After years of sometimes-harsh tests, the winners have emerged: Kansas State University has unveiled its latest list of recommended annual flowers, including a sweet treat for hummingbirds and a vine that sports purple foliage with contrasting, bright-pink flowers.
The new Prairie Star Flower list includes plants that have been tested for two consecutive years in Kansas and flourished, even with the state’s sometimes temperamental climate.
“Try Cuphea 'Vermillionaire' and watch the hummingbirds flock to your patio or garden,” said Robin Ruether, Prairie Star program coordinator based at the K-State Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center. “The tubular orange flowers are a favorite nectar source for the birds and pollinators, plus the plants thrive in hot, humid conditions and need little care besides water and fertilizer.”
Plant breeders from around the world send seeds or rooted cuttings to Ruether as part of the flower trial program overseen by Cheryl Boyer, K-State extension specialist. After getting an early-spring start in greenhouses, the young plants are transplanted outdoors when the weather warms. They’re evaluated throughout the growing season and ultimately judged on their vigor, flowers and foliage.
Another plant, the Coleus ‘FlameThrower Spiced Curry’ made a strong showing over the last two years, Ruether said. The foliage plant’s chartreuse leaves have an eye-catching reddish color on the undersides that provide a brilliant visual display when the wind is blowing.
“Sweet potato vine is a great choice for a cascading foliage plant. 'FloraMia Nero' is a little different in that it has lots of bright pink flowers in addition to the dark leaves,” she said. “Since it isn't as aggressive as most other sweet potato vines, it will mix with other plants nicely in container gardens.”
The Prairie Star list includes flower name; cultivar and color; optimal planting location, such as “full sun” or “sun or shade;” and the average height and width of the mature plant. Categories indicate which plants work best for flower display, foliage display and containers.
Prairie Star is not a commercial brand or product line, Boyer said. The list gives gardeners some cultivars to look for which have proven themselves in this region. While more than 500 different flowers are tested each year, there are still many other cultivars available on the market. Boyer encourages people to find Prairie Star winners for good garden performance, but also don't be afraid to try something recommended by your local garden center.
“Gardening improves mental and physical health, both for the gardener and those who enjoy the fruits of their labor,” Boyer said. “This spring go plant shopping, have fun gardening and brighten the world around you.”