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variety information

University of Florida’s

For more information on the varieties discussed in this article, direct your inquiries Best to the following companies. AMERICAN TAKII INC. (831) 443-4901 www.takii.com

The best of times, the worst of times and things ERNST BENARY OF AMERICA to come for seed-propagated bedding plants. (815) 895-6705 www.benary.com

By Rick Kelly, Rick Schoellhorn, FLORANOVA PLANT BREEDERS Zhanao Deng and Brent K. Harbaugh (574) 674-4200 www.floranova.co.uk

GOLDSMITH SEEDS rowers around the sive replicated trials. Cultivars to be cultivar to compare new entries in (800) 549-0158 country face a deci- evaluated are placed into classes by each new trial. If the new entry per- www.goldsmithseeds.com sion when producing species, flower and foliage color, forms better, it takes the best-of- bedding plants for plant height and growth habit. Two class position; if only one plant is KIEFT SEEDS HOLLAND (360) 445-2031 the Deep South and similar cli- duplicate fields are planted. One entered in a class, it becomes the www.kieftseeds.com mates around the world. There, field is scouted and sprayed, as uncontested best-of-class. We coop- needed. Plant measurements, per- erate with four of Florida’s premier flowers may flourish year-round; PANAMERICAN SEED however,G the moderate to high tem- formance, flowering data and culti- public gardens to display the best- (630) 231-1400 peratures and ample moisture fuel var performance are evaluated of-class selections in their formal www.panamseed.com the fires of disaster, as plant pests there. The other field is not sprayed, landscapes for public display. also thrive under these conditions. and pest symptom ratings are taken We produce our own plugs to SAKATA SEED AMERICA Plants bred and evaluated else- there. Pathologists and entomolo- ensure uniform plants with the (408) 778-7758 where may not meet the challenges gists diagnose pests when neces- same history are available for plant- www.sakata.com faced in hot and humid climates. sary. Data is recorded over the ing. Spring trial plugs are moved to This decision may also exist course of the season and analyzed the field in late March or early SEED SENSE between market choice and garden to provide unbiased statistical com- April into raised fumigated beds +44 (0)1263 722262 www.creative-corner.co.uk/ performance. A consumer may parisons. Average ratings for foliage covered with plastic mulch. Each seedsense/index.htm abandon a species that had eye and flower quality, pests and plant plant is fertilized with 2 tsp. death from soil-borne pathogens are Osmocote Plus 15-3.9-9.9 fertilizer appeal, but later proved to have S&G FLOWERS utilized for an overall performance (15-9-12 slow-release type with poor landscape performance. (800) 323-7253 Our mandate is to determine rating. We pick only one cultivar in micronutrients, The Scotts Co.). www.sg-flowers-us.com landscape performance of seed- each class to be “best-of-class” Only the sprayed± field is drenched propagated annuals in comprehen- based on this rating. We use this with fungicides.

Left to right: Torenia ‘Duchess Deep Blue’ (Goldsmith Seeds); alternanthera ‘Purple Knight’ (PanAmerican Seed); iresine ‘Purple Lady’ (PanAmerican Seed); hibiscus ‘Luna Blush’ (PanAmerican Seed).

