A Spring Trials Preview
The 2018 California Spring Trials is just 25 days away! With more than 60 exhibitors along 15 locations, the Spring Trials experience can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the 2018 California Spring Trials Companion, which includes information for every trial location, directions, contacts and even dining options.
Plus, many of the exhibitors are using the www.springtrialsregistration.com site to book appointments. So be sure to check out the Companion and registration site to finalize your travel plans.
Whether you attend the Trials or not, the event is the perfect opportunity to discover all the new introductions that will be available next season, along with the many marketing efforts to help promote the new plants.
The landscape category has continuously grown as a hot topic during Spring Trials over the past few years. And I don’t anticipate that trend fading anytime soon.
The breeding companies have been kind enough to share some sneak peeks of the varieties that will be on display next month in California. These will be sure standouts in the landscape and definitely deserve your attention.
Keep in mind this is just a small handful of what attendees will see. And even if you’re not able to travel to California next month, stay tuned for reports from the road as well as post-event coverage.
Viola ‘Corina Deep Blue and White’
Hem Genetics
Deep Blue and White is one of three new colors added to the Corina series for the 2018-19 season. This vividly colored and patterned introduction is striking in the garden as a border or accent. It retains its mounded, spreading shape and lasts longer into the heat than pansies when used in spring.
Dianthus Corona
PanAmerican Seed
This new series is bred to grow the biggest blooms of any dianthus of this type. Exceptional flower form and a palette of showstopping color choices makes Corona regal choice for cool-season landscapes. Plant it along with other spring annuals.
Canna ‘South Pacific Orange’
American Takii
‘South Pacific Orange’ is a 2018 All-America Selections winner, joining the 2013 award winner ‘South Pacific Scarlet’. It is ideal for landscapes with its compact habit, brilliant flower color and excellent repeat blooming.
Echinacea ‘Prima Ginger’
Terra Nova Nurseries
‘Prima Ginger’ presents charming multicolored blooms that start a soft orange and age to a pink tone. This bright variety has an extremely short, clumping habit with multiple crowns. It blooms the first year with numerous flowers and is hardy to Zones 4 through 10.
Pelargonium ‘Big EEZE Flamingo’
Dümmen Orange
Flamingo fits in perfectly with the Big EEZE series known for its oversized umbels, saturated colors and unbeatable landscape performance. This interspecific geranium features trendy pink petals with subtle white veining, making it a must-have item for consumers.
Salvia ‘Sky Blue Marvel’
Darwin Perennials
Sky Blue is a light blue addition to the Marvel family, which boasts the largest flowers of any Salvia nemerosa on the market. Enjoy the stunning display of color in spring and summer. Little to no maintenance is required in the garden. It is hardy to Zones 4 through 9.
Will you be heading to the California coast next month? If so, be sure to stop and say, “Hi!” if you see me and the rest of the Lawn & Garden Retailer crew on the road. We’ve love to catch up and chat about all the new intros.
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