Colorado State names top selections

Colorado State released its 2008 Plant Select list, which includes two pansies and three perennials.

This year’s recommendations are ‘Northern Lights’ pansy, ‘Blue Velvet’ pansy, Mongolian Bells clematis, Little Trudy nepeta, Scrophularia macrantha (red birds in a tree) and Heptacodium miconioides (seven-son flower). The list also includes a grapevine, ‘St. Theresa Seedless.’

‘Northern Lights’ is a large-flowered pansy that exhibits a subtle blend of lemon-yellow and lilac in varying patterns. It was introduced by Sakata Seed.

‘Blue Velvet’ pansy from Benary Seed is the first navy blue pansy with dark -- almost black -- top petals.

Mongolian Bells clematis is a compact version of the traditional climbing vine. It grows 14 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Flowers appear from May to September in shades of blue, lavender, pink and white. Flowers are followed by delicate seed heads that persist into fall. It is considered more drought tolerant than other clematis.

Little Trudy nepeta, from Little Valley Wholesale Nursery, works well in waterwise gardens. It’s compact and grows 10 inches tall with a 16-inch spread.

Scrophularia macrantha grows 36 inches tall. Its birdlike flowers do not require deadheading. It’s native to the mountains of New Mexico and requires little water after established.

The Plant Select program is administered by Colorado State University and the Denver Botanic Gardens. The program identifies plants suited for the Rocky Mountain and High Plains regions.

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For more: Pat Hayward, Colorado State University, (970) 481-3429; www.plantselect.org.

June 2008