After three seasons growing in the challenging conditions of the Rocky Mountains, six perennial plants have been named "Top Performers" by researchers at Colorado State University's Flower Trial Garden. The Perennial Trial program at Colorado State University is designed to test newer perennial cultivars that have been introduced in the past three years or less. Entries in this trial are grown for three summers and two winters before they are switched out for new entries.
The trials help industry members and home gardeners alike choose plants that can thrive in the Rocky Mountain region’s unique growing conditions, characterized by high altitude, intense solar radiation, drying winds, severe hailstorms, large fluctuations between day and night temperatures and season-long need for irrigation.
Kahori® Border Pink from Bartels (Dianthus ‘Kahori’)
Noted as a real step up in breeding, evaluators described this as the new standard for Dianthus. The vibrant pink flowers covered the plants at peak bloom and created a mat of stunning color against the green foliage. This entry was superior for an extremely long period of bloom and exceptional uniformity. It has proven to be reliably hardy and would look great in a rock garden, ground beds, borders, and a great choice to use in containers since it was always in bloom. This selection remained very compact and has great heat tolerance during the peak of summer temperatures. It was very attractive even during its first year in the garden and has only gotten better each year since it was planted.
Winterbells® Helleborus from Hilverdakooij (Helleborus Interspecific 'JWLS')
This winner was selected in part for its unique ability to bloom from early spring till late summer. It added a touch of elegance to the garden with a classic white flower, attractive glossy foliage and a very attractive dense, compact growth habit. Not only did the nodding flowers change color over the season but the foliage can be evergreen in a protected area for year-round interest. Besides making a great groundcover, the flowers are useful for cut flower production.
PHENOMENAL™ Lavender from Cultivaris (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Niko’PP24193)
The abundant, tall graceful flower stalks are held high above the foliage for maximum display. Besides being very uniform, all plants had excellent cold hardiness. They do best grown on the drier side to avoid lodging of the flower stalks. Pollinators were very attracted to this plant and it has a high oil content that makes it very attractive for commercial production.
Flame® Blue Phlox from Bartels (Phlox paniculata Flame® Blue)
Abundant blue flowers that fade to white were held upright on sturdy stems with dark emerald green leaves that never lodged despite overhead irrigation used in the garden. Flower color was a subtle blue that is strongest in early summer and again late in the season as the temperature cools. It was a relatively early bloomer starting in mid-July. Self-branching plants had a very full and uniform growth habit. Plants had superior resistance to powdery mildew.
Ronica™ Dark Pink Veronica from Danziger (Veronica Ronica™ Dark Pink)
Big, fat and stout flower spikes put on a eye-catching show of dark pink flowers. Plants kept a very formal appearance with great uniformity and dark green emerald foliage that really sets off the pink flowers. Bloom period was very long, especially if deadheaded. Plant had superior resistance to powdery mildew compared to other entries growing in the trial. Growth habit was very full and dense.
Class of 2016 - “Too Good to Wait” Award
KISMET™ Intense Orange Coneflower from Terra Nova Nurseries (Echinacea 'TNECHKIO'PPAF )
The sheer mass of vibrant flowers drew people from across the garden. Prolific flowers formed a solid canopy of blooms over the plants and are sure to spell success for the gardener. The intense orange color almost seemed to glow at its peak. Flower color faded to an attractive shade of pale yellow to maintain a long season of bloom. Foliage had a unique shape and attractive early in the season. Plants had a very uniform growth habit and good branching. The KISMET™ series also features colors of raspberry, red and yellow.
To see more photos or learn more, visit the CSU Flower Trial Gardens website.