48 GPN May 2004 variety information

1999 THROUGH 2003 through 2003 and why they new competition in 2004. Refer to these cultivars, days to first Following are the spring/fall excelled. Many cultivars are new Figures 1, 2 and 3, below and flower and flower diameters. crops with the highest ratings and some are “old timers” that pages 52, 54 and 56 and Ageratum houstonianum.± from trial evaluations from 1999 continue to be the best and await www.gpnmag.com for the list of ‘Fields Blue’ and ‘Hawaii Shell Figure 1. Days to first flower and flower diameter of best-of-class cultivars evaluated at the Gulf Coast Research Center (spring trials). Days to Flower Days to Flower First Flower Diameter First Flower Diameter Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) 2002 Ageratum houstonianum Fields Blue (S&G) 60 No data 2003 Dianthus barbatus Amazon Rose Magic (PanAmerican) 102 0.8 2001 Ageratum houstonianum Hawaii Shell Pink (Bodger) 64 No data interspecific 2002 Begonia Vodka Cocktail (Benary) 95 1.1 2003 Dianthus hybrida Dynasty Purple (PanAmerican) 87 1.4 semperflorens-cultorum 2003 Dianthus hybrida Dynasty Red (PanAmerican) 83 1.1 2002 Begonia Harmony White (Ball Seed) 77 1.1 2003 Dianthus hybrida Dynasty White Blush (PanAmerican) 83 1.1 semperflorens-cultorum 2002 Eustoma grandiflorum Forever White (PanAmerican) 100 2.4 2003 Begonia Bayou Rose (Goldsmith Seeds) 79 1.2 2002 Eustoma grandiflorum Sapphire Double White (PanAmerican) 106 2.6 semperflorens-cultorum 2002 Eustoma grandiflorum Sapphire Blue Chip (PanAmerican) 99 1.6 2003 Begonia Lotto White (Benary) 77 1.1 2002 Gazania rigens Kiss Bronze (Goldsmith Seeds) 64 1.9 semperflorens-cultorum 2002 Gazania rigens Kiss Mahogany (Goldsmith Seeds) 63 1.9 2002 Begonia Eureka Bronze Leaf Rose (S&G) 92 1.3 2002 Gazania rigens Kiss White (Goldsmith Seeds) 62 1.9 semperflorens-cultorum 2003 Gomphrena globosa Bi-color Rose (Takii) 70 0.7 2003 Begonia Eureka Green Leaf Scarlet (S&G) 96 1.0 2001 Helianthus annuus Lemon Éclair (Seed Sense) 54 6.3 semperflorens-cultorum 2003 Hibiscus moscheutos Luna Blush (PanAmerican) 112 7.1 2002 Canna x generalis Tropical Yellow (Takii) 90 4.3 2003 Hibiscus moscheutos Luna Red (PanAmerican) 113 8.7 2001 Capsicum annuum Chilly Chili (PanAmerican) 58 No data 2003 Impatiens wallerana Dazzler Orange Improved (PanAmerican) 68 1.7 2003 Catharanthus roseus Stardust Mix (PanAmerican) 73 1.6 2003 Impatiens wallerana Tutu Salmon (Floranova) 74 1.6 2003 Catharanthus roseus First Kiss Icy Pink (Benary) 69 1.9 2001 Impatiens wallerana Stardust Salmon (PanAmerican) 55 1.7 2003 Catharanthus roseus Heatwave White (Bodger) 64 1.8 2003 Impatiens wallerana Accent Watermelon (Goldsmith Seeds) 68 1.7 2001 Catharanthus roseus Cascade Appleblossom (PanAmerican) 55 1.4 2003 Impatiens wallerana Dazzler Violet (PanAmerican) 67 1.7 2003 Catheranthus rosea Vitesse Lavender (Floranova) 66 2.1 2003 Impatiens wallerana Accent Red (Goldsmith Seeds) 67 1.7 2001 Catheranthus rosea Sunstorm Lilac (S&G) 56 1.7 2003 Impatiens wallerana Impact Scarlet (Sakata) 63 1.6 2003 Catheranthus rosea Victory Cranberry (Sakata) 73 1.8 2003 Impatiens wallerana Tutu Natural Rose (Floranova) 69 1.3 2003 Catheranthus rosea Vitesse Rose (Floranova) 67 2.2 2001 Impatiens wallerana Stardust Rose Improved (PanAmerican) 50 1.7 2001 Celosia argentea Prestige Scarlet (Sakata) 38 No data 2003 Impatiens wallerana Accent White (Goldsmith Seeds) 68 1.6 var. cristata 2002 Melampodium paludosum Melanie (Kieft) 53 1.3 2003 Dianthus barbatus Noverna Purple (Kieft) 92 0.7 2002 Melampodium paludosum Lemon Delight (Takii) 50 1.1 2003 Dianthus barbatus Amazon Neon Purple (PanAmerican) 106 0.9 2002 Nicotiana x alata Saratoga Antique Shades (Goldsmith Seeds) 56 1.7 interspecific 2002 Nicotiana x alata Saratoga Mixture (Goldsmith Seeds) 60 1.4 2003 Dianthus barbatus Amazon Neon Cherry (PanAmerican) 102 0.9 2002 Nicotiana x alata Saratoga White (Goldsmith Seeds) 56 1.9 interspecific 2001 Nierembergia hippomanica Mont Blanc (Takii) 65 1.0 ± variety information

