Victors of AAS Experiencing Summer Success
All-America Selections (AAS), a renowned non-profit plant trialing program with over 90 years of history, has announced three outstanding plants that are ideal for gardens across North America. Let's take a closer look at these award-winning beauties: Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity', Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol', and 'Torch'.
Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity'
This tender perennial, growing up to about 60 cm (23 in.) tall, is a delightful addition to any garden. With small, bright flowers often featuring a white center, 'Vanity' adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
Heat-loving and heat-tolerant, 'Vanity' thrives in warm climates, making it a reliable choice for gardens in hot and dry summer conditions. Moreover, it attracts pollinators and contributes to biodiversity, making it a valuable asset in pollinator habitats.
While specific notes on 'Vanity's' impact on floral arrangements were not found, its slender stems and many small flowers suggest it could offer texture and height in cut flower arrangements.
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch'
These bold and vibrant plants are known for their sunflower-like blooms and vigorous growth, often reaching several feet in height. 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' provide a strong vertical structure in gardens, adding a touch of drama and colour.
Like 'Vanity', these plants are heat-tolerant and thrive in warm climates. They are also excellent for pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their bright, nectar-rich flowers.
In cut flower arrangements, their large, vivid flowers make for vibrant focal points. 'Fiesta Del Sol' offers bold orange blooms, while 'Torch' typically features orange flowers with occasional red or yellow variations.
A Garden Full of Life and Colour
Each of these plants offers unique qualities that make them valuable additions to any garden. 'Vanity' provides delicate flowers and versatility in filling garden gaps, while 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch' stand out with their bold, large flowers that add strong colour and support pollinators.
Whether you're looking to create a pollinator habitat, add vibrant colour to your floral arrangements, or simply enjoy a garden that thrives in warm, sunny conditions, these AAS winners are sure to deliver.
The AAS website provides a wealth of information on these and other award-winning plants, including trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and more. If you're interested in seeing these plants in person, be sure to visit Reiman Gardens, which serves as a display garden for recent AAS winners. Happy gardening!
[1] All-America Selections (AAS) is a national, non-profit plant trialing program in North America. [2] AAS has trial and display sites across North America. [3] The AAS website provides information on trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and more. [4] Verbena bonariensis is well liked by gardeners and pollinators alike. It tends to fill gaps in garden layouts, attracting pollinators and supporting biodiversity.
