1998 ASCFG National Perennial Trials
John Dole
Oklahoma State University
Overview:
Welcome to the first annual ASCFG Perennial Trial Report. Thirty one perennials were evaluated by eight growers (one per ASCFG region) and two universities (Oklahoma State University and University of Georgia). Each of the growers paid $100 for shipping expenses and agreed to provide data for at least two years. Plant were donated by four perennial producers and shipped the perennial plugs or dormant roots directly to the trialers.
We had a number of winning perennials in the first year. To be honest, I was surprised at how many of the perennials flowered in the first year and did very well. I cannot wait until next year when the plants are well established and hitting peak production. The following are a few of the species that distinguished themselves in the first year. Next year's report on these species will include information on cold hardiness.
As a group yarrows tend to make excellent cut flowers because of their rapid, durable growth and Achillea 'Fireland' and 'Terra Cotta' support this assertion. Both cultivars were vigorous and productive and produced large flower heads on long stems. The colors were well received. For growers who haven't grown any of the yarrows be aware that the foliage has a fragrance which can turn down right smelly if it decays during postharvest and marketing.
The many short spikes of fragrant, creamy yellow florets from Buddleia 'Sungold' produced a different twist on the usual purple, pink and red butterfly bush. The plants were productive with few insects and diseases. For those of us in the south, we noted the exceptional heat and drought tolerance. Buddleias are generally not very cold tolerant so the next test will come this winter in the northern trial locations.
One of the most striking attributes of Caryopteris clandonensis 'Blue Knight' was its great blue color. With many cultivar names that include the word 'blue' the flowers are actually a light purple; however, Caryopteris is the real thing. The whorls of fragrant flowers were numerous and long lasting. Caryopteris is actually a small shrub treated as a perennial and as such the stems were rigid and easy to use. Several respondents indicated that the stems were short this year, but are likely to be longer next year.
Eupatorium fistulosum 'Gateway' was a stately plant with interesting light to dark lavender fuzzy flowers. The large flower heads were carried atop dark green foliage on dark purple stems. The heat and drought tolerant plants are similar to the native species, which limited sales for at least one respondent.
Prolific describes Persicaria amplexicaule 'Firetail' which produced numerous short pink to red spikes of tiny florets. The flowers were long lasting as a fresh cut and dried well according to at least one respondent.
One of the stateliest of garden flowers is the phlox and three excellent cultivars were Phlox paniculata 'Icecap', 'Miss Pepper', and 'Red Eye'. All three received high marks for their colors, large heads, fragrance and long stems. Several respondents indicated that the stems were short this first year but should be longer next year.
'Interesting', 'exotic','orchid-like' are three words used to describe Tricyrtis sinonome which are certainly better descriptors than the common name of Toad Lily. The clusters of nickel to half-dollar sized flowers were carried atop straight unbranched stems of lily-like foliage. The leaves often had burned edges and were a detraction. This species would probably do best with some shade, especially in southern areas of the country.
Veronica 'Blauriesen' was another plant in the trial with rich blue flowers arranged in short spikes. Each plant produced numerous long lasting flowers. While this plant is naturally short, stems will hopefully be longer next year.
Disclaimer:
The numbers reported are averages of all the respondents and many factors will affect success of any plant species. Our participants are growing and harvesting the trial plants in a wide variety of ways. Thus, if a plant does well for most of the respondents, it is likely to do well for you. On the other hand, if a cultivar didn't appear to do well in the trial, it may still be a great cultivar for you. Thus we have included summaries of the respondents comments to help interpret the data. In summary, review the trial results carefully. If a species sounds interesting but did not appear to do well, try it anyway. The cultivar may work well for you.
Acknowledgments:
All cut flower growers should thank the perennial producers for providing the plant materials and the growers for producing the plants, collecting data and submitting trial reports. I would especially like to compliment Priscilla Emerson, Bob Wollom and Betsy Hitt who participated in both the seed and perennials trials and returned evaluations on all of their trial plants. Considering the number of plants this was not an easy task.