Judges name Best in Show at 2023 Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase
Variegated Frydek Elephant Ear (Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek Variegata’) was chosen by professional judges as the Best in Show winner in the 2023 Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase.
The plant, discovered in the Philippines, was introduced by Andrej Suske and Cascade Tropicals LLC based in Snohomish, Washington, is one of 59 outstanding new selections on display at the 2023 Farwest Show and available from at least one show exhibitor.
The show opened Wednesday, Aug. 23 and continues through Friday, Aug. 25 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. The show also presents People’s Choice awards, which are chosen by attendees voting on the show floor. Those awards will be announced on Friday, the final day of the show.
“The future is always in motion,” said Mary Claire Lamm, manager of events and education for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “Our industry relies on a steady stream of new and better plants to fascinate plant lovers and perform in the landscape. The Farwest Show is a great place to see those new plant introductions that will move the industry forward.”
This variegated elephant ear is a sought-after form of ‘Frydek’, for its unique variegation on velvety, soft foliage. Its mature leaves can get up to 18 inches long. It grows to 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall, and is hardy to zones 10a–12. It is available as 2-inch and 4-inch containers from Cascade Tropicals LLC (Booth #7037).
Awards of Merit
In addition of the Best of Show award, judges gave Awards of Merit to the following:
Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower | Echinacea × hybrida, ‘Balscmelux’ PPAF
Hybridized by Ping Ren in Elburn, Illinois, and introduced by Darwin Perennials. Booth #15025.
Banana Split Winter Daphne | Daphne odora ‘Monzulzay’ PP35217
Discovered by Cesar Velazquez and introduced by Monrovia Nursery Company. Booth #17037.
Peppermint Patty Heartleaf Bergenia or Pigsqueak | Bergenia cordifolia ‘Peppermint Patty’ PPAF CPBRAF
Hybridized by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan and introduced by Walters Gardens/Proven Winners. Booth #9056.
All of the New Varieties Showcase selections are viewable in person at the Farwest Show and online. The show will remain open until 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.
Oregon Association of Nurseries
The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), based in Wilsonville, represents nearly 700 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and suppliers. For information, visit OAN.org.
The Farwest Show
The Farwest Show celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023! The show is produced by the OAN. Any revenue realized by the OAN is reinvested into the industry through education, research, marketing support and government relations. For more information, visit FarwestShow.com.
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