Note: Information for this trials report was provided by Jennifer Northam, Horticulturist at the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville, TN.
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After an unusually wet spring which was great in getting our trials established, we then had temperatures that were higher than normal, along with a drought in June until the end of July when we had a reprieve. This was followed by another six weeks of extended drought. The trials that appreciate cooler temperatures died out faster.
There were about 150 plant varieties that we trialed in landscape beds and/or in containers. The trials consisted of 95% annuals and 5% perennials. Trials were evaluated six times between June and the end of August.
Our best-performing varieties were:
- Lantana ‘Heartland Neon’ (Dümmen Orange)
- Dahlia ‘Virtuoso Vibrant Violet’ (Proven Winners)
- Dahlia ‘Virtuoso Classy Carmine’ (Proven Winners)
- Petunia ‘Supertunia Vista Bubblegum’ (Proven Winners)
- Scaevola ‘Whirlwind Blue’ (Proven Winners)
These were all vigorous, full of color, and healthy all summer long through the high heat, humidity, rains, and drought.
When it comes to what impressed me most, there were some new varieties that were unique in color and vigor such as the Petunia ‘Supertunia Tiara Blue’ and ‘Tiara Pink’ from Proven Winners. They were rich in color with a lighter halo towards the center of the bloom that really stood out. Plants were healthy all summer.
The Virtuoso Dahlia series from Proven Winners was impressive because of the color palette and the number of blooms. One fun color was Virtuoso Pinkerific.
New cultivars of cuphea also performed well. Cuphea ‘Totally Tempted Watermelon Wine’ from Proven Winners was unique and performed well with some irrigation.
The most impressive plants this year were the Lantana ‘Heartland Neon’ (Dümmen Orange) and Dahlia ‘Virtuoso Vibrant Violet’ (Proven Winners). They performed exceptionally well, had great color with nice uniformity, and were resilient in summer heat.
Historically in East Tennessee, we have adequate rainfall through the summer at least until mi-July, but the weather was hotter and drier which made us rely on irrigation, which is costly in man-hours and water usage. More drought-tolerant cultivars of popular plants is definitely a direction breeders need to head and/or the introduction to the trade of new native cultivars with environmental resilience and an aesthetic appeal.
Find more 2024 field trials information here.
