Trial Garden 2023
Bed Preparation and Planting
A 10,000 sq. ft. area behind the Fisher Greenhouse was rototilled in the spring before planting. The soil was not amended, and the beds were mulched prior to planting with a 3-inch layer of wood chips.
Staff and volunteers planted the selections on May 23rd and May 24th. Seven plants of each variety were planted 1 ft. apart in rows, with 24 or 36-inch spacing between rows depending upon cultivar. The rows were organized into seven 8 ft. by 100 ft. beds.
The plant selections were organized in alphabetical order according to their botanical name, and identified by white labels listing their botanical name, cultivar, and supplier.
Maintenance
Once established, the Trial Garden received minimal maintenance. Staff irrigated the beds for the first two weeks, and applied an all-purpose soluble fertilizer (21-5-20) at planting and for the first two weeks. No supplemental watering or fertilizer was provided for the remainder of the summer, nor were insecticides or fungicides applied. Staff hand weeded as necessary. None of the trial plants were dead-headed or pruned.
Evaluations
The Horticulture Manager at UDBG evaluated the Trial Garden plants every other week from July 1st through September 30th. For each of the dates, plants were awarded three scores: one based on flowering, one based on foliage, and habit. Habit evaluates how uniform the plants grow, if all 7 plants are different sizes, the score is lower, if they are all very close in size, they get a good score. Habit also takes into account how well the plant holds its form, does it splay in time? Or does it stand tall and keep form throughout the season? The overall scores for flowers and foliage represent the average of all individual scores for each category. Woody plant material is scored with one overall category, taking into consideration the three categories for annuals as well as overall health and appearance of the plants themselves.
Weather
The following charts were generated from weather information obtained from Delaware Environmental Observing System Network at the University of Delaware Farm.
Begonia Double Delight(R) Appleblossom Begonia
Average flower score: 3.2
Average foliage score: 3.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Suffered from drought burn late season.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Begonia Double Delight(R) Blush Rose Begonia
Average flower score: 2.1
Average foliage score: 2.8
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Burnt badly by mid season
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Bidens Campfire(R) Marshmallow(TM) Burr Marigold
Average flower score: 4.1
Average foliage score: 4.8
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Light insect pressure damage after drought stress, minor at best
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Bidens Campfire(R) Flame Burr Marigold
Average flower score: 3.6
Average foliage score: 4.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Season
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Some splaying very late in season, very good form for most of growing season
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Bidens Goldilocks Rocks(R) Burr Marigold
Average flower score: 2.8
Average foliage score: 4.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double White Million Bells
Average flower score: 0.9
Average foliage score: 1.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 6/7 plants died by end of trial period
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double Redstone(TM) Million Bells
Average flower score: 0.4
Average foliage score: 0.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: All trials deceased by Mid-July
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Pink Million Bells
Average flower score: 2.5
Average foliage score: 3.2
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 2/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Blue Million Bells
Average flower score: 2.7
Average foliage score: 3.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 3/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double Smitten Pink Million Bells
Average flower score: 1.7
Average foliage score: 2.2
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 5/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double Vintage Coral(TM) Million Bells
Average flower score: 2.2
Average foliage score: 2.2
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 4/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Prism(TM) Pink Lemonade Million Bells
Average flower score: 2
Average foliage score: 2.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 5/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double Twilight(TM) Million Bells
Average flower score: 1.6
Average foliage score: 1.6
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 6/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Calibrachoa Superbells(R) Double Amber Million Bells
Average flower score: 2.5
Average foliage score: 2.9
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 5/7 deceased by the end of the trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Red Hawk(TM) Sweet Potato Vine
Average flower score: 0
Average foliage score: 4.9
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Vigorous Grower, took edge pruning well to keep it within its trial area.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Upside(TM) Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine
Average flower score: 0
Average foliage score: 5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Vigorous Grower
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Ipomoea Sweet Caroline Upside(TM) Key Lime Sweet Potato Vine
Average flower score: 0
Average foliage score: 4.8
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Vigorous Grower, slight insect issue early in season. Plant flushed back very well.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Jamesbrittania Safari(R) Dusk(TM) South African Phlox
Average flower score: 1.6
Average foliage score: 2.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Jamesbrittania Safari(R) Sky South African Phlox
Average flower score: 1.3
Average foliage score: 2.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 4/7 deceased by end of the trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Nemesia Sunsatia(R) Coconut Nemesia
Average flower score: 1.3
Average foliage score: 2.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 7/7 plants deceased by 9/13 trial data recording.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Plectranthus ColorBlaze(R) Chocolate Drop Coleus
Average flower score: 0
Average foliage score: 4.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Light drought damage and splaying by late in season.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Plectranthus ColorBlaze(R) Cherry Drop Coleus
Average flower score: 0
Average foliage score: 4.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia(R) Saffron Finch Petunia
