Aug 23, 2018

Farwest Selects Best in Show Varieties

Hibiscus Summerific ‘Cherry Choco Latte’ from Walters Gardens was named  the Best in Show winner at the 2018 Farwest Show New Varieties Showcase.

‘Cherry Choco Latte’ (pictured above) is just one of 60 new selections that were on display at the 2018 Farwest Show.

The show took place August 22-24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

“Farwest consistently displays the best new selections the horticulture industry has to offer, and our 2018 show is no different,” show director Allan Niemi of the Oregon Association of Nurseries said. ‘Cherry Choco Latte’ is a brand new, long blooming Hibiscus with a smaller size that is more suitable for tighter spaces. Very large, 8–9-inch three-dimensional flowers are white with intense deep pink veining and a notably large red eye. Attractive dark olive green foliage has bronze highlights and forms a compact clump, with flowers covering the entire habit later in the season. Best in full sun but tolerates part shade. Needs average to consistent moisture, is deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds, and is a native hybrid. Best in landscapes.

In addition of the Best of Show award, three Awards of Merit were given by the judges. They were:

• Urban Sunset Maple — Selected by Keith Warren from the maple breeding program of J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
• Summer Wine Black Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SMNPMS’ PPAF, CPBRAF — Bred by Tim Wood at Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Michigan and introduced by Spring Meadow Nursery and Proven Winners.
• Hibiscus Summerific ‘Holy Grail’  — Introduced by Walters Gardens Inc.