Pink’ had more flowers early in in separate spring trials, and loss- had the best flowering all season. “Florida pansy,” does well here, the season, less stem lodging es occurred, but ‘Miss Tilly Blue’ Worm damage on foliage and with uncontested ‘Duchess Deep and less insect/mite damage survivors had good foliage/flower thrips-like flower feeding were Blue’, Pink and Burgundy produc- than other cultivars. ratings all season without pests observed, but only the latter was ing very good to excellent flowers Platycodon grandiflorum. above the ground. serious on a yellow cultivar. on very full and uniform plants. Different cultivars were evaluated Rudbeckia hirta. ‘Toto Rustic’ Torenia fournieri. Naturally, the Alternanthera dentata. ‘Purple

Days to Flower Days to Flower First Flower Diameter First Flower Diameter Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) 2002 Pelargonium x hortorum Maverick Light Salmon (Goldsmith Seeds) 79 1.3 2002 Petunia x hybrida Kahuna White (S&G) 71 2.4 2002 Pelargonium x hortorum Maverick Star (Goldsmith Seeds) 84 1.2 2003 Phlox drummondii Grammy Pink/White (Kieft) 73 0.7 2002 Pennisetum glaucum Purple Majesty (PanAmerican) 63 No data 2003 Phlox drummondii 21st Century Patriot Mix (PanAmerican) 68 0.8 2002 Petunia x hybrida Celebrity Mid Blue (Bodger) 63 2.0 2002 Platycodon grandiflorum Miss Tilly Blue (Goldsmith Seeds) 83 2.4 2002 Petunia x hybrida Double Madness Pink (PanAmerican) 61 2.2 2002 Portulaca grandiflora Sundial Gold (Bodger) 47 1.9 2002 Petunia x hybrida Magenta Madness (PanAmerican) 61 2.2 2001 Portulaca grandiflora Sundial Peach (Bodger) 39 2.1 2002 Petunia x hybrida Celebrity Rose (Bodger) 53 2.0 2002 Portulaca grandiflora Sundial Fuchsia (Bodger) 48 2.1 2002 Petunia x hybrida Celebrity White (Bodger) 68 2.4 2002 Rudbeckia hirta Toto Rustic (Benary) 117 2.8 2003 Petunia x hybrida Storm Blue (Goldsmith Seeds) 71 2.5 2003 Salvia splendens Blue Ribbon (PanAmerican) 77 1.5 2001 Petunia x hybrida Wild Rose Mix (PanAmerican) 46 3.0 2003 Salvia splendens Sizzler Burgundy Stripe (Floranova) 84 1.3 2002 Petunia x hybrida Ultra Salmon (Goldsmith Seeds) 64 2.9 2003 Salvia splendens Picante Salmon (Goldsmith Seeds) 77 1.5 2003 Petunia x hybrida Storm Violet (Goldsmith Seeds) 68 3.0 2003 Salvia splendens Rookie Scarlet (Kieft) 78 1.5 2002 Petunia x hybrida Aladdin Strawberry Ice (Bodger) 65 2.8 2003 Salvia splendens Salvador Red (S&G) 77 1.6 2003 Petunia x hybrida Symphony Light Blue (Takii) 73 1.7 2002 Spilanthes oleracea Peek-A-Boo (PanAmerican) 70 0.6 2002 Petunia x hybrida Hurrah Pink Chiffon (S&G) 55 2.2 2002 Tagetes patula Janie Gold (PanAmerican) 34 1.7 2002 Petunia x hybrida Primetime Violet Star (Goldsmith Seeds) 59 2.2 2003 Tagetes patula Marvelous Flame (Sakata) 38 2.3 2001 Petunia x hybrida Symphony Violet (Takii) 44 2.1 2003 Tagetes patula Disco Red (Bodger) 39 1.5 2003 Petunia x hybrida Symphony Rose Star (Takii) 72 2.1 2003 Tagetes patula Little Devil Fire (PanAmerican) 40 1.3 2001 Petunia x hybrida Symphony White (Takii) 46 2.6 2003 Tagetes patula Spry Boy (PanAmerican) 43 1.5 2002 Petunia x hybrida Ramblin’ Deep Salmon (Goldsmith Seeds) 61 2.0 2002 Torenia fournieri Duchess Deep Blue (Goldsmith Seeds) 63 0.8 2003 Petunia x hybrida Easy Wave Shell Pink (PanAmerican) 71 2.1 2003 Verbena rigida Santos (Kieft) 103 0.3 2002 Petunia x hybrida Wave Pink (PanAmerican) 75 2.0 2002 Verbena x hybrida Quartz Merlot Mix Improved (PanAmerican) 54 0.8 2003 Petunia x hybrida Ramblin’ Pink (Goldsmith Seeds) 71 1.7 2003 Zinnia angustifolia Crystal Orange (Takii) 45 1.2 2003 Petunia x hybrida Ramblin’ Violet (Goldsmith Seeds) 73 1.9 2002 Zinnia angustifolia Crystal White (Takii) 53 1.1 2002 Petunia x hybrida Ramblin’ Burgundy Chrome 65 2.0 2002 Zinnia elegans Zinnita Orange (Benary) 51 1.7 (Goldsmith Seeds) 2003 Zinnia elegans Swizzle Cherry/Ivory (Goldsmith Seeds) 43 3.2 2002 Petunia x hybrida Opera Light Purple (Takii) 71 2.1 2002 Zinnia elegans Zinnita Yellow (Benary) 46 1.6 2003 Petunia x hybrida Kahuna Violet (S&G) 65 1.7 2003 Zinnia elegans Swizzle Scarlet/Yellow (Goldsmith Seeds) 43 3.4 2002 Petunia x hybrida Avalanche White (Bodger) 68 2.2 2001 Zinnia elegans Sun Red (Takii) 46 4.1

