Perennials Trial Report

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
2016–2017

JC Raulston Arboretum at
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

Mark Weathington
Director

Bernadette Clark
Agricultural Research Technician

Department of Horticultural Science
JC Raulston Arboretum

Table of Contents

General Introductory Notes and Acknowledgements
Understanding Our Data
Climate Graphs
Plant Material Sources
Results

General Introductory Notes and Acknowledgements

The Perennials Trial are located adjacent to the Color Trials at NC State University within the JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA) in Raleigh. The JCRA is a ten and a half acre site administered by the Department of Horticultural Science and located on 35° 47'N latitude, longitude 78° 42' W, with an elevation of 400'.

Plants to be entered into our trials are received in one of three ways—seeds, rooted cuttings/plugs or finished plants/pot. Virtually all are grown within controlled greenhouse environments prior to placement in protected outdoor structures for hardening off. Plant spacing in the trials is based on the estimated mature size of entrant that fits to a 4' × 4' area or by the number of plants sent. Each entry is evaluated for two complete calendar years, being removed after the spring flush in year three. After the plants are established, they are evaluated for hardiness and landscape performance with ratings regularly taken.

Acknowledgements

We thank the vegetative and seed companies that participate in our trials. The services we provide would not be possible without the cooperation and support of these companies. We appreciate this confidence and trust and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

Lastly, we are thankful to other departmental staff and the volunteers of the JC Raulston Arboretum who assisted in transplanting and maintaining the plants … we couldn't have done it without you all!

Participants

2015

Benary
Dümmen Orange
Syngenta Flowers

2016

Dümmen Orange
Syngenta Flowers
Terra Nova Nurseries

We also thank the following companies for their support of material donations:

  • BASF, 26 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  • Sun Gro Horticulture, 3723 Hogshead Road, Apopka, FL 32702

Understanding Our Data

Cultural Data

Trials are conducted in amended beds. Prior to planting, beds are fertilized with 10-10-10 granular fertilizer and tilled. All plant material is mulched with composted leaf mulch to a 2"–3" depth after planting. Pre-emergent herbicides are used at the initial planting and repeated each subsequent spring/summer season. Hand weeding is done at all other times. Later in the season, a post-emergent herbicide application along the edge of the beds was done on an as needed basis. An in-ground irrigation system delivers 1"–1.5" of water to the beds each week. Plant height and width measurements (recorded in inches) are taken during the growing season. Data was collected from a representative plant, not the largest or the smallest but an average plant. Dormant plants were cut back in the fall/early winter to clean up the area and reduce overwintering habitat for insects and diseases.

Evaluations

The purpose of our perennials trial is to evaluate the plant material under conditions unique to our location. Our summer growing conditions are typically hot temperatures with high humidity. There is little nighttime temperature relief/recovery; average summer nighttime temperatures can be in the 70s. During our winters we can experience wide and rapid fluctuations in temperatures. Irrigation is required all season.

What do we look for?

  • General Plant Growth – healthy appearance, attractive foliage, uniform growth
  • Flowers – floriferousness, bloom duration, uniform color, does it hold up after a heavy rain
  • Pests and diseases – any visible evidence of damage: distorted or chewed foliage
  • Heat tolerance – do the flowers and plants hold up in the heat, does the flower color fade or stripe
  • Hardiness (survival) – determined (in the spring) by the number of plants that made it through or emerged after the winter

Installation Date

Most entries were planted into their permanent trial location on:

  • 2015 entries on May 12, 2015, and October 20, 2015
  • 2016 entries on May 10, 2016

Entries that Did Not Survive

Died 2015

Aubrieta 'Audrey Deep Blue Shades'
Aubrieta
'Audrey Red'
Campanula
'Pearl Deep Blue'
Campanula
'Pearl White'
Dianthus 'Odessa Orange Bling Bling'
Dianthus 'Odessa Easy Pink'
Lavendula 'Blue Scent Improved'
Lavenudula 'White Scent Early'
Penstemon 'Experiemental Arabesque Magenta'
Penstemon 'Experimental Red Dwarf'
Penstemon 'Experimental Violet Dwarf'
Salvia 'Salute IceBlue'

