Glow Sticks Fescue wins Best in Show at Farwest's New Varieties Showcase

Glow Sticks Fescue (Festuca arundinacea 'Glow Sticks' PP34648) was chosen by professional judges as the Best in Show winner in the 2025 Farwest Show's New Varieties Showcase.

The plant was discovered by Jeremy Schmidt and introduced by Bristol Briar. It is available from Briggs Nursery at the Farwest Show. It is one of 33 outstanding new selections that are on display at the 2025 Farwest Show and available from at least one show exhibitor.

The show opened Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Friday, August 22 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. In addition to these judges' awards, the show also presents People's Choice awards. Those are chosen by attendees voting on the show floor now through the end of Thursday. Those awards will be announced on Friday morning, the final day of the show

"New plant introductions are the lifeblood of the nursery industry, bringing forth new ideas, inspiration and even functionality," said Jamie Moore, event coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. "Our judges were impressed with the quality and variety of new plants on display at Farwest. We are excited to see these new plants enter the marketplace and proud to play a role in making that happen."

© Farwest Show

Glow Sticks Fescue was submitted by Concept Plants. Acccording to them, "Glow Sticks Fescue dazzles from mid-spring with an incredible show of bright yellow flower spikelets that create a great contrast with the foliage. It's unlike any ornamental grass you've ever seen. The dark green blades retain their color all year, making this ornamental stunning during the summer months and year-round. Glow Sticks is climate-proof: it tolerates periods of heat and drought and has strong, deep roots that don't require regular watering. This water-saving plant is disease-resistant and can be grown in any spot within the landscape. Grows to 24″ wide by 36″ tall. Zones 3a–9b." It is available as pint, quart, and #1 containers and 72-cell plugs from Briggs Nursery (Booth #18037).

© Farwest Show

Awards of merit
Summerina Firana Black-Eyed Susan Echibecka (Echinacea x Rudbeckia hybrida 'ET RDB 751 PP34593 — Hybridized in the Netherlands by Bart Noordhuis of Exceptio B.V. and introduced by Exceptio B.V. Submitted by Pacific Plug & Liner. According to them, "'Firana' stands out with massive, fiery two-toned blooms that can reach an impressive 8 inches in diameter. With thick, sturdy flower stems and exceptional vigor, it delivers unmatched garden presence and retail appeal. Like all Echibeckia, it offers the best of both worlds — Rudbeckia's fast growth and abundant flowers combined with Echinacea's disease resistance and extended bloom life. With its early bloom time, enormous flowers, and strong stems, 'Firana' is a gamechanger for both growers and gardeners, offering vibrant summer color and reliable performance. Grows to 16-20″ wide by 20-24″ tall. Zones 7b–9b." The plant is available as 1.5 gallon containers, 32-cell Iners, and 72-cell plugs from Smith Gardens (Booth #10015).

(Hydrangea paniculata 'HYLV19557' PPAF, CPBRAF) — Hybridized in The Netherlands by Lendert de Vos, introduced by Bloomin' Easy Plants Inc. and submitted by Bloomin' Easy Plants Inc. According to them, "We've never seen a hydrangea bloom so much! This petite and sturdy star gives your yard or patio (literally) a full bouquet of creamy lime blooms through summer and fall. Grows to 3′ wide by 3′ tall. Zones 3a–8b." The plant is available as 15-cell RocketLiner® Liners and 60-cell JetPack® Plugs from Van Belle Youngplants (Booth #12044).

© Farwest Show

Daphne Perfume Princess White (Daphne odora 'Daplur2' PP30790) — Bred by Mark Jury and Anthony Tesselaar, introduced by Anthony Tesselaar Plants and submitted by Briggs Nursery. According to them, "This chance mutation of Perfume Princess came from the work of renowned plant breeders Mark Jury and Anthony Tesselaar. Their goal was to combine the tough, strong growth habit of Daphne bhuloa types with the heady fragrance and flowering performance of Daphne odora varieties. Like its parent, it blooms early and long with intoxicating fragrance with citrus undertones. The deliciously fragrant bright white flowers emerge in mid-winter and continue through spring, blooming along the stem as well as at each branch tip. The plant maintains a dense upright bush shape with glossy green pointed leaves. Good disease resistance. Un-fussy, grows almost anywhere even in full sun. It'll grow in any soil but prefers soils that are slightly acid and free draining. Full sun to part shade. Grows to 3′ wide by 4′ tall. Zones 7a–10b." The plant is available as #2 containers and quart liners from Briggs Nursery (Booth #18037).

All of the New Varieties Showcase selections are viewable at the Farwest Show and at the link here. As a reminder, the show will be open until 2 p.m. Friday, August 22 to see them personally.