DOWNERS GROVE, IL- All-America Selections (AAS) is pleased to announce the first of the newest group of AAS Winners. Following a trial period where these new, never-before-sold varieties are "Tested Nationally and Proven Locally ®" the group of esteemed horticulturists, who volunteer their time as the AAS Judges, have submitted their recommendations and scores from this year's trials. Only those entries with superior garden performance are granted the honor of an AAS Award.
With this announcement, these varieties become available for immediate sale. Commercial growers should inquire with their favorite seed supplier. AAS Winner tags are available from several tag suppliers. Consumers will find these seeds for sale in the coming months as supply becomes available with catalog companies, in seed packets, from mail order companies and various websites. AAS Winners will also be available as young plants in lawn & garden retail stores next spring.
Salvia ‘Summer Jewel Pink’
AAS Bedding Plant Award Winner
Sister to earlier AAS Winner Salvia ‘Summer Jewel Red’, this dwarf sized, compact plant has a prolific bloom count throughout the growing season. As a bonus, the blooms appear almost two weeks earlier than the other pink salvias used as comparisons. And of course, the hummingbirds love pink, just as much as they do red! Commercial growers will appreciate the earliness, excellent pack performance and uniformity.
Bred by Takii & Co, Ltd.
Ornamental Pepper ‘Black Olive’
AAS Flower Award Winner
The AAS Judges said this entry was a standout, especially in the southern gardens where heat was a major presence during the 2011 trials. All season long this beauty kept its upright habit with nicely draping leaves and dark purple/black fruit which appeared in small clusters along the stems. As summer progresses, the fruits mature to red giving a beautiful contrast against the dark purple foliage and bright purple flowers. Retailers and growers can sell this multi-use ornamental as a 20” border plant, a great color splash for containers or as a cut flower in mixed bouquets. Bred by Seeds By Design.
Source: All-America Selections