There are twelve new AAS Winners recently introduced by this non-profit organization; each one was trialed anonymously by independent, volunteer judges all across North America.
However, twelve plants is a lot to put into one post. So this week will feature just the two Gold Medal Winners. Next week will be the National Winners then the week after that, the Regional Winners. There is sure to be something for every garden in this collection of garden performers.
What makes it a gold medal winner?
This prestigious honor is reserved for a plant breeding breakthrough. Historically given very rarely, these two new AAS Winners were deemed Gold Medal Winners because of their unique characteristics and super-outstanding garden performance. These two entries earned scores from the AAS Judges that were high enough to earn this prestigious distinction.
Begonia Viking Explorer Rose on Green F1
Erase that sea-faring conqueror image and replace it with this garden-faring beauty that performs exceptionally well and has high impact color. This trailing begonia “explores” the garden by spreading and spilling its branches over the edges of hanging baskets and containers. Prolific rose-colored flowers stand out against the glossy green foliage and do so all season long. It has a strong tolerance to heat & many diseases, as well as both wet & dry conditions. These new Vikings are sure to be a garden favorite.
“Stellar performance for containers” states one AAS Judge. “Good plant with season-long integrity,” says another. “The compact plants are covered in large flowers. The flowers are nicely held above the foliage,” exclaimed another judge.
Petunia Bee’s Knees
This yellow petunia was so outstanding and eye-catching in the AAS Trials that the judges deemed it a Gold Medal Winner! Each Bee’s Knees petunia is filled with lush blooms that put on a colorful show of deep yellow, non-fading flowers all season long. The intense yellow petunia color contrasts beautifully against the deep green leaves. Bee’s Knees offers great garden performance in a variety of conditions and requires very little maintenance. Gardeners will love its deep, rich yellow color and its versatile mounding habit. Works great as an element in mixed containers or as a hanging basket but also thrives as a long-blooming groundcover.
“Amazing eye-catching color, full cover with color,” stated one AAS Judge. “No disease, no deer problem, no breakage from the wind. Great plant!” mentioned another. “It withstood the summer heat and tolerated the colder and wetter conditions of the end of the season very well,” exclaimed another judge.
All-America Selections