December 2021 - 13

40 UNDER 40 PERSPECTIVES
hybrid - glossy foliage, outstanding
performance in heat and humidity, and strong
calyx and stem colors to match the vivid dark
blue blooms. I had one customer describe
this variety simplistically: " Oh, it's a trailing
'Black and Blue'! " While the breeders may not
appreciate that basic explanation, it certainly
helps describe the toughness of this plant. I
have repeatedly seen plants finishing with very
high vigor in different trials, so I anticipate
application may be best suited for large mixed
containers (with other high vigor genetics),
or mono hanging baskets. I think growers and
retailers should also promote the pollinator
features of this new variety, as that continues
to be of high demand and focus of consumers.
4
PETUNIA 'SUPERTUNIA
VISTA JAZZBERRY'
Whenever Proven Winners
introduces a new Vista petunia, it's my opinion
that broker reps and growers probably ought
to pay attention. The Vista series is tried and
true for performance, vigor, flower power and
brand awareness, among other qualities. Vista
Jazzberry is no exception. Its performance
has been strong at grower trials across the
country, and brings a unique purple toned
flower color to the Vista series that we've never
had before. Application for the Vista series
of petunias is limitless; growers can regulate
or trim to keep in check in quarts or 4-inch
pots, and also can be used in large mono or
mixed patio containers or hanging baskets.
Furthermore, the landscape presentation
with these varieties is outstanding, and I look
forward to adding Jazzberry to some of my own
home landscape uses.
5
PETUNIA E3 EASY
WAVE SERIES
Wave from PanAmerican Seed has
been a powerful, recognizable brand for over
25 years. I still remember having a " Ride the
Wave Rave " t-shirt as a pajama nightgown
when I was a little girl! The petunia E3 Easy
Wave series is no exception, and is proving
to be a breakthrough in two key areas:
earliness to bloom and less PGR usage. The
E3s are currently an additional sub series to
the original Easy Waves, but the breeders
tell us the intention is to eventually offer the
complete color range in E3; I wonder if we
may see an eventual phase out of the original
Easy Waves. Regardless of how PanAmerican
chooses to handle the rollouts, the seven new
colors for 2022 are very exciting. I see the
biggest opportunity with the perfectly matched
'E3 Easy Wave Blue', 'E3 Easy Wave Red'
and 'E3 Easy Wave White', to create patriotic
landscapes, hanging baskets, and premium
packs alike.
I had intended to keep my new variety
mentions limited to five, but I would be remiss
if I did not include a variety that is not brand
new, but one with an important promotion
near and dear to my heart. 'Confetti Garden
Summer Solstice' is a trio mix including
calibrachoas 'Bloomtastic Rose Quartz',
'Bloomtastic Yellow' and 'Bloomtastic Pink
Flare'. A portion of the proceeds from every
sale of this mix contribute to education
funds for the surviving children of my late
coworker and dear friend, Matt Willoughby,
who passed away unexpectedly earlier this
year. The Bloomtastic genetics have proven
heat tolerance and performance in my territory
as well as nationwide, and were favorites
of Matt's. This combo can be considered
for production in countless applications:
patio containers, single pots and hanging
baskets alike. No grower or consumer would
be disappointed with the addition of this
combination!
GREENHOUSE PRODUCT NEWS 13
December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2021
