This year, Ball Horticultural Company (China Team) has embraced a fresh and innovative approach to its Pack Trial. Departing from the traditional greenhouse-focused format, the exhibition now integrates more closely with gardens and landscape settings, highlighting color themes and diverse combination ideas. Held at Shangfang Gardening · Menghuayuan in Minhang District, Shanghai, the long-standing PanAmerican Seed China Pack Trial—running for over 20 years—has been fully upgraded for the first time into the "Ball City Trial", taking place from April 11 to May 11. The event offers visitors a vibrant and immersive celebration of floral beauty in a garden-inspired environment.
"After two years of meticulous planning, we are excited to unveil a new chapter in Shanghai. Focused on plant colors and innovative horticultural branding, we have reimagined the traditional pack trial as a Ball City Trial. Through displays along urban flower streets, community gardens, and balcony gardens, our goal is to showcase plant applications while conveying our brand philosophy—directly connecting with consumers as a breeding enterprise", stated Tracy Chang, Business Development Manager - China and SEA Market.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the company's Wave Petunias, which took center stage at this event. Other highlights included horticultural brands such as "Mini Kitchen", "Plug & Play", "Bushel & Berry", Dahlia "Maxi", Double Impatiens "Glimmer" and Salvia "Marvel" series, reflecting current market trends in China.
A celebration of color
Every city and street have its own unique colors and flavors. Ball City Trial featured distinct themed streets, each showcasing its own color palette: "the Romantic Flower Street adorned in warm orange-yellow tones; the Aegean Sea Flower Street characterized by cool blue-white hues; and the Ball Signature Flower Street radiating vibrant rose-pink shades."
Romantic Flower Street: "Bathed in orange and yellow blooms, visitors felt transported into a sun-kissed dreamscape. Trailing petunias and hanging tuberous begonias added painterly richness to this enchanting scene."
Aegean Sea Flower Street: "With its blue and white flowers, this area whisked visitors away to the azure coasts of Santorini. White arches alongside blue-domed cottages complemented blue Petunias, Anemone, Lavandula, and Dichondra—creating an inviting Mediterranean ambiance."
Ball Signature Flower Street: "A cascade of Petunias tumbled down, their petals dappled with sunlight. Dahlias and Double Impatiens added bold splashes of color, while miniature vegetables provided fresh green accents. Giant combos and layered greenery formed a miniature oasis."
"Personalized colors resonate more deeply with gardening enthusiasts," noted Tracy Chang. Moving forward, Ball plans to tailor its Ball City Trial to reflect the unique characteristics of cities across China.
Beyond the themed streets, the event also featured 18 thematic gardens, community gardens, and balcony garden displays—all showcasing plant materials provided by Ball Horticultural Company (China).
Leading trends in home gardening
At the Ball Signature Flower Street, the company highlighted its flagship products and brands, including Wave Petunias, Double Impatiens "Glimmer", Impatiens "Beacon", and Dahlia "Starburst Pink". Among these offerings, "Mini Kitchen," "Plug & Play," and "Bushel & Berry" captured significant attention.
Dahlia Maxi Starburst Pink
Darwin Perennials
Salvia Fiesta
Impatiens Beacon
Mini Kitchen: Reflecting the trend that "the end of flower gardening is vegetable", this brand offers an extensive selection of compact vegetables such as mini cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, basil, and rosemary. Tracy explained that these products cater specifically to home gardeners with limited space while featuring unique shapes, ornamental appeal, and exceptional flavor.
Plug & Play: This brand includes both single-species multi-color displays and mixed-species arrangements. "Easy to grow and economical to produce, these combos dazzle in retail settings and provide seasonal options for consumers. For example, our petunia combos can go from transplanting to full bloom in just two to three weeks, with special "speed planter" containers" said Tracy.
Bushel & Berry: Launched amid the rising popularity of potted blueberries in China; this brand features compact varieties known for high yields—ideal for small-space home cultivation.
Wave Petunias celebrates 30th anniversary
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Wave Petunias, Ball has created a breathtaking Petunia wall in the "Secret Love Castle Garden," which has quickly become one of the most sought-after photo opportunities at the event.
Since its introduction in 1995, Wave Petunias has established itself as a horticultural icon, featuring lines such as "E3 Easy Wave," "Easy Wave," and "Shock Wave." This year, new varieties were unveiled, including the exquisite "Pink Pearl" from the "Easy Wave" series, enchanting visitors whether showcased individually or in combination displays.
The event also featured numerous gardening lectures that provided a platform for industry professionals to exchange insights on emerging plant varieties, innovative applications, and collaborative strategies for future growth.
On the evening of the opening ceremony, we hosted a warm and memorable welcome dinner, featuring Campanula "Campana" as the theme flower for the floral arrangements. With its fresh elegance and vibrant charm, this variety symbolizes the energy and optimism of summer, perfectly echoing Ball's vision for a beautiful lifestyle. Guests gathered amid delightful floral displays and gentle music to celebrate the official launch of the Ball City Trial in a truly festive atmosphere.
For more information:
Ball Horticultural Company
www.ballhort.com