All-America Selections, the nonprofit testing organization for new flowers and vegetables, has selected four new flowers for awards.
Begonia Viking XL Red on Chocolate has dark foliage described as chocolate or bronze-brown. It is darker than typical bronze leaf begonias. It also has larger flowers on a larger plant than most fibrous root begonias. Plants grow to about 30 inches in height. Flower color is vibrant red. It is well suited to the back of flower beds or in larger containers. Begonias have continuous bloom, from planting to frost, with minimum maintenance. Viking XL Red has no pest or disease problems.
Marigold Big Duck Gold produces large, 3-inch golden yellow double flowers on bushy 15-inch plants. It is one of the vigorous new hybrid marigolds which flower nonstop from planting to frost. Plants produce new leaves and flowers above the old ones which gives a bright clean look without deadheading. Marigold seeds can be planted directly outside in late spring. They will bloom sooner if started inside about a month before outside planting.
Petunia Wave Carmine Velour is a brand new color in petunias. The 2-inch vibrant carmine red flowers grow on dwarf 6- to 8- inch plants that can spread up to 3 feet. Like other wave petunias, it will quickly spread to fill in a flower bed or quickly hang over containers and hanging baskets. Petunia Wave Carmine Velour provides season-long color without deadheading or pest problems.
