Regional
(2010-09-03)
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Dr. Jim Klett with the CSU Department of Horticulture recently announced the top performers in the university's 2009-2010 pansy and viola trials. The trial gardens are in the Annual Flower Trial Garden at 1401 Remington Street in Ft. Collins.
The pansies and violas were planted in early October of 2009. They are judged on both fall and spring performance. The top plants had long lasting, colorful flowers in both seasons.
These are plants that will grow well on the plains and in the high country. Planted now, fall pansies bloom until real cold temperatures are consistent or they are covered by snow. They are the first flowers to bloom during the spring mud season in mountain communities.
These pansies and violas generally grow well even in full sun. They thrive in the cooler weather. They prefer a well drained soil and even moisture. Fall pansies create colorful containers for decks and porches. They are a great mix with spring flowering bulbs.
The `Inspire' series took the top color honors at the CSU pansy trials. `Inspire True Blue' had the largest, longest lasting blue flower. `Inspire White with Blotch' was voted the best and largest white pansy. `Inspire Purple with Orange' was a uniform grower with even colors. `Inspire Golden Yellow' bloomed early and for a long period. `Inspire Purple and White' had large flowers and great color combination.
Violas have a similar pansy flower except it's a smaller flower. But what violas lack in size they make up in number. Some violas create a carpet of blossoms.
The top five violas at the trials include: `Endurio Experimental Sky Blue Marien', it is a light blue flower with subtle accents. `Floral Power Super Lavender Blue' was one plant evaluators said caused a `wow' in the garden beds. The plants were covered with medium lavender blossoms. `Penny Experimental Purple Picotee' bloomed later but with a nice purple and white mixed bloom. `Sorbet XP Yellow Duet' had strong color impact. `Aero Clear Blue' has small but clear blue flowers.
As warm season annual flowers fade, replace them with pansies or violas. They will add color to the autumn. They make compact bouquets. And they will greet you as winter fades into spring.
tom@throgmortonplantmanagement.com
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