Favorites emerge from University of Georgia 2023 Plant Trials

Added on 14 December 2023

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Favorites emerge from University of Georgia 2023 Plant Trials

Lantana ‘PassionFruit’ (Ball FloraPlant)

In Georgia, we enjoyed a pleasantly mild spring, followed by a dry, hot summer with most days in the mid-nineties. The rain we did receive came in bursts of strong storms, and the garden was affected by limbs falling from the pecan trees that border the garden. The mild weather early on was great for plants that prefer cooler weather, but slowed down our heat-lovers such as cannas and caladiums. The heat did arrive just in time for summer, and allowed the others to catch up. We did not receive the record-breaking heat that others endured in the southwest this year.

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UGA received 400 trials total in 2023, with 85 perennials in the mix. We highlight the best plants in the garden every two weeks, as well as our top plants of the season. The Top 12 for 2023 are:

Zinnia ‘Zesty Yellow’ (Ball Ingenuity)

This zinnia has given us a continuous stream of tall, handsome blooms all season. These gigantic doubles are perfect for a bright, sunny border, or cut flower garden. The plants showed resistance to mildew.

Torenia ‘Catalina Pink 2024’ (Proven Winners)

Every garden has a shady corner, and our plants had the best of both worlds in morning sun and afternoon shade. They have been delightfully easy to grow from start to finish and heat tolerant for the southern market.

Interspecific Impatiens ‘Solarscape Orange Burst’ (PanAmerican Seed)

The Solarscape series has accomplished its goal at the UGA Trial Garden this summer. Plants are evenly matched with one another and covered with color. This summer has been sunny and hot, and the plants stayed strong.

Lantana ‘PassionFruit’ (Ball FloraPlant)

This lantana truly stands out among the rest. Flower clusters are large, and plants are continuously blooming. Lantana is a top crop in our climate, and we are always looking for new and exciting varieties.