Died 2016

Arenaria 'Summer White'
Arenaria
'Blizzard Compact'
Calendula
'Winter Wonders Amber Artic'
Calendula 'Winter Creeper Blond and Brisk'
Campanula 'Clockwise Deep Blue'
Coreopsis 'Sun Swirl'
Delphinium 'Compact Light Blue/White Bee'
Delphinium 'Compact Rose/White Bee'
Dianthus 'Sunflor Mimi'
Dianthus 'Sunflor Red Esta'
Geum 'Rustico Orange'
×Heucherella 'Happy Hour Lime'
Iberis 'Snowcone Forte'
Iberis
'Snowsurfer Forte'
Iberis 'Tahoe Improved'
Salvia 'Caramia'
Sedum 'Surrender Red'
Strobilanthese 'Brunetthy'

The best way to really evaluate our trials is to come in person. The JCRA is open 365 days a year.

Average Monthly Precipitation and Temperature

Precipitation Graph - 2016-2017

 

Temperature Grpah - 2016-2017

Our growing conditions during summer 2016 were hot and humid. In July and August, we experienced a prolonged period of temperatures in the 90s coupled with high humidity. Our daytime highs made no meteorological records, but, when coupled with the high humidity, many days were downright brutal with the heat index making the temperature feel in excess of 100°F.

In the month of July, our average night temperature was 72.8°F. The only night when the temperature dipped below 70°F was July 4, when the temperature was 68°F. According to the meteorologists, our high nighttime lows were the 4th highest since World War II.

The hottest temperature (99°F) occurred on July 24 and July 25. The total number of days at or above 90°F was 64, roughly 45% of our growing period. The heaviest rainfall, which was 5.9", occurred on July 17. Rain totals for the summer season exceeded the norm by 11".

The 2016 summer season was challenging due to the frequent rainfall experienced during the early months of the growing period. These conditions were ideal for the development of plant pathogens.

The 2016–2017 winter season was one long roller coaster ride. We experienced low temperatures in the teens to high temperatures in the low 80s. The entire season was made up of rapid cycles of warm temperatures followed by freezing temperatures. There was no gradual transition from cold to warm to cold at any time.

November temperatures were only slightly on the warm side. The first freezing event occurred on November 13 with a low temperature of 28°F. Our "meteorological winter" (December–February) had well above normal temperatures with February breaking historical records. In January, we had seven straight days of below freezing night temperatures with daytime highs in the 30s and 40s. Our coldest night, 11°F, was on January 9. February goes down in the weather books as the warmest in 130 years. We had three days of temperatures 80F or higher!  In March, we had eight back-to-back days of sub-freezing temperatures with daytime highs in the 40s and 50s. Our March average temperatures were lower than those in February.

The rain total for October was 10.45" when Hurricane Matthew devastated our state! November was a very dry month (0.39") making November 2016 the 9th driest since 1887. The reminder of the season was on the dry side, with January and March closest to the norm.

Seed and Plant Material Sources

Benary, 267 Osprey Drive, Pell City, Alabama, 35128
Dümmen Orange, 15245 W. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060
Syngenta Flowers, 6899 Winchester Circle, Suite 102, Boulder, CO 80301
Terra Nova Nurseries, 10051 S. Macksburg Road, Canby, OR 97013

Please get in touch with these companies if you have specific questions regarding individual species and cultivars.

Trial Results

Perennials Planted in 2015

Aubrieta
Audrey Deep Blue rock cress

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Aubrieta
Audrey Red rock cress

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died winter 2015-2016.


Campanula carpatica - Pearl Deep Blue Carpathian harebell

Campanula carpatica
Pearl Deep Blue Carpathian harebell

Company
Benary
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died winter 2015-2016.


Campanula carpatica - Pearl White Carpathian harebell

Campanula carpatica
Pearl White Carpathian harebell

Company
Benary
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Campanula portenschlagiana - Clockwise Deep Blue dalmatian bellflower

Campanula portenschlagiana
Clockwise Deep Blue dalmatian bellflower

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died early June 2016.


Coreopsis grandiflora - Andiamo Yellow Red tickseed

Coreopsis grandiflora
Andiamo Yellow Red tickseed

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Height
16"
Spread
19"
Number Planted
9
Survival
55.5%

Comments
Flowers are a bright yellow color; bloomed from late May through the end of August; flowers covered plants.


