One summer trials highlight is the open house Welby Gardens hosts at their facility near Denver, the day after the Colorado State trials in August. The Gerace family welcomes customers to an evening dinner, where they can view nearly a thousand varieties in containers from Agastache to Zinnia. It's an opportunity for breeding partners like Suntory to answer questions about the varieties directly. This year's theme was back to the 80's, complete with giant Rubik's cubes, Pac-Man and a DeLorean to take you back to the past and future. Delilah Onofrey and Lorentina McKoy of Suntory highlight some of their favorite varieties.
Grandaisy Looks Gorgeous
Grandaisy intergeneric hybrids perform especially well out West and in the mountain states with high light conditions. More light + cool weather = bigger flowers. "Although not a summer plant, the series looked great at Welby Gardens in August."
Grandaisy Red Improved
Grandaisy Red Improved was selected for better floral display, richer color and less fade. Although fading is still present, it creates a multi-tonal effect that is still attractive over time.
Lovely Lofos Lophospermum
"We were thrilled to see Lofos Compact varieties grown upright in tomato cages! Really nice presentation." Lofos is normally grown as a spiller/trailer or in hanging baskets. "Mix the two colors - Compact Rose and compact White. Great idea for growers who retail."
Summer Wave Bouquet Deep Blue
Of all the Summer Wave torenias, Bouquet Deep Blue has the most intense color. Habit is more compact with smaller flowers than the larger trailing series. Presents nicely in 4-inch pots.
For more information:
Suntory Flowers
www.suntoryflowers.com