Note: Some varieties were omitted due to space constraints. Please find the table in its entirety at www.gpnmag.com. variety information

Knight’ had mounds of rich, dark red-violet Bronze Leaf Rose’ and ‘Eureka Green Leaf foliage 14 inches high. Leafrollers fed on Scarlet’ were the best in the bronze and green foliage but had no impact. (see also Iresine). leaf classes. They had better plant and flower Iresine herbstii. ‘Purple Lady’, an amaranth uniformity, fuller plants and fewer dead plants of similar color to Brazilian joyweed, is also a as temperatures rose. good foliage plant. Unlike Purple Knight, as the Nicotiana x alata. ‘Saratoga Antique plant matures, it remains low growing. Shades’ and Mixture were uncontested and Leafroller damage was evident but was never outstanding. Symptoms of larval feeding, unacceptable. Whitefly adults were seen in very mites, leaf spots, leafminers and graymold on large numbers, but no nymphs. flowers were minimal. Canna x generalis. ‘Tropical Yellow’ pro- Pelargonium x hortorum. ‘Horizon Red’, duced attractive yellow blooms with deep Scarlet, Coral Spice, ‘Maverick Star’, Light orange flecks. Plants were sturdy, compact and Salmon, Orange Appeal and White had the best pest free. When allowed to grow as a perennial, flowering and plant development in the spring rust was a problem between fall and winter. and winter trials. Worm feeding, foliar lesions, Older bleached flowers should be removed to Botrytis blight and wilt from soil-borne leave an attractive display. pathogens were not serious problems for these Celosia spicata. ‘Spiky Pink’ (dwarf with cultivars. wheat-like flower spikes) and ‘Prestige Scarlet’ Gomphrena globosa. ‘Bi-color Rose’, good for (tall, with cockscomb flowers) both had full, landscape and cut or dried flowers, was the rather uniform plants with good flower displays uncontested best-of-class. No plants died, nor did and no plant death. worm feeding or foliar lesions become significant. Hibiscus moscheutos. ‘Luna Blush’ and Red Impatiens wallerana. Double-flowered class: were uncontested marsh mallows. They had ‘Tutu Natural Rose’ and Salmon; single-flowered huge flowers that were not hidden by the foliage class: ‘Dazzler Orange’, Violet, ‘Accent Apricot’, (especially Luna Blush). Full and uniform plants Watermelon, Violet Star, Red, Coral Star, White, 1 measured about 24 ⁄2 inches. Cucumber beetles ‘Stardust Salmon’, Rose, ‘Infinity Salmon’, ‘Impact fed on the foliage and flowers, and whitefly Orange’, Red, Scarlet, Formula Mix, Lavender infested leaves but with little impact. and Rose Pink. These had the best foliage and Nierembergia hippomanica. ‘Mont Blanc’ flower characteristics and were least affected by was uncontested, with good overall perfor- soil-borne pathogens, Botrytis on flowers, mance and outstanding flowering in mid-May, Alternaria on foliage, two-spotted spider mite or remaining good in early June. Powdery mildew thrips on flowers and foliage. was diagnosed, but symptoms were minimal. Eustoma grandiflorum. Double-flowered Dianthus barbatus, D. barbatus interspe- class: ‘Sapphire Double White’; single-flow- cific, D. interspecific. ‘Amazon Neon Purple’, ered class: ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’ and ‘Forever Neon Cherry, Rose Magic, ‘Bouquet Purple’, White’. Foliage fullness and uniformity, lack ‘Diamond Mixed’, ‘Dynasty Purple’, Red, of lodging, superior flower numbers and White Blush, ‘Melody Pink’, Blush Pink, quality, and less pests (primarily whiteflies White and ‘Noverna Purple’ were not impact- and armyworms) resulted in higher ratings ed by heat and disease. The Dynasty, Amazon for these selections. Fusarium crown rot and Melody cultivars produced very sturdy affected this crop but was variable. and uniform plants with many high-quality Tagetes erecta. Dwarf: ‘Atlantis Mixture’, flowers. Armyworm feeding scars and disease ‘Inca II Gold’ and ‘Royal Orange’. Good spots were minor. African marigolds exhibited similar Begonia semperflorens-cultorum. ‘Harmony foliage/flower traits compared to French White’, ‘Prelude Pink’, ‘Olympia Sprint Mix’, types, with stem strength to support large± ‘Vodka Cocktail’, ‘Lotto White’, ‘Eureka flowers in wind and rain, good flower

