Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/11/99
Contacts:
James Romer, Extension Horticulture, (515) 294-2336
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Jan. 15
Take Out the Old, Bring in the New
by James Romer
Extension horticulturist
Iowa State University
Are you fed up with the same old marigolds, zinnias, petunias and geraniums? Well, I have the solution for you. There are some new selections of flowers that have been given the 1999 All-American Selection (AAS) award. To receive this award the selection must possess unique or improved characteristics compared to existing plants. There was an exceptionally large amount of award winners making this a great opportunity to try some great plants.
Below are descriptions of those designated AAS winners.
'Bonanza Bolero' Marigold
This attractive French marigold has flowers of golden
yellow splashed with red. Every bloom is slightly different.
This is an improved dwarf marigold. The height of this
beauty ranges from 8 to 12 inches tall. It also is noted for
its early bloom. Full sun will provide the best results.
This wonderful annual also performs well in
containers.
'Passion Mix' Osteospermum
This selection has daisy-like flowers of white, rose,
pink or purple with deep blue centers. These self-branching
plants reach a height of 12 to 18 inches. Best results are
obtained in full sun. However, 'Passion Mix' Osteospermum
seems to lose a little steam during Iowa's hot summer, but
perks up again in cooler weather.
'Sundial Peach' Portulaca
This was my favorite of all the selections this year.
The plants were absolutely covered with peach colored, semi
double blooms. It was hard to find the foliage. This is the
first portulaca to receive the AAS award. The flower size is
2 inches, which is a little larger than a traditional moss
rose. While the flowers on most portulacas close by early
afternoon, the blooms of 'Sundial Peach' stay open longer.
Full sun is recommended for best performance. It also
requires a well-drained soil. Plants spread approximately 8
to 12 inches wide.
'Quartz Burgundy' Verbena
'Quartz Burgundy' produces large clusters of wine-red
flowers. This, like the Osteospermum, stops blooming during
periods of extreme heat. Plant height is 6 to 8 inches while
spread is around 15 inches. 'Quartz Burgundy' performs best
in the full sun in moist, well-drained soils. Because of its
spreading habit, it adapts well to containers or hanging
baskets.
'Profusion Cherry' and 'Profusion
Orange' Zinnia
These zinnias were chosen as AAS Gold Medal winners, the
highest honor given by the All-American selecting
organization. This distinction is reserved for breakthroughs
in breeding. Both zinnias exhibit excellent tolerance to
foliar diseases such as powdery mildew.
Single 2 to 3 inch flowers are produced on 12 to 18 inch tall plants. Deadheading is not essential, but is still recommended for best results. Ideal locations for these zinnias are full sun and well-drained soils.
'Pin Up Flame' Begonia
Another first was achieved by this begonia being
selected an AAS winner. ' Pin Up Flame' produces 2 to 4 inch
single flowers. The uniquely color flowers are yellow edged
in orange/red. Shade is preferred by this selection. It
needs to be planted in front as it attains a height of 10 to
12 inches.
'Flamenco' Tritoma
'Flamenco is a seed grown variety of torch lily or
red-hot poker. The plant has long strap-like leaves. The
flowers range in color from cream, orange and yellow to red.
Spikes can reach a height of 30 inches and thrives in
well-drained soil. Hummingbirds may be attracted to your
garden with the addition of this selection.
Well, there you have it. There are some wonderful new selections for all to try. I'm sure things will look fine in 1999.
ml: isugarden
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