"The trial results are a strong validation of our breeding team's work"

Terra Nova Nurseries earned top marks across three major U.S. garden trial programs—Raker-Roberta Trial Gardens, JC Raulston Arboretum and the University of Georgia (UGA) Trial Gardens—highlighting standout, best-of-breeding perennial varieties.

Terra Nova posted a strong showing at the Raker-Roberta Trial Gardens, where 13 introductions earned 5.0 ratings for season-long vigor, color and hardiness. Among the top garden performers were Agastache 'Peach Pearl', Agastache 'Pink Pearl', Echinacea Delightful 'Lace', Echinacea Delightful'Sunshine', Heuchera 'Iridescent', Heuchera 'Rosewood' and Heucherella 'Pink Stardust'.

© Terra Nova Nurseries, IncAgastache 'Peach Pearl'

Four additional Terra Nova cultivars that scored 5.0 at Raker-Roberta were also recognized for cut-flower performance: Echinacea Fresco 'Apricot', Echinacea Supreme 'Cantaloupe', Echinacea Supreme 'Lime' and Kniphofia Poco 'Butter Brickle'.

© Terra Nova Nurseries, IncEchinacea Supreme 'Lime'

The JC Raulston Arboretum's newly released 2024–2025 trial results, covering 2023 and 2024 plantings, further affirm Terra Nova perennials' resilience and adaptability. The 2023 varieties delivered exemplary multi-year performance, comprising Echinacea Prima 'Berry', Kniphofia 'Rocket Jr.' and Geum Tempo 'Rose' (shade planting), each achieving 100% survival after two winters.

© Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc

Momentum continued in the 2024 plantings, where Echinacea Fresco 'Apricot', Echinacea Kismet 'Pink Lemonade', Phygelius Colorburst 'Rose' and Phygelius Colorburst 'Yellow' reached 100% survival after one winter.

© Terra Nova Nurseries, IncEchinacea Kismet 'Pink Lemonade'

"Seeing our plants perform this well across three very different trial environments is a strong validation of our breeding team's work," said Chuck Pavlich, director of new product development at Terra Nova Nurseries. "It demonstrates that the plants perform as intended—the growing traits and habits are reliable; performance is consistent; and growers, retailers and home gardeners can depend on these varieties to maintain quality and landscape value in real-world conditions."

Terra Nova's varieties also stood out at the 2025 UGA Trial Gardens. Echinacea Prima 'Spider' received a "Plant of Distinction" award, and five additional entries earned overall ratings above 4.0: Coreopsis Nova 'Opal', Coreopsis Nova 'Sunstone', Echinacea Revelation 'Coral', Echinacea Delightful 'Lace' and Echinacea 'French Tips'.

The Raker-Roberta Trial Gardens, based in Litchfield, Michigan, conduct large-scale evaluations of annuals and perennials for vigor, color and overall garden performance.

The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University trials and showcases plants for adaptability, hardiness and landscape performance in North Carolina's climate, with findings relevant to the broader Southeast.

The University of Georgia Trial Gardens, located on the university's campus in Athens, Georgia, evaluate annuals and perennials for performance, resilience and ornamental value in the Southeast's challenging climate.