THE 2002 OSU LEARNING GARDEN SUMMER ANNUAL TRIAL RESULTS Chadwick Arboretum/ Department of Horticulture & Crop Science -Murphy Family Garden Monica Kmetz-Gonzalez and Dr. Claudio Pasian OSU Department of Horticulture and Crop Science ~Under-Utilized Bedding Plants for the Ohio Landscape: ~Annual Vines ~Take a peek of our trials: (Photo 1) , (Photo 2)  , (Photo 3)  , (Photo 4)  , (Photo 5)  , (Photo 6) The Summer Annuals Cultivar Trials at OSU, Columbus, OH were conducted in raised beds located between our Departmental buildings and greenhouses in a full sun exposure. This year, 76 annuals and 4 annual vines were tested. Both seed and whole plant sources were utilized. The majority of seeding occurred on March 7, with transplanting to 2 ¼" or 3 ½" cell packs taking place on April 11. The planting outside was staggered between May 22 through June 5. Conditions. Hard frosts in mid-May delayed the planting date somewhat this year. Cooler than normal post-planting temperatures were followed by a wet period for the first half of June. July and August were excessively hot (day and night temperatures) and dry. The trial area has an overhead automatic irrigation system, and water was applied as needed. Fertilization occurred on June 11 and July 9 with 200 ppm N and 125 ppm N, respectively, of a 20-10-20 solution via a Dosatron. We acknowledge Possum Run Greenhouses (Bellville, OH), Timbuk Farms (Granville, OH), Michell's (King of Prussia, PA), and Proven Winners for their plant donations. Appreciation goes to greenhouse staff members David Snodgrass and Marci Feller for their assistance. We would also like to acknowledge, and give a huge thanks to our "Annuals Team" of Master Gardeners, who assisted in all phases of the cultivar trials this season. Their help and expertise once again was invaluable. Evaluations Evaluations were conducted at the end of June, July and August by the Trial Beds Coordinator. Late season ratings were also done in September and October. Plants were pulled on November 5. Results of the monthly evaluations can be found in the table. Plants were rated on a 1 to 5 scale (1=not acceptable, 5= exceptional). Cultivars are ranked in descending order of their overall season performance. ~Under-Utilized Bedding Plants for the Ohio Landscape: Table 1 ~Annual Vines: Table 2 The Best of 2002 The following were the best, consistent all-season performers for us this year (listed in alphabetical order): ~Ageratum houstonianum (vegetative) -"Artist Blue", "Artist Purple" ~Capsicum annuum - "Chilly Chili" Ornamental Pepper ~Celosia argentea spicata - "Purple Flamingo" Wheat Celosia. The fall color of the foliage was a real end-of-the-season bonus. Worked well at the back end of a planting since height is 3 feet. ~Cuphea hyssopifolia - Mexican Heather. All 5 tested well..they're tough in the heat. Included in our Cuphea species trial as well. ~Cuphea ignea - "David Verity". Nice upright habit, taller selection to 2.5+ ft. More flowers and flower size is somewhat larger than the species. Included in our Cuphea species trial as well. ~Gomphrena globosa - Globe Everlasting/Globe Amaranth. All 3 did well. "Bicolor Rose" is a favorite here. ~Ipomoea batatas - "Sweet Caroline Purple" and "Sweet Caroline Light Green". These worked well everywhere we put them…in additional planters, etc. Tough, vigorous plants and the accent they provide is tremendous. ~Scaevola aemula - Blue Fan Flower. Worked surprisingly well in ground at the edge of a raised bed; not just for hanging baskets and containers. ~Zinnia elegans - Profusion Series. Impressive. All did as well for us as they have in other parts of the country. "Profusion Cherry" did fade a bit in the peak of the summer, but, interestingly, the color came back even stronger in the late season environment. Other Plants of Note The following is a list of plants that performed well, but exhibited somewhat of a "flowering roller coaster"…with noticeable highs and lows in flower quantity at different evaluation dates. Most "wilted" in the high heat of August, and then rebounded in the Fall. (listed in alphabetical order). ~Angelonia angustifolia . Overall, all did well. They are tough plants here, and lend a finer flower texture to the annual bed, reminiscent of perennials. "Angelface Blue Bicolor" is taller with a unique flower color contrast, but lacked some self support later in the season. The pinks are not as vigorous or as floriferous. The standby blues are still hard to beat. Consult the table for individual cultivar names and ratings. ~Ocimum basilicum - "Thai Siam Queen" Basil. This was the second year we trialed this, and it's quite a unique ornamental performer. Great early-to-mid season, slowed back in mid to late August, but rebounded well in the Fall. It's a favorite here. ~Verbena hybrid - "Superbena" series. All performed well early to mid season, slowing in August, and then bouncing back in the Fall. Early to Mid- Season Performers: ~Cosmos bipinnatus - "White Sonata". Very floriferous and not as tall. Early to mid-season performer. Went downhill quickly after that. ~Portulaca hybrid- "Sundial Peach" . Great color, and looked terrific next to the Blue Fan Flower and Blue Ageratum. ~Santivalia procumbens - Creeping Zinnia. Looked great early to mid-season here. Might try in a different location next year. Late Season Performer: ~Cuphea x purpurea - "Firecracker". At its peak in flower number late season. Striking flower. Of Mention: These both did well throughout the season. Lobelia- "Laguna Compact Blue with Eye" Nierembergia caerulea- "Mont Blanc" Interesting plant material that did not do well here due to a tough start this season included Hunnemania fumariifolia -"Sunlite" Mexican Tulip Poppy, Nolana paradoxa -Nolana, and Limnanthes douglasii - Meadowfoam /Poached Egg Plant. ANNUAL VINES: This was the second year we trialed the Cardinal Climber, Cypress Vine, and Love in a Puff Vine. All vines tested performed well overall, considering their tough full sun, heat load location on trellises at the back of the trial beds. Most flowered better at the end of the season, when the temperatures were more moderate. Consult the bottom of the table for specific information.