Coreopsis - Leading Lady Charlize tickseed

Coreopsis
Leading Lady Charlize tickseed

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
19"
Spread
26"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Plant forms a small mound; double flowers; flowers have frilly petals; flowers are a clear yellow color; bloomed from May to early October.


Coreopsis - Leading Lady Lauren tickseed

Coreopsis
Leading Lady Lauren tickseed

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
12.5"
Spread
23.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Plant forms a small mound; single flowers are a clear yellow color; bloomed from late May to early October.


Dianthus - Kahori pink

Dianthus
Kahori pink

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
4"
Spread
12.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Attractive shape, nice and tidy; low growing mounds of green foliage with beautiful pink flowers that cover the plant; bloomed from May through late November; in year 2 the mounds knitted together.


Dianthus - Odessa Bling Bling carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Bling Bling carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Dianthus - Odessa Easy Pink carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Easy Pink carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Dianthus - Odessa Orange Bling Bling carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Orange Bling Bling carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Dianthus - Odessa Pierrot carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Pierrot carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
6"
Spread
13"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Interesting double flowers that are deep red with light pink edge color; bloomed mid-March through early January; mounding plant habit.


Dianthus - Odessa Pure carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Pure carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
8.5"
Spread
15"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Low growing, mounding plant habit with silver-green foliage; attractive clear white flowers; bloomed May through early January.


Dianthus - Odessa Red carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Red carnation

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Echinacea purpurea - Prairie Splendor Compact Rose coneflower

Echinacea purpurea
Prairie Splendor Compact Rose coneflower

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Height
11.5"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
12
Survival
25%

Comments
Compact plant habit; large flowers are a rosy-pink color; bloomed June thru July then again September to late November.


Iberis sempervirens
Tahoe candytuft

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
The lone survivor died early July 2016.


Lavandula angustifolia - Blue Scent Early lavender

Lavandula angustifolia
Blue Scent Early lavender

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Lavandula angustifolia
White Scent Early lavender

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
9
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Penstemon hartwegii
Experimental Arabesque Magenta beardtongue

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Penstemon hartwegii
Experimental Arabesque Red Dwarf beardtongue

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Penstemon hartwegii
Experimental Arabesque Violet Dwarf beardtongue

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
12
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Phlox paniculata - Early Light Pink garden phlox

Phlox paniculata
Early Light Pink garden phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
12"
Spread
13"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact clumps of green; great flower power; flower color is a pale pink with a dark purple center; bloomed end May through early September.


Phlox paniculata - Early White garden phlox

Phlox paniculata
Early White garden phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
9.5"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact clumps of green; flower color is a pure, clean looking white; bloomed mid-June through July.


Phlox subulata - Spring Blue moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring Blue moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
6"
Spread
18"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; great flower power; bloomed October to mid-February; flowers are soft blue with a dark blue center- there are some plants with bare spots in the crown.


Phlox subulata - Spring Dark Pink moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring Dark Pink moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
6.5"
Spread
34"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; great flower power- plants are totally covered with color; has got spring WOW!; flower color is a deep pink; bloomed July then again mid-October through late spring.


Phlox subulata - Spring Lavender moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring Lavender moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
7"
Spread
28.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; flowers are pale purple and located mainly around the edge of the plants; great flower power; bloomed sporadically July and August then again November to late spring.


Phlox subulata - Spring Light Pink moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring Light Pink moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
5"
Spread
16.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; bloomed March thru April 2016; flowers are pink with a deep pink center.


Phlox subulata - Spring Purple moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring Purple moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
5"
Spread
16"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; great flower power- plants are totally covered with color; has got spring WOW!; bloomed November to late spring; flowers are purple.


Phlox subulata - Spring White moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Spring White moss phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
7"
Spread
28"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact mound of green needle-like foliage; great flower power; has got spring WOW!; flower color is pure white-very few bare spots in the crown; bloomed mid-March to early May.