Left to right: Dianthus ‘Melody Blush Pink’ (Sakata); nicotiana ‘Saratoga Antique Shades’ (Goldsmith Seeds). variety information display and condition in the pres- mites, worms, thrips and soil- Peach had full foliage and good with very uniform rich, deep ence of graymold, especially with borne pathogens. flowering by early June. purple foliage. Foliage color large flowers that today are bred Tagetes tenuifolia. ‘Luna Pennisetum glaucum. ‘Purple shifted to an olive green cast to be hidden (but not forgotten) Lemon Yellow’ is uncontested, Majesty’, uncontested, was good with some rust present late in beneath new growth. with good to excellent flowering to excellent all season. Plants season, but, overall,± the plant Tagetes patula. Single-flowered all through the fall (November to had very good basal branching remained attractive. tall class: ‘Disco Flame’, Granada, mid-December). Figure 2. Days to first flower and flower diameter of best-of-class cultivars evaluated at the Mix and Red; double-flowered Salvia farinacea. ‘Blue Signum’ Gulf Coast Research Center (fall trials). dwarf and tall classes: ‘Hero had significantly better flower per- Days to Flower Flame’, ‘Janie Gold’, ‘Durango formance than other entries. First Flower Diameter Tangerine’, Bee, ‘Orange Boy’, Melampodium paludosum. Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) ‘Little Devil Fire’, ‘Yellow Boy’, ‘Melanie’ and ‘Lemon Delight’ had 2000 Dianthus hybrida Diamond Mixed (Sakata) 48 1.3 ‘Spry Boy’, ‘Marvelous Flame’, very full and uniform foliage with 2000 Dianthus interspecific Melody Pink (Sakata) 63 1.1 Yellow, ‘Legend Gold’, Orange good to excellent flowering all sea- 2000 Dianthus interspecific Melody White (Sakata) 49 0.9 2000 Dianthus interspecific Melody Blush Pink (Sakata) 63 1.1 and Spry displayed the best stem son. Worms, mites and a few 2000 Dianthus interspecific Bouquet Purple (PanAmerican) 80 1.2 strength, had full and dense leafminers, leaf spots and scattered 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Formula Mix (Sakata) 45 2.1 foliage, the flower display and occurrences of powdery mildew on 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Orange (Sakata) 49 2.2 condition were excellent even in foliage were very minor. 2000 Impatiens wallerana Infinity Salmon (Sakata) 48 2.1 the presence of graymold, and Portulaca grandiflora. 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Lavender (Sakata) 50 1.9 there were minimal effects from ‘Sundial Fuchsia’, Gold and 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Red (Sakata) 49 2.1 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Scarlet (Sakata) 50 2.0 2000 Impatiens wallerana Impact Rose (Sakata) 48 2.0 2000 Petunia x hybrida Eagle Pastel Pink (Sakata) 37 2.6 2000 Petunia x hybrida Eagle White (Sakata) 36 2.6 2000 Petunia x hybrida Symphony Deep Rose (American Takii) 36 2.2 2000 Petunia x hybrida Tidal Wave Hot Pink (PanAmerican) 40 2.0 2000 Petunia x hybrida Tidal Wave Cherry (PanAmerican) 44 2.0 2002 Petunia x hybrida Explorer Rose (Sakata) 52 2.6 2000 Phlox cuspidata Crystal Mix (Sakata) 48 0.9 2000 Salvia splendens Gardenleader rose (Grimes) 49 No data 2002 Tagetes erecta Inca II Gold (Goldsmith Seeds) 51 2.6 2002 Tagetes erecta Atlantis Mixture (Bodger) 53 2.5 2002 Tagetes erecta Royal Orange (PanAmerican) 54 2.6 2000 Tagetes tenuifolia Luna Lemon Yellow (Sakata) 56 0.8 2000 Zinnia hybrida Profusion Orange (Sakata) 47 2.0 2000 Zinnia hybrida Profusion Cherry (Sakata) 47 2.0 Left to right: Gomphrena ‘Bicolor Rose’ (American Takii); eustoma ‘Sapphire Blue Chip’ 2000 Zinnia hybrida Profusion White (Sakata) 47 2.0 (PanAmerican Seed).

