1999 ASCFG National Perennial Trials
John Dole
Oklahoma State University
Overview:
Now in its second year, the ASCFG Perennial Trials covers the 31 cultivars planted in 1998 and the 17 cultivars planted in 1999. We have had a couple changes in evaluators so check the Participating Grower list for the trialer in your region.
Of the new 1999 plants, five stood out in their first year. Chasmanthium latifolium did very well in the south where plants flowered well in the first year; the jury is still out in the north were flowering is expected in the second year. While the primary attraction was the interesting seed heads which hang from the stem, the easy culture was also noted. The seed heads could be used fresh or dried.
The beautiful, crimson-colored flowers led to high ratings for Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’. Flower numbers per plant were low for the first year but stems were long and strong. Second year showing should be good.
The two Solidasters ‘Lemore’ and ‘Tara’ received high marks from those who obtained harvestable flowers. The open clusters of yellow flowers make Solidaster a great filler flower. Two respondents noted that Solidasters are a common wholesale item and had difficulty marketing them but appreciated the easy culture.
Sedum ‘Matrona’ showed great potential and may be good compliment to Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, which is already commonly grown. ‘Matrona’ has strong, dark red stems and large pink to red flower heads.
Several of the cultivars that did well in 1998 continued to do well in 1999. Achillea ‘Fireland’ and ‘Terra Cotta’ flowered well for most trialers last year and have done even better this year. Both cultivars were vigorous and productive and produced large flower heads on long stems. The dark brick red color of Fireland and the peach to orange color of Terra Cotta were hits on the market. As one trialer wrote ‘both provided pretty flowers, prolific, long stems, long bloom time—what more could you ask for?’
Persicaria amplexicaule ‘Firetail’ was even more prolific in the second years with one trialer harvesting 100 stems per plant. However, many stems of the numerous short pink to red spikes were required to make a good bunch. The hardy and strong plants flowered all season.
The three phlox cultivars, Phlox paniculata ‘Icecap’, ‘Miss Pepper’, and ‘Red Eye’, did well again this year. All three received high marks for their colors, large heads, fragrance and long stems.
The deep blue color of Veronica ‘Blauriesen’ flower spikes helped to raise the scores of this plants. Each plant produced numerous long lasting flowers. As noted last year, this plant is naturally short but the color and productivity make it a valuable cut flower cultivar.
Two cultivars did better in the second year than the first and received high marks. Interestingly, both species are native to the United States. The tall spikes of blue to light purple pea shaped flowers made Baptisia australis a popular plant. The flowers can be used as a fresh cut or the large seed pods can be used as a dried item. In a well drained location, these long-lived plants should continue to increase in size and productivity.
Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ was noted for it prolific flowering, 5 to 30 stems per plant, dark bronzy red/purple foliage and stems, and durable plant. The tubular flowers are light pink to white and numerous. As an editorial note, a good companion plant may be the original Penstemon digitalis species which has green foliage, light pink flowers, and even more durable, pest-free growth than ‘Husker Red’.
Based on trial results, the top five performers are automatically nominated for the ASCFG Cut Flower of the Year competition. The rankings are based on the combined ratings score: market appreciation + repeat again + ease of cultivation. Thus, from the 1999 trials Achillea ‘Terra Cotta’, Baptisia australis, Chasmanthium latifolium, Phlox paniculata ‘Icecap’, Veronica ‘Blauriesen’(tie for #5), and Veronicastrum virginicum (tie for #5) are nominated as Cut Flowers of the Year and will join other nominations from ASCFG members and from the Cut Flower of the Year Panel.
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. 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. I would especially like to compliment Priscilla Emerson, and Betsy Hitt who participated in both the seed and perennials trials and returned evaluations on all of their trial plants. I also would like to thank Leah Aufill for plant care, data collection and analysis and Stephanie Larimer and Rhiannon Battles for their assistance in preparing this report. I have edited evaluator's comments for space and clarity; my apologies if I've altered the tone or content of anyone's comments. Thanks to everyone for making this service of ASCFG possible.