Phlox 'Barphlearpideye' - Early Pink Dark Eye hybrid garden phlox

Phlox 'Barphlearpideye'
Early Pink Dark Eye hybrid garden phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
15"
Spread
11"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact clumps of green; great flower power; bloomed June to early September; flowers are light pink with a dark pink center.


Phlox 'Barphlopanearpur' - Early Purple hybrid garden phlox

Phlox 'Barphlopanearpur'
Early Purple hybrid garden phlox

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
9"
Spread
10.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; tight compact clumps of green; great flower power; bloomed late May to early November; flowers are purple.


Salvia - Salute Deep Blue sage

Salvia
Salute Deep Blue sage

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
12.5"
Spread
20"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Short, uniform, well branched plants; prolific bloomer; flowers are a dark blue color; bloomed from late April to early December.


Salvia
Salute Ice Blue sage

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Died Winter 2015-2016.


Salvia - Salute Pink sage

Salvia
Salute Pink sage

Company
Dümmen Orange
Year Planted
2015
Height
10.5"
Spread
15"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Compact, well branched plants; attractive spikes of pink flowers; bloomed from late April to September; only one survivor.


Sedum spurium - Solarity stonecrop

Sedum spurium
Solarity stonecrop

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Height
4"
Spread
19.5"
Number Planted
9
Survival
55.5%

Comments
Groundcover that tightly hugs the ground; green fleshy leaves turn a beautiful crimson red in the winter; no flowers.


Sedum telephium - Surrender Red common orpine

Sedum telephium
Surrender Red common orpine

Company
Syngenta Flowers
Year Planted
2015
Height
6.5"
Spread
12.5"
Number Planted
9
Survival
0%

Comments
Very compact, well branched plants; flowers are a deep rose/red color; bloomed sporadically in August, died September 2016 (possibly due to heavy rains).


Perennials Planted in 2016

Aquilegia caerulea - Experimental Origami Dark Blue/White Improved columbine

Aquilegia caerulea
Experimental Origami Dark Blue/White Improved columbine

Company
Experimental Origami Dark Blue/White Improved columbine
Year Planted
2016
Height
7.5"
Spread
11"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Formed nice sized clumps that withstood the heat until late August; flowers are white center petals surrounded by deep blue reflexed petals.


Aquilegia caerulea - Experimental Origami Light Blue/White Improved columbine

Aquilegia caerulea
Experimental Origami Light Blue/White Improved columbine

Company
Experimental Origami Light Blue/White Improved columbine
Year Planted
2016
Height
6"
Spread
9.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Formed small sized clumps that withstood the heat until late August; attractive bicolored flowers-white center petals surrounded by light blue/lavender reflexed petals; flowered late July to mid-August.


Aquilegia caerulea - Experimental Origami Red/White Improved columbine

Aquilegia caerulea
Experimental Origami Red/White Improved columbine

Company
Experimental Origami Red/White Improved columbine
Year Planted
2016
Height
8"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Formed nice sized clumps that withstood the heat until late August; flower are white center petals surrounded by red reflexed petals.


Aquilegia caerulea - Experimental Origami Rose/White Improved columbine

Aquilegia caerulea
Experimental Origami Rose/White Improved columbine

Company
Experimental Origami Rose/White Improved columbine
Year Planted
2016
Height
7"
Spread
9.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Formed nice sized clumps that withstood the heat; attractive bicolored flowers-center of pale pink petals with deep rose reflexed petals; flowered early August.


Aquilegia caerulea - Experimental Origami Yellow Improved columbine

Aquilegia caerulea
Experimental Origami Yellow Improved columbine

Company
Experimental Origami Yellow Improved columbine
Year Planted
2016
Height
7.5"
Spread
8.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Formed nice sized clumps that withstood the heat; Attractive light yellow flowers; flowered sporadically in August to early September then again in April.


Arenaria montana
Blizzard Compact mountain sandwort

Company
Blizzard Compact mountain sandwort
Year Planted
2016
Height
3.5"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
7
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by mid-July.


Arenaria montana
Summer White mountain sandwort

Company
Summer White mountain sandwort
Year Planted
2016
Height
3"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Small plant covered in small white flowers; Never established; dead by late August.


