February 2019 - 34

vaughn's view
BY VAUGHN FLETCHER
1
WALTERS GARDENS:
SUMMER TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS
These perennials were strong performers in the summer trial programs
in North Carolina and Colorado.
O
Vaughn Fletcher
is president of
Fletcher Consulting.
He has been in the
horticulture industry
since 1971, working in
many areas including
landscaping, garden
center and greenhouse
production, greenhouse
and nursery sales and
sales management.
He can be reached at
vfletcher9@gmail.com.
ne of the most significant and exciting
developments in the past few years has been the
participation of perennial breeders in the summer
trials programs. This increased presence is the result
of intensive perennial breeding from global companies
culminating in many outstanding introductions. This
competitive environment is reflected in the plethora of
current and new perennials entered in the summer trials.
The breeding and marketing program at Walters
Gardens has accelerated with the Proven Winners
partnership in 2011. Proven Winners, in conjunction
with Walters Gardens, has an extensive and rigorous
trialing and selection process for perennials which has
culminated in the introduction of dramatic and cuttingedge
varieties.
This article focuses on current and new Walters Gardens
introductions in the two-year beds at Metrolina in North Carolina
and Colorado State University trial last summer. I visited both
trials on multiple occasions in early and late summer to observe
and evaluate summer performance. The performance criteria
include floriferousness, durability, new colors, flower stability,
disease and insect resistance, and growth rate.
1. ACHILLEA 'SASSY SUMMER SANGRIA'
This is a new Sassy Summer Collection variety for 2019. The
series is comprised of five colors characterized by dense dark
green feathered foliage and a strong upright architecture. The
bicolor Sangria was in the North Carolina trial, and was eye
catching with its dark red flowers and white eye. The flowers
are positioned nicely above the foliage. It matures to 30 to 36
inches making it an excellent addition as a midsize variety for
perennial gardens. This vigorous series is hardy to Zone 3.
2. AGASTACHE 'ROSIE POSIE'
This variety has been in the summer trials the past two years
and for good reason. It has been one of the most floriferous
34 FEBRUARY 2019 GPNMAG.COM
agastache varieties with stunning two tone plumes of hot
pink flowers with magenta calyxes. It begins to bloom in
early summer and continues through early fall. This variety is
densely compact and matures to 18 to 24 inches. It is hardy to
Zone 6 and in all trials was a butterfly magnet. We have many
outstanding varieties and colors in the market and this variety
may be unparalleled for its flower power.
3. BUDDLEIA 'MONARCH PRINCE CHARMING'
We are familiar with the cultivated species of Buddleia davidii
and many additional popular garden cultivars. In the past 10
years, we have seen the development and introduction of new
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February 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2019
