Bailey Hydrangea crowned People’s Choice at Farwest Show
Farwest Show has announced hydrangea ‘Eclipse’ was voted by attendees as the People’s Choice winner in the 2023 New Varieties Showcase.
The plant, bred by Bailey Innovations and introduced by Bailey Nurseries, is one of 59 outstanding new selections on display at the 2023 Farwest Show and available from at least one show exhibitor.
“New plants bring excitement to the nursery industry and to gardening,” said Mary Claire Lamm, manager of events and education for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “We had 59 new plants on display this year at the New Varieties Showcase, so it was a lot of excitement, and a great way to see some of the top performing plants of the future.”
Eclipse is the first true dark-leaf Hydrangea macrophylla on the market. Its intense, dark purple foliage holds its color, even in sunny warm climates. The striking foliage, paired with gorgeous dark purple- or cranberry-colored blooms, will make a big impact at retail, in the garden, and in a decorative container. Eclipse is a grower-friendly plant that offers excellent mildew and Cercospora fungus resistance, holds up well in a garden center, and is a standout in the landscape. It grows to 3 to 5 feet wide by 3 to 5 feet tall, and is hardy in Zones 5a to 9b.
In addition of the Best of Show award, judges gave Awards of Merit as follows:
Winter Daphne ‘Banana Split’
Discovered by Cesar Velazquez and introduced by Monrovia Nursery. Banana Split is an exceptional new selection with variegated foliage. Each leaf has a wide yellow edge. Rose-pink buds open to white, sweetly fragrant flowers. It is a great foundation plant in dappled shade that resists reversion compared to other variegated daphne varieties. It grows to 3–4 feet wide by 3–4 feet tall and is hardy to Zone 7a. The plant is available as #2 containers from Monrovia Nursery.
Elephant Ear ‘Frydek Variegated’
The plant, discovered in the Philippines, was introduced by Andrej Suske and Cascade Tropicals. This variegated elephant ear is a sought-after form of ‘Frydek’, for its unique variegation on velvety, soft foliage. Its mature leaves can get up to 18 inches long. It grows to 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall, and is hardy to zones 10a to 12. It is available as 2-and 4-inch containers from Cascade Tropicals.
Thuja ‘Leprechaun’
Discovered and introduced by Frank Kogut of Kogut Nursery LLC, Connecticut. This unique hardy compact form of Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is soft textured, with a tight habit. It is great for hedges and screens, and perfect for smaller spaces. Grows to 6 feet wide by 15 feet tall. Hardy to Zone 4a. The plant is available in #6 and #10 containers and field-grown B&B from Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas. and KG Farms.
All of the New Varieties Showcase selections are viewable at farwestshow.com/new-varieties-showcase/.
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