Plantpeddler releases Variety Day 2022 results
Plantpeddler hosted Variety Day 2022 on Friday Aug. 5. The event featured 1,500 varieties of vegetative annuals in large containers, hanging baskets and beds from a global array of breeders.
Participants had the opportunity to vote on their top three varieties. The winner this year, Begonia I’Conia Portofino Sunrise, which is in the 2023 program at Plantpeddler.
2023 Perennial Plant of the Year announced
The Perennial Plant Association is pleased to promote Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ as the 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year. From PPA: ‘American Gold Rush’ is a stunning addition to any garden. At the height of summer, it turns up the volume for a long season of dazzling color right up to frost. The bright golden-yellow flowers feature arching rays and a reddish halo surrounding dark chocolate cones. Three-inch flowers blanket the compact plant, which is only 22-27 inches tall with a 40-inch width if given room to grow.
The green leaves and stems are covered in hairs, which gives them a silvery cast. On sunny days, peeking through the blooms to the leaves, is a luminous silver-and-gold treat. More than just boosting the ornamental show, the hairy foliage is resistant to Septoria leaf spot, a debilitating fungal disease that causes unsightly black spotting and premature seasonal decline on some Rudbeckia.
Cultivate'22: State of the Industry Address
The Short North Ballroom was packed to capacity for the AmericanHort State of the Industry Address, with attendees standing along the walls to hear the Monday morning keynote speech. Ken Fisher, president and CEO of AmericanHort led off the morning’s presentation with an overview of the association’s vision, mission and strategic goals. From there, he examined consumer spending — a key indicator of economic health. In fact, it represents 70% of our economic output, he said.
Between the stimulus payments and more Americans continuing to get paid to work from home, we have “more money chasing the same amount of goods,” Fisher said. The question is, how long will Americans continue burning through their $2.7 trillion in personal savings?
Explore the September 2022 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
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