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Nov 26, 2024

University of Tennessee Gardens Jackson Trials Names Ball FloraPlant Varieties as Best in Show

Ball FloraPlant
Sales & Marketing Team

Several accolades went to Ball FloraPlant from the Plant Trials at the University of Tennessee Gardens Jackson this summer. According to Greenhouse Grower Magazine in conjunction with Jason Reeves, Research Horticulturist, and Camille Sikes, Research Assistant, at the University of Tennessee Gardens Jackson, Ball FloraPlant had some winners for Best in Show this year. Congratulations to Marble Mania Coleus, Enchantia™ White Cuphea and PassionFruit Lantana.

 

Collage of colorful flowers

Marble Mania Coleus

The judges commented: “This new coleus features bright gold-bronze foliage with beautiful cranberry-colored speckling pattern throughout the entire plant. A low-maintenance, high-impact plant that works well in many conditions, pot or in the ground, sunny, and shaded areas. Drought and heat tolerant. Notably, this coleus did not go to flower for us, even late in the season, which is a beneficial trait it was selected for.”

Enchantia White Cuphea

The judges commented: “The plant surprised us in the garden this year. When it first arrived, we thought there couldn’t be much to this old fashioned, white flowering Mexican heather. Over time, it won us over more and more. The profusion of pure white flowers shined in the garden, contrasting beautifully with its lime-green foliage. Its fine texture and neat habit made it perfect for the front of the border and it looked great all season. As with most all cupheas it is heat and drought tolerant and enjoyed by bees.”

PassionFruit Lantana

The judges commented: “We fell in love with the colors in this spreading lantana, flowers featuring a bright and beautiful mix of fruity pinks, oranges and yellow. This plant is well suited to pots and also performed excellently as a mass planting border. Constantly visited by bees and butterflies. Plants spread out noticeably, reaching 30-36 inches tall and at least 3 feet wide.”

 

Top Performers

Collage of colorful flowers

This group was selected based upon their season-long performance and endurance of growing conditions in the UT Gardens Jackson.

Monarch Magic Ageratum

Lucky™ Gold Lantana

Agate XXL White Mandevilla

 

Consumer Favorites

Collage of colorful flowers

These plants were favorites of those who frequented the garden and most commonly asked about.

Shamrock™ Red Lantana

Tourmaline Fuchsia Mandevilla

Tags: Trials
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