Central Iowa Garden Gallivant Favorites from the AAS Trials at Reiman Gardens

All-America Selections, with over 90 years of trials and award winners, is the only national, non-profit plant trialing program in North America. Reiman Gardens is proud to be both a trial site for ornamentals, edibles, and perennials showcased as both in-ground and containerized trials and a display garden highlighting recent winners. Check out the AAS website for trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and so much more! 

This past weekend, we talked trials in person at Reiman Gardens--did I see you there? If not, here's a few things that were pretty popular at the first annual Central Iowa Garden Gallivant.

Zinnia hybrida 'Profusion Double White Improved': White blooms are typically my least favorite; they usually brown up quickly either from heat or heavy rainstorms. 'Profusion Double White Improved' zinnia is indeed improved and looks great deep into the summer and even after multiple heavy rain events. Profusion is a series with many AAS awards and this one is another feather in the cap!

Dahlia pinnata 'Black Forest Ruby': This seed-raised Dahlia has dramatic black foliage and deep red flowers. The contrast is striking and you'll be impressed with the range of semi-double to double blooms that can grow up to 3.5 inches across. European judges also gave this plant high marks, presenting it a Fleuroselect award. Guests were treated to a sneak peek of two other colors in this series--keep an eye out for future winners!

Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lime Orange' and 'Queeny Lemon Peach': These two zinnias were winners 8 and 4 years ago and are still catching a lot of attention in the gardens. Visitors are especially interested because they are being used as comparisons with two other zinnias in trials this summer. These zinnias make great cut flowers and look just as good planted in a colorful mix for a summer showcase that blooms all season!

White zinnia flowers.
Zinnia hybrida 'Profusion Double White Improved.' Photo by AAS.
Red dahlia flowers and black foliage.
Dahlia pinnata 'Black Forest Ruby.' Photo by AAS.
Orange and yellow zinnia flower.
Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lime Orange.' Photo by AAS.
Yellow zinnia flower.
Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lemon Peach.' Photo by AAS.

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