Feb 16, 2023
Experts Discuss Top-Performing Perennials in On-Demand Webinar

During a recent collaborative webinar event, representatives from Darwin Perennials and Walters Gardens Inc. reviewed best-performing perennials that growers may be overlooking. Darren Barshaw and Kata Kress Wallace, along with moderator Seth Reed, recorded a discussion on 30 incredible, new perennial introductions from the last several years – many of them national award winners and trial garden stand-outs.

Recorded Jan. 26, the webinar also featured live audience polls in which viewers submitted which of the varieties presented were tops with attendees. Separated by flower seasonality, with choices shared by both presenters, here are the poll results below:

Darwin Perennials

  • Spring: Armeria Dreameria
  • Summer: Salvia ‘Blue by You’
  • Fall: Heliopsis Summer Eclipse

Walters Gardens

  • Spring: Amsonia ‘Starstruck’
  • Summer: Agastache ‘Rosie Posie’
  • Fall: Aster ‘Grape Crush’
Darren Barshaw of Darwin Perennials (left) and Kata Kress Wallace of Walters Gardens Inc. (right)

“Our two, seasoned product experts really engaged the webinar viewers with their recommendations for the newest perennials and how they can make an impact in garden centers and nurseries,” says Seth Reed, sales and marketing manager for Darwin Perennials. “We had excellent webinar attendance, and the viewers’ live feedback on which products stood out during the presentation was also insightful. We’re pleased to share that knowledge with the industry. Be sure to watch the recording to learn more.”

Meet the Speakers:

Darren Barshaw is a Darwin Perennials product representative, and for more than 30 years he’s had a pulse on the perennial market. He educates customers on plant culture, and knows how to offer world-class technical service.

Kata Kress Wallace is a regional product manager for Walters Gardens Inc., where she oversees sales in the southeastern states. She has close family ties to the nursery industry, and throughout her career, has overseen production of millions of grass liners and managed an international crew.

“30 Perennials You Are Missing in 2023 (and why you should grow them)” is now archived for on-demand viewing. Watch it at the Darwin Perennials YouTube Channel and be sure to subscribe for ongoing access to expert recommendations and perennial news.