Darwin Perennials Wins Top Awards at 2025 Plant Trials
Need to Know
- Darwin Perennials earned top honors at major 2025 plant trials, with perfect 5.0 scores for Penstemon varieties Rock Candy, Mountain Treats, and Summit Sweets at Raker Trial Gardens.
- Brunnera varieties Permafrost, Frostline, and Frost King received standout ratings across Raker, Penn State, CSU, and UGA trials for exceptional performance, heat tolerance, and pest resistance.
- Award-winning perennials like Crazy Blue Perovskia, Coreopsis Sunfetti Yellow Bicolor, and Gaillardia Guapa Flamenco Bicolor were praised for vibrant blooms, durability, and strong landscape performance in diverse trial environments.
Congratulations to the standout varieties that were recognized at this year’s plant trials. The follow Darwin Perennials received accolades and high scores from a number of trials this summer.
Raker Trial Gardens
With a perfect 5.0 score from Raker Trial Gardens, Darwin Perennials was recognized for three of its Penstemon varieties:
Rock Candy (Coral and Ruby)
Mountain Treats (Lavender, Light Pink, Purple and Rose)
Summit Sweets (Purple and Ruby)
Penn State Trials
Three varieties of Brunnera also received high marks at both Raker Trial Gardens and Penn State Trials:
Permafrost (5.0 at Raker | 5.0 at Penn State)
Frostline (5.0 at Raker | 4.89 at Penn State)
Frost King (4.8 at Raker | 4.78 at Penn State)
Colorado State University (CSU)
Top Performers at CSU Flower Trial Gardens included Crazy Blue Perovskia. As a winner a few years ago in 2021, judges still noticed how much Crazy Blue stands out among the rest. “This sage lives up to its name — copious amounts of intense, crazy blue-purple flowers for several weeks adorn the stems! This shorter, upright selection, grows to about 30” tall with interlocking branches so it does not break open. The characteristic, blue-gray-green dissect foliage makes this a great selection that is well adapted to drier landscape situations — and it is a pollinator magnet!” (Also known as Russian Sage.)
Another winner this year was Permafrost Brunnera Macrophylla. Said to have checked off the boxes for many of the trial’s garden design plantings and interests, including being deer and rabbit resistant. “It is quite drought tolerant; thus it makes it an ideal candidate for a dry shade situation! Plus, it does show more heat tolerance than other Brunnera, so there’s less leaf-edge browning — making for a very clean foliage presentation. AND…not to overlook the bright, baby blue flowers in early spring that dance above the silver-white and green veined heart-shaped foliage! Plant some ‘Permafrost’ for some permanent shade interest in your garden!” commented the judges.
UGA Trial Awards (University of Georgia)
Brunnera Frost King received the Classic City Award for best performance and highest ratings for the entire trial season. Judges were extremely impressed with Brunnera Frost King, saying, “Classic City Winner! Pest resistant and no leaf browning.”
Coreopsis Sunfetti Yellow Bicolor received the Industry’s Choice Award, which is voted as a favorite by UGA’s horticulture industry partners. Comments included, “Blooms in waves all summer, loves a haircut!”
Gaillardia Guapa Flamenco Bicolor received the Plant of Distinction Award as a seasonal winner selected at peak performance. This variety was chosen at the height of the season in the month of July. Comments included, “Tons of tightly packed blooms!”