Bergenia - Experimental Dark Leaf Rose bergenia

Bergenia
Experimental Dark Leaf Rose bergenia

Company
Experimental Dark Leaf Rose bergenia
Year Planted
2016
Height
2.5"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
These plants have struggled to survive; Pale pink flower on one plant; Attractive fall /winter foliage- leaves turn a reddish purple; large oval shaped leaves.


Calendula '20123-5d' - Winter Creeper Blond & Brisk calendula

Calendula '20123-5d'
Winter Creeper Blond & Brisk calendula

Company
Winter Creeper Blond & Brisk calendula
Year Planted
2016
Height
4.5"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by late July.


Calendula '20123-72d'
Winter Wonders Amber Arctic calendula

Company
Winter Wonders Amber Arctic calendula
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
2
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by late June.


Coreopsis grandiflora - Sun Swirl tickseed

Coreopsis grandiflora
Sun Swirl tickseed

Company
Sun Swirl tickseed
Year Planted
2016
Height
7"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Attractive double golden colored flowers; Flowered sporadically from June to late July; Died by mid-October; late season rain??


Delosperma 'Wowdw7' - Wheels of Wonder White Wonder ice plant

Delosperma 'Wowdw7'
Wheels of Wonder White Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder White Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
14.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
33.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers- clear, white petals with yellow center; flowered from May to mid-November.


Delospermum 'Wowd20111' - Wheels of Wonder Golden Wonder ice plant

Delospermum 'Wowd20111'
Wheels of Wonder Golden Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder Golden Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
3.5"
Spread
10.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers- clear, bright yellow petals with matching center; flowered from May to late-November.


Delospermum 'Wowday2 - Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder ice plant

Delospermum 'Wowday2
Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder Fire Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
10"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers- clear, orange petals with bright yellow center; flowered from May to mid-November.


Delospermum 'Wowdoy3' - Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder ice plant

Delospermum 'Wowdoy3'
Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder Orange Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
3"
Spread
6.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers- clear, orange petals with yellow center; Longest blooming- flowered from May to early December.


Delospermum 'Wowodrw5' - Wheels of Wonder Violet Wonder ice plant

Delospermum 'Wowodrw5'
Wheels of Wonder Violet Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder Violet Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers- clear, magenta petals with white center; flowered from May to late-November.


Delospermum 'Wowodry11' - Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink Wonder ice plant

Delospermum 'Wowodry11'
Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink Wonder ice plant

Company
Wheels of Wonder Hot Pink Wonder ice plant
Year Planted
2016
Height
3.5"
Spread
8.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; Attractive ground cover; interesting foliage-evergreen, long, green, cylindrical leaves; Daisy-like flowers-bright pink petals with yellow center; flowered from May to mid-November.


Delphinium elatum - Compact Light Blue/White Bee perennial larkspur

Delphinium elatum
Compact Light Blue/White Bee perennial larkspur

Company
Compact Light Blue/White Bee perennial larkspur
Year Planted
2016
Height
9.5"
Spread
4.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Attractive bicolor flowers; dead by mid-July.


Delphinium elatum
Compact Rose/White Bee perennial larkspur

Company
Compact Rose/White Bee perennial larkspur
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by early July.


Dianthus - Beauties Doutzen pink

Dianthus
Beauties Doutzen pink

Company
Beauties Doutzen pink
Year Planted
2016
Height
6.5"
Spread
7.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, low mounding, tidy plant habit; narrow silver-green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Single flowers are a light pink to white in color; flowered from June through the first of January.


Dianthus - Beauties Kate pink

Dianthus
Beauties Kate pink

Company
Beauties Kate pink
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
4.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, low growing, mounding plant habit; narrow green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Single fringed five-petal flowers are a bright pink color; flowered from May through late November.


Dianthus - Beauties Naomi pink

Dianthus
Beauties Naomi pink

Company
Beauties Naomi pink
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, mounding, tidy plant habit; narrow silvery-green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Single five-petal flowers are a pink color; flowered from June through late November.


Dianthus - Odessa Aston carnation

Dianthus
Odessa Aston carnation

Company
Odessa Aston carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
6"
Spread
8"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, compact mounds of silver evergreen foliage; semi-double five-petal flowers are a bright pink color; flowered from late-July through early December.


