Mar 30, 2015
Spring Trials 2015: Sneak Peek (Part 4)By Jasmina Dolce

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing some of the latest introductions that will make their debut next month during the California Spring Trials. This will be my final sneak peek before the big event, which begins in just 18 days! The participating breeders have so many new varieties and programs in the works, and they’ve been kind enough to share some of their newest introductions with me.

Have you finalized your itinerary? If not, be sure to check out GPN’s Spring Trials Companion to help you map out your route.

And for those of you not attending the Spring Trials, I’ll be blogging from the road during the event so I can share even more new varieties and trends we pick up along the way. We’ll also be updating the photo gallery on CaliforniaSpringTrials.com, so be on the lookout!

In the meantime, here is my final sneak peek:

Eucomis ‘Aloha Lily Kona’ (Golden State Bulb Growers)

Kona is the newest addition to the Aloha Lily eucomis collection. Its deep burgundy buds open to glossy blooms, offset by bright yellow anthers. Like its sisters, Kona has a lovely coconut fragrance and blooms that last for months.

Vinca Valiant series (PanAmerican Seed)

The new Valiant series has intermediate resistance to Phytophthora and is easy to maintain for home gardeners. It is a great option for landscapers with its heat and salt tolerance. It is robust enough to perform under cool, wet conditions. Pictured is ‘Valiant Lilac’.

Leucanthemum ‘Real Sunbeam’ (PlantHaven)

‘Real Sunbeam’ boasts deep yellow single blooms on a tight clumping habit. Bred for improved disease resistance, this new variety can be used in pots and containers, garden borders, modern landscapes and as a long-lasting cut flower.

Petunia ‘Sanguna Pink Morn’ (Syngenta Flowers)

The Sanguna Patio series has expanded with the addition of Pink Morn and Radiant Rose. This high-efficiency series is extremely adaptable and provides generous color at point of sale. Pink Morn’s new, cheery color makes for a unique addition to the series.

Campanula Adansa series (Pacific Plug & Liner)

New campanula Adansa has a trailing habit and grows out on all sides. Ideal for playful gardens, Adansa was named as a result of its springy character. It flowers from outside in, first the tendrils and then the heart. Three colors are available: Blue, Pink (pictured) and White.

Asclepias ‘Monarch Promise’ (Hort Couture)

This special ascelpias has beautiful green and white variegated foliage that is tinged with red, orange and pink tips of of the leaves. The bright orange-red flowers attract Monarch butterflies as well as other species of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. It can be used in the landscape or in container gardens.

Ageratum Cloud Nine series (Floranova)

Cloud Nine is a brand new series of ageratum bred for earliness and uniformity in the pack. They are up to seven days earlier than leading competition and also flower very uniformly across the crop, making them ideal to grow together. Both varieties have smaller leaves and darker buds, which keep the emphasis on color.

Climbing rose Starlet Beauty series (Ball Ornamentals)

The Starlet Beauty series is the elegant little sister of large-flowered classic climbing roses. Its fully double, English-type roses flower all the way up and rebloom until frost for continuous color and fragrance. Fast to fill a trellis, it grows upright or horizontally. Four colors are available: Pink, Mauve (pictured), Tangerine and Ruby.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Spring Trials sneak peeks over the past few weeks. Now it’s almost time to start packing! If you see me and Team GPN on the road, be sure to stop and say hi. And let me know which varieties you’re most excited about adding to your lineup!

— Jasmina


Jasmina Dolce

Jasmina Dolce is managing editor of GPN magazine. She can be reached at [email protected].