Average flower score: 3
Average foliage score: 3.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Mid season slight drought damage, flushed out of it by end of season.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia(R) Hoopla(TM) Vivid Orchid(TM) Petunia
Average flower score: 2.7
Average foliage score: 3.6
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia(R) Bermuda Beach(R) Petunia
Average flower score: 3.2
Average foliage score: 3.5
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Ultramarine(TM) Petunia
Average flower score: 3.3
Average foliage score: 3.7
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 1/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Tiara(R) Pink Petunia
Average flower score: 4.1
Average foliage score: 4.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Sweet Sangria Petunia
Average flower score: 3.6
Average foliage score: 3.7
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Hot Pink Petunia
Average flower score: 3.3
Average foliage score: 4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Indigo Petunia
Average flower score: 3.6
Average foliage score: 3.7
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Midnight Petunia
Average flower score: 2.4
Average foliage score: 3.3
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Weak Flowerset.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Pink Star Petunia
Average flower score: 2.9
Average foliage score: 3.9
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Drought damage
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Scarlet Petunia
Average flower score: 2.9
Average foliage score: 3.7
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Drought Damage end of August.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Violet Star Petunia
Average flower score: 3.4
Average foliage score: 3.6
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) White Petunia
Average flower score: 3.4
Average foliage score: 3.9
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Good reflush at the end of the trial scoring period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista(R) Yellow Petunia
Average flower score: 4.2
Average foliage score: 4.6
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Petunia Supertunia Vista(R) Jazzberry Petunia
Average flower score: 4.2
Average foliage score: 4.6
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Salvia Rockin(R) Deep Purple Sage
Average flower score: 2.6
Average foliage score: 4.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Salvia Rockin(R) Blue Suede Shoes Sage
Average flower score: 2.4
Average foliage score: 4.3
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Salvia Unplugged(R) Pink Sage
Average flower score: 2.9
Average foliage score: 4.3
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Scaevola Whirlwind(R) White Fan Flower
Average flower score: 2.8
Average foliage score: 3.9
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 2/7 deceased by end of trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Scaevola Whirlwind(R) Blue Fan Flower
Average flower score: 2.9
Average foliage score: 3.7
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: Sun scorch late in season.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Scaevola Whirlwind(R) Pink Fan Flower
Average flower score: 2.6
Average foliage score: 3.2
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments: 1/7 deceased by end of the trial period.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Torenia Catalina(R) Pink Wishbone Flower
Average flower score: 1.5
Average foliage score: 3.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Verbena Superbena(R) Cherryburst Vervain
Average flower score: 2.6
Average foliage score: 3.4
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Verbena Superbena(R) Pink Cashmere(TM) Vervain
Average flower score: 2.5
Average foliage score: 4.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Verbena Superbena(R) Sparkling Amethyst Vervain
Average flower score: 2.8
Average foliage score: 4.1
Average plant score (for woody plants): N/A
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Proven Winners
Comments:
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Caryopteris Beyond Pink'd Bluebeard
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 1.6
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Did not survive winter into the second growing season.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Hydrangea Fairytale Bride(R) Hydrangea
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.4
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Late second season, growth was put on and flowered late in season. Came back well from rough winter.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Lagerstroemia Center Stage(R) Pink Crape Myrtle
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.9
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: 1/7 did not survive winter. Those who survived performed very well. 2nd Season's flowers were abundant.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Punica Peppy Le Pom(TM) Pomegranate
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 1.25
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Trialed plants did not survive the first winter.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Rhaphiolepsis La Vida Grande(R) Indian Hawthorn
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 1.4
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: All trialed plants did not survive the winter.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Sambucus Black Lace(R) Elderberry
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.5
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Slight drought damage that reflushed well with rain late in season. Good form.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Sambucus Lemony Lace(R) Elderberry
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.5
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: 1/7 trialed plants died, late in 2nd season. Rest of trialed plants healthy and good vigor.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Sambucus Laced Up(R) Elderberry
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.3
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Drought stress led to a reflush late in season, good columnar form overall.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Viburnum davidii Yin(R) David's Viburnum
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.4
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: Slight drought damage late in season, reflushed out well. Good flowerset.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Viburnum davidii Yang(R) David's Viburnum
Average flower score: N/A
Average foliage score: N/A
Average plant score (for woody plants): 3.4
Light condition: Full Sun
Source: Spring Meadow Nursery
Comments: 1 trial plant died over winter. Rest of trials looked strong, good flowerset.
Flower and foliage scores by date:
Commons Names
Botanical Name