Dianthus
Olivia Beetle carnation

Company
Olivia Beetle carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Uniform, low mounding plant habit; green leaves; Evergreen foliage; flowers are a purple color; flowered from June through late November; most plants had major dead areas.


Dianthus - Olivia Cherry carnation

Dianthus
Olivia Cherry carnation

Company
Olivia Cherry carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
5.5"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, tidy ground hugging plant habit; green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Bicolored flowers are a dark red with bright pink centers and edges; flowered from May through early December.


Dianthus - Olivia Sweet carnation

Dianthus
Olivia Sweet carnation

Company
Olivia Sweet carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
4.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
50%

Comments
Uniform, petite mounding plant habit; green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Bicolored flowers are a dark red with clear white centers and edges; flowered from May through early December.


Dianthus - Sunflor Desire carnation

Dianthus
Sunflor Desire carnation

Company
Sunflor Desire carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
6.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; narrow silvery-green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Double flowers are a deep red color; flowered from June through late November; most plants have major dead areas.


Dianthus - Sunflor Dynamite carnation

Dianthus
Sunflor Dynamite carnation

Company
Sunflor Dynamite carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; narrow deep green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Double flowers are a velvety red color; As the name says, there is an explosion of flowers that cover the plant; flowered from June through late November.


Dianthus - Sunflor Jaguar carnation

Dianthus
Sunflor Jaguar carnation

Company
Sunflor Jaguar carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
3"
Spread
4.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
33.3%

Comments
Uniform, small mounding plant habit; narrow green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Bicolored flowers are red with deep red, almost black, centers; flowered sporadically from May to June, then again in November.


Dianthus - Sunflor Maserati carnation

Dianthus
Sunflor Maserati carnation

Company
Sunflor Maserati carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
3.5"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Uniform, small mounding plant habit; narrow green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Double flowers are an orange red color; flowered from May through early November; only one plant has survived.


Dianthus - Sunflor Mimi carnation

Dianthus
Sunflor Mimi carnation

Company
Sunflor Mimi carnation
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; narrow green leaves; never flowered; dead by mid-July.


Dianthus
Sunflor Red Esta carnation

Company
Sunflor Red Esta carnation
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; narrow green leaves; bicolored flowers are red with white edges; flowered sporadically from June to July; Died Winter 2017.


Gaillardia pulchella - SpinTop Yellow Touch blanket flower

Gaillardia pulchella
SpinTop Yellow Touch blanket flower

Company
SpinTop Yellow Touch blanket flower
Year Planted
2016
Height
6.5"
Spread
6"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Low maintenance; attractive red flowers with a yellow rim; flowered from July to December; uniform, compact neat plant habit; lots of flowers; pollinators loved it.


Geum - Rustico Orange geum

Geum
Rustico Orange geum

Company
Rustico Orange geum
Year Planted
2016
Height
11"
Spread
14"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Beautiful large green leaves formed attractive mounds; heat at the end of August - September caused these plants to die.


Heuchera americana - Marvelous Marble Silver coral bells

Heuchera americana
Marvelous Marble Silver coral bells

Company
Marvelous Marble Silver coral bells
Year Planted
2016
Height
4.5"
Spread
7.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
33.3%

Comments
These plants have struggled to survive; Attractive foliage with changing leaf color- in winter leaves are purple going to green with dark reddish veins as the seasons progress.


Heucherella - Plum Cascade foamybells

Heucherella
Plum Cascade foamybells

Company
Plum Cascade foamybells
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
These plants did not thrive in our conditions- only one survivor, a continuous season long decline; All but 1 dead by December, Small leaves are a dark purple almost black color.


Heucherella 'Tnherhhl'
Happy Hour Lime foamybells

Company
Happy Hour Lime foamybells
Year Planted
2016
Height
4"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by September; Eye catching, bright, clear-green foliage; full sun was too much for the plants.


Iberis sempervirens
Snow Cone Forte candytuft

Company
Snow Cone Forte candytuft
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by late June.


Iberis sempervirens
Snowsurfer Forte candytuft

Company
Snowsurfer Forte candytuft
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dead by early July.


