Mar 26, 2013

Spring Trials Sneak Peek – Vol. 4

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing some sneak peeks into the 2013 California Spring Trials, and I have just one more left until the big event begins in 11 days! The participating breeders have so many new varieties and programs in the works, and they’ve been kind enough to share some of their new introductions with me.

And for those of you not attending the Spring Trials, I’ll be blogging from the road during the event so I can share even more new introductions and trends we pick up along the way. We’ll also be posting tons of photos on CaliforniaSpringTrials.com, so be sure to check those out!

In the meantime, here’s my last sneak peek into the new varieties that will be on display at Spring Trials.

Echinacea ‘Sombrero Flamenco Orange’ (Darwin Perennials)

Darwin Perennials is adding a new color to its extremely hardy and very floriferous echinacea series Sombrero. New Flamenco Orange has a manageable height and a vivid color. It matches the series’ excellent branching and winter hardiness.

Cuphea Sriracha Series (Syngenta Flowers)

Sriracha is a totally new, heat-loving series from seed that offers season-extending opportunities for growers and retailers. Available in three colors – Pink (pictured), Rose and Violet – Sriracha provides vibrant color from spring through the heat of summer.

Begonia ‘Nonstop Mocca Cherry’ (Benary)

A powerhouse of color for the shade, new ‘Nonstop Mocca Cherry’ delivers a lovely combination of color and texture for any premium program. Intense cherry-red flower color, bronze foliage and a well-branched plant habit makes this new variety ideal for premium containers and hanging baskets.

Petunia Great Marvel Beauty Series (Danziger Flower Farm)

The Great Marvel Beauty series was bred for use in premium baskets and combinations. They are trailing and will flower very early. They will add uniqueness to any premium basket program with their distinctive flowers, which are similar to the original Marvel Beauty but with three times the size.

Helenium ‘Shory ‘n’ Sassy’ (Skagit Gardens)

Selected and introduced by Skagit Gardens, ‘Short ‘n’ Sassy’ is only 12 to 18 inches tall. Bright orange and gold flowers, each accented with a chocolate cone, start blooming before most other heleniums. New blossoms open above the older ones, keeping it looking fresh even without deadheading.

Thunbergia ‘Arizona Glow’ (Jaldety Nursery)

This flowering structure plant is frost tender, fast growing and easy to grow. It is ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes and large containers, and can be used on fences, arches, pillars and trellises.

Will you be attending the California Spring Trials? What types of varieties are you looking to add to your production? Shoot me an e-mail at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com; I’d love to hear from you.

And if you have to miss out on the trials this year, be sure to check out our online photo gallery and extended coverage in the June and July issues of GPN.

– Jasmina