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2010 Best of Show Annuals
Best of Show - Rudbeckia hirta – ‘Denver Daisy’ from Benary Seed
The abundant large flowers are very showy with a long bloom time. Flowering and shape are exceptionally uniform. It was a past winner in our trials and also a Grand Prize Winner in public voting through the American garden Award Program.
Best New Variety – Pennisetum – ‘Graceful Grasses Vertigo’ from Proven Winners
This plant has impressive vigor. Its large size and dark purplish glossy foliage makes it a unique focal point in any garden. It’s grown for foliage effect with the added bonus of attractive seed plumes.
Best Novelty Plant – Bulbine ‘Yellow Compact’ from GroLink
This bulbine makes a unique impression due to its delicate yellow flowers on the tips of upright stems that softly wave in the breeze. Foliage has a fine “grass like” texture. There is also an orange flowered variety that combines well with this yellow.
Several other outstanding plants include:
Best Argyranthemum – ‘Flutterby Yellow’ from Paul Ecke Ranch
This plant grows very neatly late into the season with strong season-long flowering.
Best Marigold – ‘Moonsong Deep Orange’ from Syngenta Flowers – Goldsmith Seeds
The dark orange flower color was the deepest orange marigold in the trials. Blossoms have tightly bunched flower petals creating a very full appearance. The shape of the plant is also uniform.
Best Ornamental Pepper – ‘Sangria’ from Pan American Seed
Uniform plants have impressive purple-red fruits held well above the foliage.
Best Geranium (zonal) – ‘Savannah Pink’ from Red Fox by Dummen USA
This variety stood out due to its vibrant pink flowers and clean appearance. The bright pink flowers contrasted nicely with the dark foliage.
Best Impatiens (New Guinea) – ‘Magnum Fire’ from Red Fox by Dummen USA
Outstanding large reddish flowers set this variety apart from the other New Guinea impatiens. Flowers held above the foliage created an optimum show. Growth habit was very uniform.
Best Petunia (spreading) – ‘Supertunia Vista Silverberry’ from Proven Winners
This petunia was very floriferous and showed strong vigor. The mounding growth habit was superior to other varieties. Silvery-purple iridescent blooms seemed resistant to rain and overhead irrigation.
Best Verbena – ‘Magelana Hot Rose Rapunzel’ from Syngenta Flowers
This strong blooming plant had a clean and uniform appearance. Large, pink flowers were layered throughout the plant. This variety showed good mildew resistance.
Best Zinnia – ‘Zowie! Yellow Flame’ from Syngenta Flowers – Goldsmith Seeds
Flowers had yellow/orange petals with a cherry red inner eye providing an intense color combination. Plants grew 24 to 36 inches contributing garden structure as a background plant. It was noted for more disease resistance than other zinnias in the trial.
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Updated Friday, April 19, 2013
