Triumphs in trials

Consumer success equals more sales across the supply chain. To help pick plants that perform best in certain regions, see what made the best of lists in Minnesota and Michigan.

See the first part of our report here: bit.ly/trial-results-24.

University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center

At the University of Minnesota WCROC, annual flower research is conducted across a 4-acre public display garden. Seeds typically arrive in January, while cuttings and plugs begin arriving in March, all aimed at preparing healthy transplants by the end of May, just in time for Minnesota’s growing season.

Here are the top performing annuals for 2024, with descriptions provided by trial manager Nate Dalman, with input from Ella VanKempen, horticulture researcher; Lydia Fynboh, horticulture intern; and Steve Poppe, independent annual flower consultant.

All photos courtesy of respective breeders and trial gardens

Begoniax hybrida Adora Velvet Red, Syngenta Flowers

This begonia variety features “Adora’ble” double flowers and striking dark foliage that complements both sun and shade environments. Its bright red, abundant blooms withstood varying temperatures, rain and even deer damage. This cultivar performed best in a container located in a shady location.

Celosia plumosa Bright Sparks Bright Red Bronze Leaf, Syngenta Flowers

This Bright Sparks celosia stood out with impressive, large plumes that contrasted nicely with the burgundy-colored foliage. The plant’s extra branching results in more flowers per plant, with secondary blooms matching the size of the primary flowers. Its vibrant blooms showcased a continuous display of bright red throughout the growing season.

Coleus Premium Sun Crimson Gold, PanAmerican Seed

This striking shade plant features a lime green edge with a vivid maroon center. It remained healthy and vigorous from the beginning of the season to the end. This variety is celebrated for its outstanding appearance and reliable performance in both gardens and patio planters and in both sun and shade.

Dahlia Virtuoso Pinkerific, Proven Winners

The Virtuoso series represents the pinnacle of dahlia cultivars, and Pinkerific has impressed us with its exceptional traits. These dahlias are noted for their strong growth, resistance to powdery mildew and impressive performance throughout the growing season. They produce large, double, soft pink flowers on well-proportioned stems above densely mounded foliage.

Impatiens x hybrida SunPatiens Vigorous Purple, Sakata Ornamentals

This versatile variety thrives in both full sun and full shade, making it an excellent choice for any garden setting. Perfect for cooler northern climates, it excels even in extreme heat and blooms continuously all summer long, ensuring your garden remains colorful and lively from start to finish.

Kwik Kombo Picnic in the Park Mix, Syngenta Flowers

A true knockout in our display garden this year was the Picnic in the Park Mix. Designed for simplicity and impact, this ready-made retail program is ideal for containers and hanging baskets. Each mix is tested and selected for uniformity and longevity, ensuring a standout display.

Lantana Shamrock Rose Gold, Ball FloraPlant

This series of lantana exhibits a well-branched, mounded habit and excellent uniformity. It performs exceptionally well in a variety of pot sizes, from quarts to hanging baskets. The rose gold variety showcases a lighter rose flower color with a larger gold center, creating a lovely ombré effect. Additionally, the foliage has a pleasantly sweet fragrance.

Lobelia Heatopia Dark Blue, Ball FloraPlant

Heatopia Dark Blue is a top performer with its exceptional heat tolerance and uniform growth. During our evaluations, its vibrant neon blue blooms and prolific flowering throughout the growing season consistently impressed us.

Salvia Sallyfun Pure White, Danziger

In 2024, the WCROC gardens were a showcase of stunning salvias, with continuous blooms and elegant upright growth. Sallyfun Pure White features long, white flower spikes that rise gracefully above a compact mound of green foliage, making it a standout addition to any garden.