The
results of the 2014 “Top Performer” perennial trials have been chosen. A perennial entry is only considered for the
“Top Performer” award if it has been in the ground for two winters and three
growing seasons although the “Too Good to Wait” award is used for an entry the
evaluation committee is confident is superior even after one winter and two
growing seasons. For a full list, visit: www.flowertrials.colostate.edu
The
2014 “Top Performers” include:
Blue Boa Agastache from Terra Nova®
Nurseries
(Agastache x hybrida 'Blue Boa'PP24050)
Non-stop flower power
resulted in a season long splash of bright lavender color that covered the
plant in blooms from top to bottom. Excellent vigor and a relatively
large growth habit would make this a good choice for the back of a perennial
border that needs color. Besides all the beauty, this plant is also
recommended for its drought tolerance and ability to attract bees and
butterflies. Planted in 2012.
Leilani Coneflower from Terra Nova® Nurseries
(Echinacea spp. 'Lelani' PP23526)
Tall, vigorous plants
"wowed!" visitors with the prolific display of "warm, buttery
yellow" flowers. Blooming occurred over a long period and the plants
maintained superior controlled vigor for good uniformity and overall
appearance. Planted in 2012.
Profusion Coneflower from Eason
Horticultural Resources
(Echinacea purpurea 'Profusion')
Flowers had a unique appearance and
overall shape due to many petals with a nice shape and a large, dark
center. The dark stems also complemented the flower petals and dark
center. Plants were compact but flowering was very profuse. The
light lavender petals also faded nicely into a "antique" lavender
color that was also very attractive and extended the bloom time. Planted
in 2012.
Georgia Plum Coral Bells from Terra
Nova® Nurseries
(Heuchera x hybrida 'Georgia
Plum'PP24507)
Plum colored foliage was impressive
all season and did not show any signs of fading. Besides the plum color,
foliage also had a nice silver sheen for good color impact throughout the
growing season. Plants were very uniform and had excellent growth habit.
Predominantly grown for the foliage, the light pink/plum flowers were few but
still attractive. Planted in 2012.
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus from
Walters Gardens/ Proven Winners®
(Hibiscus x hybrida 'Midnight
Marvel'PP24079)
The flowers and foliage made a spectacular
combination. Dark bronze foliage made a perfect backdrop to the
beautiful red flowers. Many flowers came into bloom together and
created a good visual impact. Plants were vigorous but maintained a nice
size without getting too large. Planted in 2012.
"Too Good to Wait"
Winners
Electric
Avenue Coreopsis from Creek Hill/Eason
(Coreopsis verticillata 'Mayo
Clinic Flower of Hope'PPAF or 'Electric Avenue')
Bright yellow flowers were very
showy and flowering was solid all season. Plants were vigorous, uniform
and maintained good stature from spring to fall. Fine textured foliage
and a nice flower shape contributed to a very pleasing overall affect.
This is good plant for attracting bees.
Beyond Blue Fescue from Skagit
Gardens
(Festuca
glauca 'Casca11' PP #23307 )
This fescue is considered to have
the best "blue" color out there! Plants maintain a nice "ball" shape and do
not open in the middle. Flower stems fade and disappear amongst the
foliage for a superior appearance. This is an improved variety over older
ones for foliage color.
Sunrosa™ Red Rose from Suntory®
Flowers
(Rosa x hybrid
Sunrosa™ Red)
Constant red flowers and impressive
growth habit make this plant attractive all season. Glossy dark green
foliage had no signs of chlorosis or disease. Red flowers bloomed
steadily from mid-June through October. Small foliage and a dwarf compact
growth habit make this a good choice for the smaller or mid-size
landscapes.
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