Annual flower trials are hosted at the North Central Research and Outreach Center. This research is an extension of the flower trials occurring at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN. Companies such as All-America Selections, Proven Winners, Syngenta, and many others trial their flower varieties here at the NCROC in the field, in hanging baskets, and containers. During flower evaluations we grade the plants based on criteria such as color, uniformity, uniqueness, plant health, hardiness in zone 3, and insect/disease resistance.
Top 10 Annual Flowers
1. Calibrachoa-Superbells® Double Vintage Coral
A double-flowered calibrachoa with a full and vigorous habit in a hanging basket wowed the voters this season. The colored veins gave each bloom an antiqued look, which highlighted the changing blends of petal colors from gold to purple and pink.
2. Bidens - Beedance® Painted Orange
With a well mounded shape and darkly feathered foliage, the blooms of this variety stand out like a sunset. A favorite of bees and voters alike.
3. Cleomoe - Señorita Rosalita®
This variety had a big presence in the garden, standing at almost fourfeet tall! The unique, spikey foliage is topped with bright pink flower clusters that continue to bloom all summer.
4. Begonia - Surefire Cascade™ Red
Iridescent red blooms stalked above foliage with a healthy shine. This begonia had a glossy polish all summer long.
5. Lantana - Luscious® Basket Tangeglow™
A lantana that has lived up to its "luscious" name! Acid green foliage makes the perfect backdrop to the bright clusters of orange and yellow flowers.
6. Calibrachoa - Superbells® Double Smitten Pink
These double blooms looked like creamy pink fondant on a prettily shaped cake! If you looked closely, there was a tiny surprise of bright yellow at the dark pink centers.
7. Petunia - Surfinia® Heavenly Cashmere Pink
This variety of petunia stood out with its ability to hold a pleasing shape and the abundance of pink satin blooms.8.
8. Petunia, Surfinia® Heavenly Blackberries & Cream
Creamy blooms with a large dark blackberry jam center held an amazing shape all summer long.
9. Coleus - ColorBlaze® El Brighto
A returning favorite from 2021, this coleus has improved its sun-loving colors. Vivid pinks contrast with chartreuse edges and a dark center in a mound of color.
10. Ipomoea - Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Medusa™ Black
This dark mass of feathered foliage with fun pops of lime green and purples charmed the voters this year.