Despite the cancelation of their annual event due to COVID-19 concerns, Welby Gardens continued with their 2020 summer flower trials. A total of 584 plant varieties were grown for evaluation, and voting was done over the course of a week by visitors to the facility. It was an unusual year in every aspect, and voting resulted in numerous ties.

The results were announced mid-August on the Hardy Boy Plant website and social media, and despite the ties, the top winner stood alone in its class. Mirage^TM Rose Bicolor Salvia greggii by Darwin Perennials was a hit with those who voted. According to its grower, this plant is heat and frost tolerant and blooms early in the season and all summer long.

Additional winners included:

Coleus ‘Main Street’ La Rambla 2020 by Dümmen Orange, pictured left
Noteworthy bicolor foliage adds plenty of texture to a landscape. If placed in partial shade, this hardy plant can withstand extreme heat.

Sunshine Beauty Osteospermum by Ball FloraPlant, pictured right
This striking flower has vibrant orange edges that fade into a yellow center. It is drought tolerant and attracts a variety of pollinators.

Argyranthemum Madeira^TM Crested Hot Pink by Suntory Flowers, pictured left
This spring bloomer produces lots of brightly colored flowers. It does best in full sun and grows up to 18 inches.

A larger exploration of the flower trial winners will appear in a future issue of Colorado Green.

Download the full list or view winners on the Hardy Boy Plant Facebook page or at www.hardyboyplant.com.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
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Payroll tax deferral option set to take effect September 1
PPP loan forgiveness opens, but changes are anticipated
Lifescape earns a spot on the Inc. 5000 list