Terra Nova announces results from 2 trial programs

Terra Nova Nurseries has announced accolades for a selection of its best-of-breeding varieties at the 2025 Penn State University Flower Trials and the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville.

Three Terra Nova introductions — echinacea ‘Revelation Coral’, echinacea ‘Princess Bride’ and heuchera ‘Changeling’ — posted perfect 5.0 ratings at the 2025 Penn State Flower Trials. Each was recognized with the program’s highest honors, receiving both “Best of Show” and “Best of Species” awards in the sun category. ‘Changeling’ also demonstrated strong performance beyond sun conditions, achieving a 4.95 rating and receiving a “Director’s Select” designation in shade.

Additional award-winning Terra Nova cultivars earned both “Best of Species” and “Director’s Select” distinctions at the 2025 Penn State Flower Trials, with ratings ranging from 4.8 to 4.95 across sun and shade evaluations. Varieties recognized in shade included anemone ‘Harlequin Cameo’, anemone ‘Puff Pink’ and pulmonaria ‘Nova Cobalt’, while geum ‘Tempo Coral’ and sedum ‘Nova Cherry Fizz’ were selected in sun.

“Director’s Select” designations were also awarded to a broader set of Terra Nova varieties. These comprised anemone ‘Satin Doll Glow’, echinacea ‘French Tips’, echinacea ‘Delightful Gold’, echinacea ‘Prima Spider’ and three other introductions, with ratings ranging from 4.65 to 4.96 in sun and shade evaluations.

Performance trends observed at Penn State were echoed at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, where Terra Nova varieties continued to receive positive performance data during the 2025 season. Several selections recorded high scores ranging from 4.0 to 5.0, including agastache ‘Pink Pearl’, echinacea ‘Prima Aura’, echinacea ‘Prima Berry’ and heuchera ‘Peach Smoothie’.

Two Terra Nova varieties also received special recognition in the University of Tennessee Gardens’ 2025 Best & Beautiful Report. Heuchera ‘Changeling’ was again named “Best in Show” for its outstanding aesthetic qualities, while agastache ‘Pink Pearl’ was honored as a “Customer Favorite” and ranked among the most frequently requested plants at the trial gardens.

The Penn State Flower Trials are conducted at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC) in Landisville, Pennsylvania. These trials evaluate varieties of annuals and perennials submitted by breeders worldwide.

The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, one of the three sites of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee, evaluates annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses for overall health, vigor, uniformity, branching, flowers, foliage, heat- and humidity-resistance and pest-resistance.

Photos courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries.