Illumination Flame Digiplexis (Digitalis Illumination Flame USPPP)

Illumination Flame Digiplexis (Digitalis Illumination Flame USPPP) was the “plant of the people” at the 2013 Farwest Trade Show in Portland, Ore.

The new introduction, hybridized by Thompson & Morgan (U.K.) and offered by Skagit Gardens Inc., was the winner of the People’s Choice Award at the New Varieties Showcase. It beat out 44 other plants that were on display. “I anticipated the Digiplexis would be the people’s favorite,” said Ann Murphy, director of marketing for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the Farwest Trade Show. “Its uniquely shaped blooms, coloration and compact nature attracted immediate attention. It was by far the most popular plant in the showcase.”

The winner was selected by a vote of the people attending the Farwest Trade Show. The show, founded in 1972, is for horticulture professionals, including growers, landscapers, retailers, landscape designers, suppliers, service providers and others in the green industry. The official New Varieties Showcase judges also saw its positive attributes, selecting Illumination Flame as a Plant of Merit.

Sombrero™ Flamenco Orange Coneflower (Echinacea hybrida ‘Flamenco Orange’), hybridized by Jian-Pin Ren of Panamerican Seed Company and introduced by Darwin Perennials, was the second-highest vote-getter in the People’s Choice balloting. Finishing third was Plum Passion® Hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera), which was discovered in China by Mikinori Ogisu, brought to the U.S. by Dan Hinkley, and introduced by Monrovia.

In fourth place was Skinny Genes® Oak (Quercus robur x alba ‘JFS-KW2QX’, introduced by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Finishing fifth was Wild Swan™ Anemone (Anemone x ‘Macane001 USPP #25132), discovered by Elizabeth MacGregor, Scotland, and introduced by Monrovia. Wild Swan™ won top honors from the judges and was chosen Best in Show.

Those attending Farwest considered this year’s New Varieties Showcase to be one of the highlights of the show. To learn more about the varieties that were displayed, visit www.FarwestShow.com/nvs.