54 GPN May 2004 variety information

Capsicum annuum. ‘Chilly Chili’ unacceptable ratings late in the sea- ornamental fruit display during the ‘Waterfall Madness Mix’; grandiflo- had the highest foliage and fruit- son. No foliage pests were detected. rating period was minimal. ras: ‘Aladdin Cherry’, Strawberry quality ratings, with very full Pepper weevil did infest the fruits Petunia x hybrida. Good per- Ice, ‘Blue Storm’, ‘Eagle Pastel Pink’, foliage, good fruit number and of all these cultivars; however, the formers with the highest ratings in White, ‘Lavender Storm’, ‘Pink good fruit color. Other entries had effect on the appearance of the their class had the fullest, most uni- Storm Morn’, ‘Ultra Pastel Pink’, form foliage and flowers and the Salmon, ‘Violet Storm’, ‘White least pest problems. Floribundas: Storm’ and ‘Wild Rose Mix’; milliflo- ‘Double Madness Pink’, ‘Celebrity ras: ‘Fantasy Light Lavender’ and Mid Blue’, Chiffon Morn, Rose, Mix; multifloras: ‘Symphony Light± White, ‘Magenta Madness’ and Blue’, Pink, Violet, Deep Rose,

Figure 3. Days to first flower and flower diameter of best-of-class cultivars evaluated at the Gulf Coast Research Center (winter trials). Days to Flower First Flower Diameter Year Scientific Name Cultivar after Sowing (inches) 2003 Pelargonium x hortorum Horizon Coral Spice (Floranova) 125 1.7 2003 Pelargonium x hortorum Maverick Orange Appeal 131 1.6 (Goldsmith Seeds) 2003 Pelargonium x hortorum Horizon Red (Floranova) 125 1.7 2003 Pelargonium x hortorum Horizon Scarlet (Floranova) 124 1.7 2003 Pelargonium x hortorum Maverick White (Goldsmith Seeds) 124 1.4

Left to right: Melampodium ‘Melanie’ (Kieft); phlox ‘Grammy Pink/White’ (Kieft).

