Alpenglow Hybrid Maple (Acer × sideboldianum 'INAG-E61' PP35081) was voted the People’s Choice Best in Show winner in the 2025 Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase.
The plant was hybridized by Paul H. Halladin in Boring, Oregon, and introduced by Iseli Nursery. It is one of 33 new selections that were on display at the 2025 Farwest Show.
“New plant introductions are the lifeblood of the nursery industry, bringing forth new ideas, inspiration and even functionality,” said Jamie Moore, event coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “Our judges were impressed with the quality and variety of new plants on display at Farwest. We are excited to see these new plants enter the marketplace and proud to play a role in making that happen.”
According to Iseli, “Alpenglow is a red-leafed, upright hybrid maple that is hardy down to -30 (degrees) F. In spring, merlot leaves dance on arching branches; translucent veins help them catch the light and glow. The deep red mellows to a burnished bronze in summer and finally turns to blazing orange and red in fall. A refined oval habit and sturdy branching make this a majestic centerpiece that you can rely on for a colorful show year after year. Our hybrid maples have proven to be resilient trees that can handle whatever challenges nature throws at them. 'INAG-E61' is a cross between Acer palmatum and Acer pseudosieboldianum. It originated from a tree breeding program started in 1997 with the goal of expanding the cold tolerance range of Japanese maple trees to include Zone 4. Grows to 15 feet wide by 20 feet tall. Zones 4a to 8b.”
The tree is available as #6, #20, #15 and #24 containers from Iseli Nursery.
In addition to the People’s Choice Best of Show award, voters gave three Awards of Merit:
People’s Choice Award of Merit: Sweet Caroline Medusa Black ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batataas 'NCORNSP-033SCMP' PPAF, CPBRAF) — The plant was hybridized by Craig Yencho and introduced by Proven Winners. Grows to 30 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Zones 11a to 11b. The plant is available as container liner, plug, 105-cell and 72-cell seedling from Proven Winners.
People’s Choice Award of Merit: Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Shadowstorm ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas 'NCORNSP-034SCVPG' PPAF, CPBRAF) — The plant was hybridized by Craig Yencho and introduced by Proven Winners. Grows to 36 inches wide by 16 inches tall. Zones 11a to 11b. The plant is available as container liner, plug, 105-cell and 72-cell seedling from Proven Winners.
People’s Choice Award of Merit: Seaside Serenade Pebble Beach hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'SC-04-20' PPAF) — The plant was hybridized by Michael Dirr and introduced by Monrovia Nursery. Grows to 3 to 4 wide and tall. Zones 4a to 9b. The plant is available as #2 and #5 containers from Monrovia Nursery.
You can also find out the winners of the New Varieties Showcase Judges Choice awards.