Trial and Demonstration Garden were hot and dry, creating the need to irrigate for several weeks. Temperatures were in the high 80s in June with no significant rainfall for six weeks. Japanese beetles have been a problem on some selections.
Argyranthemum ‘Sunshine.’
Begonia ‘Bada Boom Pink.’
Impatiens ‘Shimmer
Iresine ‘Blazin’ Lime.’
Petunia ‘Baby Duck Yellow,’ ‘Ramblin’ Scarlet,’ ‘Madness White.’
Talinum ‘Limon.’
Verbena ‘Quartz XP Purple,’ ‘Aztec Red.’
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For more: Judith Reith-Rozelle, West Madison Research Station, (608) 262-2257; jreithrozell@wisc.edu; www.ars.wisc.edu.
- Kelli Rodda
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