Lavandula angustifolia - Aromatico Autumn Blue lavender

Lavandula angustifolia
Aromatico Autumn Blue lavender

Company
Aromatico Autumn Blue lavender
Year Planted
2016
Height
7.5"
Spread
3.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
16.6%

Comments
Tight, well-branched growth; Silver evergreen foliage; dark purple flowers- flowered from mid-June thru July then again from mid-September thru November; has struggled.


Lavender stoechas - Experimental Javelin Winter Hardy Lilac lavender

Lavender stoechas
Experimental Javelin Winter Hardy Lilac lavender

Company
Experimental Javelin Winter Hardy Lilac lavender
Year Planted
2016
Height
9.5"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, tight, well-branched growth; dead centers on some of the plants; silvery-green foliage; loaded with purple flowers- flowered from May thru June.


Lavender stoechas - Javelin Forte Deep Purple lavender

Lavender stoechas
Javelin Forte Deep Purple lavender

Company
Javelin Forte Deep Purple lavender
Year Planted
2016
Height
9.5"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, tight, well-branched growth; Green foliage; dead centers on some of the plants; loaded with flowers- flowered from May thru mid-July then again from October thru mid-November; nice contrast of deep purple flowers against green foliage.


Leucanthemum maximum - Western Star Taurus Shasta daisy

Leucanthemum maximum
Western Star Taurus Shasta daisy

Company
Western Star Taurus Shasta daisy
Year Planted
2016
Height
7"
Spread
14"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Low maintenance; attractive deep green foliage; plants are uniform and compact; large flower head-clear white petals with yellow center; flowered from mid-June to late August and again the month of December.


Monarda (MO 011) - monarda

Monarda (MO 011)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
12"
Spread
13.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Powdery mildew a late season problem- Heavy; In spring 2017 the new growth formed a heavy spreading mat; attractive pink colored spider shaped flowers; flowered from end of July to early September; pollinator friendly.


Monarda (MO 013) - monarda

Monarda (MO 013)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
6.5"
Spread
10"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Powdery mildew a late season problem- Heavy; In spring 2017 the new growth formed a heavy spreading mat; attractive red colored spider shaped flowers; flowered from August to end of October; pollinator friendly.


Monarda (MO 014) - monarda

Monarda (MO 014)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
11.5"
Spread
15.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Powdery mildew a late season problem- Moderate; In spring 2017 there was both matting with some clumping at the base of the original plant; attractive lavender-purple colored spider shaped flowers; flowered from August to Nov.; pollinator friendly.


Monarda (MO 015) - monarda

Monarda (MO 015)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
6"
Spread
6.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Last of the monardas to show powdery mildew- Light to Moderate; In spring 2017 new growth formed in a tight mound at the base of the original plant; attractive red colored spider shaped flowers; flowered from mid-July to mid-November.; pollinator friendly.


Monarda (MO 017) - monarda

Monarda (MO 017)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
5.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Last of the monardas to show powdery mildew- Light; In spring 2017 new growth formed in a large mound at the base of the original plant; attractive deep purple colored spider shaped flowers; flowered from August to mid-November; pollinator friendly.


Monarda (MO 021) - monarda

Monarda (MO 021)
monarda

Company
monarda
Year Planted
2016
Height
5"
Spread
4.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Last of the monardas to show powdery mildew- Light to Moderate; In spring 2017 the new growth formed a light spreading mat; attractive red colored spider shaped flowers; pollinator friendly.


Perovskia
Mini Blue Russian sage

Company
Mini Blue Russian sage
Year Planted
2016
Height
4.5"
Spread
6"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Silvery colored foliage; small purple flowers; flowered from mid-August to mid-October; all dead by December.


Phlox paniculata - Early Cerise garden phlox

Phlox paniculata
Early Cerise garden phlox

Company
Early Cerise garden phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
9"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Sprawling, dark green foliage; flowers are a deep pink color; flowered from July to early October.


Phlox paniculata - Early White garden phlox

Phlox paniculata
Early White garden phlox

Company
Early White garden phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
8"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Sprawling, dark green foliage; Evergreen foliage; flowers are a crisp, clean white color; flowered from June to early November.


Phlox stolonifera - Sweet Seduction Blue creeping phlox

Phlox stolonifera
Sweet Seduction Blue creeping phlox

Company
Sweet Seduction Blue creeping phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
2"
Spread
4"
Number Planted
7
Survival
71.4%

Comments
Flat to the ground, green leafed groundcover; Leaves are small and round shaped- giving an interesting texture; flowers are a lavender/pale blue; didn't flowered until February 2017.


