Standout Performers Emerge at NC State Trials Despite Weather Extremes … and Rabbits

Note: Information for this trials report was provided by Bernadette Clark, Bedding Plant Trials Coordinator in the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University.

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  Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Compact Lavender’ (Sakata Ornamentals); all photos: JC Raulston Arbotetum, North Carolina State University

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  Salvia ‘Unplugged So Blue’ (Proven Winners)

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  Portulaca ‘Mojave Pink’ (Proven Winners)

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  Lantana camara ‘Gem Compact Pink Opal’ (Danziger)

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  Heliotropium ‘Aromagica Purple’ (Proven Winners)

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  Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ (PanAmerican Seed)

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  Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’ (Proven Winners)

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  Celosia ‘Flamma Golden’ (Sakata Ornamentals)

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  Begonia Hula Series (PanAmerican Seed)

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Our summer was one of extremes. June was a month of extreme early-season heat and extreme drought. Even with irrigation, the plants struggled. In both July and August, we experienced torrential rainfall. On July 5, we reached 104°F, a new daily high temperature record. The heat index that day was a dangerous 118°F.

We trialed about 430 different varieties this year. Some of our best performers included Heliotropium ‘Aromagica Purple’ (Proven Winners); Impatiens ‘SunPatiens Compact Lavender’ (Sakata Ornamentals); Lantana camara ‘Gem Compact Pink Opal’ (Danziger); Celosia ‘Flamma Golden’ (Sakata Ornamentals); Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’ (Proven Winners); and the Begonia Hula Series (PanAmerican Seed).

This year we held two evening events for the public: voting for their favorite variety and an evening of tasting the edibles from the trials.

We experienced a devastating season concerning the rabbit infestation we had. They challenged us from the very start. Finally, after finding a product that helped repel them, we were able to get the plant material established. Unfortunately, many plants that normally are standouts for us never were able to reach their expected potential.

There were a few plants that impressed me the most this year:

• Heliotropium ‘Aromagica Purple’ (Proven Winners): Outstanding large-size deep purple inflorescence with a light scent on compact, dark green mounded plant. Pollinators and people loved it!
• Portulaca ‘Mojave Pink’ (Proven Winners): Complete plant coverage of beautiful soft pink flowers. Stayed open for a longer period of time than others. A pollinator favorite!
• Celosia ‘Flamma Golden’ (Sakata Ornamentals): Brilliant golden-yellow colored blossoms draw you to this plant. The entire Flamma series has vibrant and electric colors.
• Begonia Hulu Series (PanAmerican Seed): Attractive spreading habit. Flowers covered the plants all season long.
• Salvia ‘Unplugged So Blue’ (Proven Winners): Attractive long blue spikes on sturdy stems. A prolific and continuous bloomer.

Find more 2024 field trials information here.