By evaluating plants in such varied climates, from the humid Southeast to the dry conditions of the West, we gain valuable insights into their adaptability, performance, and overall garden appeal. Each location offers unique environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, soil types, rainfall patterns, and disease pressures. Observing how plants respond across these diverse settings helps us identify varieties that consistently perform well, as well as those that excel in specific regional conditions.
This comprehensive, hands-on approach ensures that every plant we introduce has been thoroughly tested for reliability and quality. The feedback we gather from our trial partners, combined with our own in-house evaluations, allows us to refine selections and make informed decisions. Ultimately, this real-world testing ensures our plants not only look exceptional but also thrive in landscapes from coast to coast, giving gardeners confidence in their success.
1. University of Minnesota – Morris, MN (4B)
2. Iowa Arboretum – Madrid, IA (5A)
3. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO (5A/5B)
4. Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, CO (5B/6A)
5. Chicago Botanic Garden – Glencoe, IL (6A)
6. Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI (6A)
7. Penn State University – University Park, PA (6B)
8. JC Raulston Arboretum – Raleigh, NC (7A/8A)
9. University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN (7B)
10. Metrolina Greenhouses – Huntersville, NC (8A)
11. Moore Farms Botanical Garden – Lake City, SC (8A)
12. Smith Gardens – Marysville, WA (8A/8B)
13. University of Georgia – Athens, GA (8A/8B)
14. Dallas Arboretum – Dallas, TX (8B)
15. The Oregon Garden – Silverton, OR (8B)
16. TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc. – Canby, OR (8B)
Echinacea REVELATION® ‘Coral’
Scored a perfect 5.0/5.0 from Penn State University winning best of show, 4.4/5.0 from The Oregon Garden and 4.0/5.0 from Colorado State University
Heuchera ‘Changeling’
Won Best in Show at the University of Tennessee, received the Director’s Select Award and Best of Show from Penn State University, 4.72/5.0 from Moore Farm Botanic Gardens
Echinacea ‘French Tips’
Scored a 4.1/5.0 at The Oregon Garden, received the Director’s Select Award from Penn State University and a 4.0/5.0 from Colorado State University
Echinacea PRIMA™ ‘Spider’
Received the Plant of Distinction Award from the University of Georgia and the Director’s Select Award from Penn State University
Echinacea PRINCESS™ ‘Bride’
Won Best in Show at Penn State University and scored a 4.0/5.0 at The Oregon Garden
Additional Notable Varieties
In addition to Garden Trials, plants are also evaluated for their performance as cut flowers or in containers. This year, multiple plants were assessed as cut flowers at Raker-Roberta’s Young Plants and Moore Farms Botanical Garden. Several Echinacea varieties were included in these evaluations. Echinacea FRESCO™ ‘Apricot’ was one of the plants tested for its cut flower quality. Echinacea SUPREME™ ‘Lime’ and Echinacea SUPREME™ ‘Cantaloupe’ were also part of the trials. Kniphofia POCO™ ‘Butter Brickle’ was another plant evaluated in this category. All of these varieties received a perfect rating of 5.0/5.0 at Raker-Roberta for cut flower performance. Additionally, Echinacea FRESCO™ ‘Apricot’ was reviewed at Moore Farms, where it earned a 4.15/5.0 as a garden plant and a 4.19/5.0 as a cut flower.