Phlox stolonifera - Sweet Seduction Pink creeping phlox

Phlox stolonifera
Sweet Seduction Pink creeping phlox

Company
Sweet Seduction Pink creeping phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
2"
Spread
3.5"
Number Planted
9
Survival
77.7%

Comments
Flat to the ground, green leafed groundcover; Leaves are small and round shaped- giving an interesting texture; flowers are a light pink color; didn't flowered until February 2017.


Phlox subulata - Flame Red moss phlox

Phlox subulata
Flame Red moss phlox

Company
Flame Red moss phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
9.5"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; flowers are a red color; flowered from mid-July thru October.


Phlox - Early Pink Blush garden phlox

Phlox
Early Pink Blush garden phlox

Company
Early Pink Blush garden phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
10.5"
Spread
9"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Sprawling, dark green foliage; flowers are a light pink color with a dark eye; flowered from late-June to late-November.


Phlox - Multi Confetti Early 1 phlox

Phlox
Multi Confetti Early 1 phlox

Company
Multi Confetti Early 1 phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
8"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; Multi Confetti Early 1 is a mix of light pink with dark eye and deep pink colored flowers; flowered from mid-July to mid-October.


Phlox - Multi Confetti Flame 1 phlox

Phlox
Multi Confetti Flame 1 phlox

Company
Multi Confetti Flame 1 phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
9"
Spread
5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; Multi Confetti Flame 1 is a mix of white, pink, and coral colored flowers; flowered from mid-July to October.


Phlox - Multi Confetti Spring 1 phlox

Phlox
Multi Confetti Spring 1 phlox

Company
Multi Confetti Spring 1 phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
3"
Spread
9.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; needle-like green leaves; Evergreen foliage; Multi Confetti Spring 1 is a mix of pink and white colored flowers; flowered from late October to late spring.


Phlox paniculata 'Barfourteen' - Purple Flame garden phlox

Phlox paniculata 'Barfourteen'
Purple Flame garden phlox

Company
Purple Flame garden phlox
Year Planted
2016
Height
7.5"
Spread
6"
Number Planted
6
Survival
83.3%

Comments
Uniform, mounding plant habit; flowers are a dark purple color; flowered from late-June thru mid-October.


Salvia
Caramia sage

Company
Caramia sage
Year Planted
2016
Number Planted
8
Survival
0%

Comments
Never established; dark purple flower color; flowered end of May to early June; dead by July.


Salvia - Multi Confetti Salute sage

Salvia
Multi Confetti Salute sage

Company
Multi Confetti Salute sage
Year Planted
2016
Height
10.5"
Spread
12"
Number Planted
6
Survival
66.6%

Comments
Low maintenance; Combination of Salute Pink, S. Deep Blue and S. Ice Blue - unfortunately Salute Deep Blue faded out from the mix early in the season; Flowered from July to December.


Strobilanthes anisophyllus 'Lankveld15' - Brunetthy Persian shield

Strobilanthes anisophyllus 'Lankveld15'
Brunetthy Persian shield

Company
Brunetthy Persian shield
Year Planted
2016
Height
10"
Spread
8.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
0%

Comments
Low maintenance; compact growth habit; Beautiful dark purple colored foliage; never flowered; Survived until the first hard freeze in mid November.


Veronica - Snow Candles veronica

Veronica
Snow Candles veronica

Company
Snow Candles veronica
Year Planted
2016
Height
2.5"
Spread
7"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Interesting flower shape- tapered, triangular shaped; long white flower heads; Symmetrical, prostrate, green large leaves; formed uniform clumps.


Veronica - Venture Blue veronica

Veronica
Venture Blue veronica

Company
Venture Blue veronica
Year Planted
2016
Height
1.5"
Spread
6.5"
Number Planted
6
Survival
100%

Comments
Attractive winter color- purple colored foliage; dense, symmetrical, uniform, prostrate clumps; narrow leaves; flowers are above the foliage; triangular shaped purple colored flower heads that are very sturdy.