July 2024 - 38

VARIETY INFORMATION
Notably, the abundance of flowers caught the Bailey
team's attention. Throughout the trials and each year
of the pre-release trials, " FlowerFull exceeded industry
standard cultivars by at least two-to-three times as many
blooms during peak flower in late June and into July, "
Charais explained.
" In fact, it outperformed every Hydrangea arborescens
in the field by a wide margin, " he said.
Eventually, trials began of FlowerFull Smooth to First
Editions licensees in North America.
" Having these partners is crucial because we want to
be sure growers confirm what we experienced, especially
in different climates as compared to Bailey sites in
Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia and Oregon, " Charais said.
Trial partners reported resoundingly positive
outcomes regardless of location, which confirmed
Bailey's intent on developing a more industry-friendly
cultivar, Charais explained.
" We noted that on FlowerFull, the unique rounded
shape carried flowers from top to bottom, side to side,
and the number of flowers was exceptional. Inevitably,
a few classic Minnesota thunderstorms made their
way through the trial field, and the thick, strong stems
proved again a huge improvement over anything else
on the market, " Lonnee said. " In addition to FlowerFull,
additional superior clones were kept for further
Baucom Nursery
BLOOMING AT
The first FlowerFull Smooth liner at North
Carolina-based Baucom's Nursery Co. was
planted in a cold frame greenhouse in August
2023. The first visible flowers appeared early
in May of this year and the foliage is a healthy
lush green, said Eric Baucom, vice president of
Baucom's Nursery Co.
" The plants have shown to rebloom on new
wood after an early spring trim, " Baucom said.
And, FlowerFull has very sturdy stems that
appear to support the large white blooms,
he said. " We are excited to continue to work
with the Bailey Nurseries team in introducing
FlowerFull in spring of 2025 and build upon the
future potential of its attributes. "
FlowerFull is
blooming at
Baucom Nursery
on June 5, 2024.
Photo courtesy
of Eric Baucom.
evaluation and those that flopped, had disease or poor
color were eliminated from trial. "
INTRODUCTION
" Getting the green light and excitement from our First
Editions growers was a huge boost of confidence. Seeing
them as eager to move forward as we were confirmed
we were on the right path. As growers ourselves, we
understand the need for skepticism. There are so many
plants in the world today, and everyone is trying to
wrestle for market share, " Charais said.
" Even in a crowded category like hydrangea, the best
rise to the top and in both cases, they have performed in
the marketplace extremely well. We see the same, if not a
greater future, for FlowerFull, " he said.
With its prolific flowering, strong habit and clean foliage
attributes, FlowerFull Smooth is a cultivar that Bailey
Nurseries hopes will appeal to every landscape architect,
landscape designer, and all industry stakeholders.
" I am not only excited about FlowerFull, but what more
is to come from this breeding initiative! I try hard not
to wax poetic about every plant in our brands because
they aren't all equal. But FlowerFull? That's something
special, " Charais said.
38
JULY 2024 GPNMAG.COM
http://www.GPNMAG.COM
July 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2024
