2017 Spring Trials Day 5: Sunflowers, sleepaways and shrubs

Day 5 found us in Gilroy, "Garlic Capital of the World," for our visit to Syngenta Flowers. This year, Syngenta's focus was on their new pollen-less (but still pollinator-friendly) sunflower, additional size options and colors for the Calliope geranium series, and 5 new color options in the Obsession Cascade trailing verbena series.

Pacific Plug & Liner transformed its facilities and created Camp Perennial, complete with logs, boats and oars and other summer sleepaway-themed items to highlight its various perennial offerings, including grasses, hellebore and echibeckia (see photo). "Campers" could collect "merit badges" along the way as they toured the various perennial categories.

Cultivaris emphasized a handful of its new varieties, including a begonia with copper-orange foliage and delicate pink flowers called 'Autumn Ember.'

The Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection's focus on water-wise plants continued during the 2017 trials, and Plant Development Services also shared information about its new partnership with Skagit Horticulture, which will help get more of their perennial product to the market. Bailey Nurseries showcased popular favorites from its separate brands at Spring Trials — including the Endless Summer Collection, First Editions and Easy Elegance, and a new fragrant gardenia that features a more compact habit.

We capped off our day with a visit to a winery to see Proven Winners' newest annuals, perennials, shrubs and retailer resources.

The standout in annuals was Phlox Intensia Red Hot, while in perennials the 'Wild Rose' heuchera caught people's eye and Winecraft Black smokebush was a star shrub.

Stay tuned for coverage of Danziger, Varinova and more from previous stops in our day 6 recap.

Day 5 Videos:

• Color and performance
• New for the South
• Attendee favorites
• Long-lasting sunflowers
• Compact and fragrant
• Promoting pollinators at retail