Colorado State ranks top annuals

Colorado State University in Fort Collins trialed hundreds of annual varieties last summer. Comprehensive trial results are online at www.flowertrials.colostate.edu.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ from Proven Winners was named 2006 Best in Show. Judges said the plant was selected due to an “exceptionally long-lasting display of delicate white flowers.” Plant growth habit was “very uniform,” and foliage was “covered by a canopy of airy blooms.” ‘Diamond Frost’ is “excellent by itself or in a combination with other flowers in beds or containers.”

The 2006 Best New Variety is celosia ‘Fresh Look Gold’ from Benary Seed. The judges picked this variety for its showy, large golden flower plumes against dark-green foliage. Growth habit and flowering were uniform. Flowers were resistant to fading.

One of the top novelties was achillea ‘Gypsy’ from Fischer USA. It was chosen for its double, bright-white flowers. It also grew well in ground and in containers with a rounded, compact habit.

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For more: James Klett, Colorado State University, (970) 491-7179; www.flowertrials.colostate.edu.