Colorado State University Trials Results 2022

The Colorado State University flower trial evalutations took place on Aug. 9 and Sept. 8, 2022, in Fort Collins with record-breaking warm temperatures still lingering earlier in the month. Ball FloraPlant received many “Best Of” by class distinctions for the 2022 season.

Read the trials managers’ feedback and comments below, and be sure to add these winners to your program for spring 2023!

Best Angelonia, container – Archangel Blue Bicolor “Plants had prolific flowering and had excellent rounded habits without any “spiking.” Large bicolor flowers were very attractive against the glossy dark green foliage. Plants were very healthy and low maintenance.”

Best Angelonia, ground – Archangel Purple Improved “Blooms had an intense, solid purple color and abundant flowering. Plants had a nice spreading growth habit with dense branching and nice foliage. The uniform plants did well in a summer with many periodsof extreme heat.”

Best Calibrachoa – Bumble Bee Hot Pink “From a distance it was impressive all season with good vigor, a great rounded habit and a blanket of bright pink flowers covering the container. Up close, the hot pink blooms stand out with a star-burst pattern of yellow in the center and throat.”

Best Combo – MixMasters Amped Up “The different coleus combined to look good from “Day 1.” Plants were uniform with excellent overall aesthetics and did not flower. Vigor was impressive and only recommended for large containers.”

Best Geranium (zonal) ground – Dynamo Dark Red “Flowers have an intense shade of dark red and it was noted that there was nothing else quite like it in the trial. Plants were bred to have medium vigor and filled out nicely with a very uniform growth habit. Flowers were both striking because of their color but were also very prolific and created a high degree of flower power.”

Best Petunia, container – SureShot White Bred to rigorous standards for a 7-day flowering time and matching habit.

Best Verbena, ground – EnduraScape Pink Bicolor Hardy through the hottest days of Summer, but can take the cold down to the low teens, and still rebloom in Spring, bringing lasting color to landscapes all season long.