MORRIS, Minn. — We’ve got some great research happening right here in Minnesota and one annual list we find extra useful is the top ten annuals, put together by Steven Poppe at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN.
Nearly 450 annuals were tested for this years list and here are the best of the best based on performance, color, vigor, uniformity of habit and flowering, flowering numbers relative to others, insect and disease resistance, and uniqueness.
In no particular order here they are:
Angelonia Aria Blue Performed exceptionally well in both a container and in the garden.
Begonia Dreams® Garden Macarouge Flowered relentlessly all summer long in the shady garden and is best grown in a container.
Bracteantha Granvia® Grew well exposed to very warm temperatures, and was resistant to mildew.
Gomphrena Truffula® Pink A durable plant that is easy to care for and requires no deadheading. Plus it attracted many bees and butterflies.
Marigold Erecta Big Top™ Yellow does require occasional deadheading but gives color all season long even in challenging weather conditions.
Petunia Amore™ Queen of Hearts Is unique with red and yellow striped petals that display five red hearts on each blossom.
Petunia SuperCal® Rose Is a blend of petunia and calibrachoa that maintained vibrant flowers all season. No deadheading needed.
Scaevola Surdiva Blue Violet Withstood our summer heat and provided continuous color throughout the season in a hanging basket.
Vinca Valiant™ Orchid had superior garden performance grown in hot, dry, full sun conditions.
And finally, Zinnia Double Zahara™ Yellow is a compact bushy plant that makes a bold statement in the garden. Occasional deadheading needed.
The research gardens are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk each day and all flowers are clearly labeled for you to do some research of your own! The Horticultural Research Garden is located at 46352 State Hwy 329, Morris, MN.