Write in 726

56 GPN May 2004

variety information

Rose, Rose Star, Salmon, White, ‘Sizzler Burgundy Stripe’, focal point in the landscape. ever, other entries did not do as ‘Primetime Violet Star’ and ‘Hurrah Burgundy Halo, ‘Picante Salmon’, Helianthus annuus. ‘Starburst well, having too many dead Pink Chiffon’; spreading: ‘Salsa Rose Bicolor’, ‘Landscaper Lemon Éclair’ has a unique pale plants, mildew and mites. Moss ‘Avalanche White’, ‘Easy Wave Bright Scarlet’, ‘Gardenleader yellow flower (pollen free) with verbena ‘Serenity Mix’ [Verbena Salmon’, Shell Pink, ‘Explorer Rose’, Rose’, ‘Rookie Scarlet’, ‘Blue dark center that might resemble a tenuisecta (speciosa)] had out- ‘Opera Light Purple’, ‘Ramblin Ribbon’ and ‘Salvador Red’ were dahlia on a plant about 3 feet tall. standing flowers and very full Deep Salmon’, Pink, Lavender, the best from a large focus trial It had good ratings for foliage and foliage without pest problems. Violet, ‘Wave Blue’ and ‘Wave Pink’. conducted in 1999. New entries flower quality. Tuberous vervain or sandpaper Phlox drummondii. ‘Grammy evaluated since have not replaced Gazania rigens. ‘Kiss Bronze’, verbena ‘Santos’ (Verbena rigida) Pink/White’, and ‘21st Century these best-of-class varieties. Bronze Star, Orange, Mahogany, was great in winter/early spring Patriot Mix’ took the heat and flow- Spilanthes oleracea. ‘Peek-A- White, Golden Yellow and ‘Frosty trials with uniform, floriferous ered well all season. Armyworms Boo’ produces very full and rather Kiss Mix’ had the best flower dis- and sturdy plants. The tough, and thrips were minor. uniform plants with interesting play throughout the season with rigid foliage attracted many white Phlox cuspidata. ‘Crystal Mix’ foliage and very good flowering less two-spotted spider mite, leaf flies and their nymphs (not evi- was the only pointed phlox evaluat- in late May. Worm feeding was spots and mildew. dent in winter/early spring trials) ed, but excellent foliage and good minor, but mites were more seri- Verbena x hybrida. ‘Merlot Mix’ in spring, yet not too much foliage flowering will keep it on top. ous late in the season. This is a performed well in April. By late damage occurred, and flower Salvia splendens. ‘Fire Star’, unique plant that can be used as a May, performance was fair; how- numbers remained good.

Left to right: Salvia ‘Rookie Scarlet’ (Kieft); spilanthes ‘Peek-a-Boo’ (PanAmerican Seed); zinnia ‘Swizzle Cherry/Ivory’ (Goldsmith Seeds); zinnia ‘Swizzle Scarlet/Yellow’ (Goldsmith Seeds).

58 GPN May 2004 variety information

Catharanthus roseus. Normal Author’s Note: The information in Agricultural Experiment Station LearnMore growth habit class: ‘First Kiss Icy this report is a summary of experimen- and all of the companies who provid- For more information Pink’, ‘Heatwave White’, tal results and does not provide recom- ed donations of money, seed and fer- related to this article, ‘Lavender Halo Cooler’, ‘Stardust mendations for crop production. Where tilizer. We thank Joyce Jones, Jenna go to www.gpnmag.com/ Mix’, ‘Sunstorm Lilac’, Pink, trade names are used, no discrimination Adams, Paulette Blanchard, Gail lm.cfm/gp050407 ‘Victory Apricot’, Cranberry, is intended or endorsement implied. Bowman, Kari VanHoose and Nancy ‘Vitesse Lavender’ and Rose; trail- We’d like to thank Florida West for their technical support. ing class: ‘Cascade Appleblossom’. Fusarium crown rot was diagnosed as the causal agent that destroyed many plants. The only other pests have been flower thrips and Botrytis; no Phytophthora has been diagnosed. These selections held up the best under those conditions. Z. hybrida. ‘Profusion Orange’, Red and White had good overall performance; by late May white had the best ratings, while cherry formed open gaps, and flower fad- ing was more evident. Worm feed- ing, leafminers and leaf spots were minor, and no mildew was seen. Z. elegans. Dwarf classes: ‘Zinnita Orange’, Yellow, ‘Swizzle Cherry/Ivory’, and Scarlet/Yellow did not have mildew, while Zinnitas had 1 numerous mites on ⁄3 of the plots and Swizzles did not, though other crops had them; tall class: All Sun cultivars had mildew in late May, but ‘Sun Red’ had a bet- ter overall performance due to superior foliage/flower ratings. Z. angustifolia. ‘Crystal Orange’, White and Yellow are the only entries for this species, pro- ducing full foliage and numerous flowers; some plant death and leaf and flower spots have occurred sporadically.

THINGS TO COME In May 2004, our new spring trial will be in full bloom. Many companies have entered new cul- tivars. In January 2005, we are moving to a new 400-acre facility in Balm, Fla., to continue our research alongside other research programs that have served grow- ers for over 75 years. Visit the cen- ter’s Web site to find out more: GPN http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/. Rick Kelly is variety trials coordinator, Rick Schoellhorn is associate profes- sor of floriculture, Zhanao Deng is assistant professor of floriculture and Brent Harbaugh is professor of flori- culture at the University of Florida. They can be reached by phone at (941) 751-7636 or E-mail at [email protected]fl.edu.

May 2004 GPN 59