Farwest Show names Best in Show New Varieties awards
The Oregon Association of Nurseries and the Farwest Show have announced winners of the Judges Choice Awards at the 2024 Farwest Show New Varieties Showcase.
Japanese Snowbell ‘Starway to Heaven’ has been named Best in Show – New Variety. Three awards of merit were given to Flame Violet ‘Cleopatra’, Japanese Forest Grass ‘Lime Zest’, and Doghobble ‘Paisley Pup’. These plants, along with all 25 entries, can be viewed through Aug. 23 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.
‘Starway to Heaven’, discovered by Chris and Josh Robinson at Robinson Nursery in Amity, Oregon, was introduced by Spring Meadow Nursery in Grand Haven, Michigan.
It is a reblooming styrax with petite, five-petalled flowers that resembles a galaxy of stars when it blooms in the spring, and again in the fall, when it reblooms. Each flower has a shimmering, almost metallic effect that sparkles in the landscape. Its deep green, glossy foliage emerges red, and its narrow, space saving habit beautifies landscapes both large and small. It is hardy to Zones 5 to 9.
Awards of Merit
In addition of the Best of Show award, judges gave three Awards of Merit as follows.
Flame Violet ‘Cleopatra’
Flame Violet ‘Cleopatra’, introduced by Cascade Tropicals of Snohomish, Washington, is an easy-care houseplant with a showy combination of pink, white and green satin foliage. It reaches 12 inches wide by 10 inches tall. Outside it would be hardy to Zones 10 to 12. The plant is available in 2-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch containers.
Japanese Forest Grass ‘Lime Zest’
Introduced by Briggs Nursery of Elma, Washington, ‘Lime Zest’ features eye-catching lime-colored foliage with white to cream variegation along with plum-colored shoots. It can add texture and movement to a landscape and pairs well with dark leaved shrubs. It reaches 12 to 14 inches tall by 18 to 24 inches wide and is hardy to Zones 5 to 8.
Doghobble ‘Paisley Pup’
Hybridized by Proven Winners and introduced by Walla Walla Nursery of Walla Walla, Washington, this broadleaf evergreen is native to North America and is filled with eye-catching variegated foliage in shades of pink, green, cream, and bronze. Tiny bell-shaped blooms are strung along arching branches, feeding pollinators in the late springtime. Shade-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-growing. Hardy to Zones 5 to 8.
All of the New Varieties Showcase selections are viewable at the Farwest Show and at farwestshow.com/
Photos courtesy of The Oregon Association of Nurseries and the Farwest Show.
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