Summer Heat Welcomes Victors of AAS
Vibrant and Resilient Garden Stars Shine in the Heat
Three popular plants are making a splash in gardens across hot and humid regions: Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity', Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol', and Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'.
Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity'
This plant, with its tall, slender stems and clusters of small purple flowers, is a magnet for butterflies and pollinators. It thrives in warm climates, particularly suitable for USDA zones 8 and above, and tolerates heat and moderate humidity, making it ideal for summer-long blooms. Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity' is perfect for cottage gardens or mixed borders, although it has a tendency to leave gaps, which fill elegantly over time.
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch'
Both varieties of Mexican sunflower are known for their bright, showy flowers. Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch' typically boasts fiery orange flowers, while 'Fiesta Del Sol' can offer more varied or coral shades. These sunflowers are heat-loving and thrive in hot, humid environments, showing excellent drought tolerance once established. They are well suited to summer and fall gardens and are ideal for attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' grows up to 36" tall, while Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch' can reach between four and six feet. Occasionally, 'Torch' may have red or yellow flowers, but it is typically covered in orange blooms. Both plants add height and vibrant color to garden beds, borders, or wildflower areas, and their robust growth habit fills spaces effectively.
AAS and Reiman Gardens
All-America Selections (AAS) is a national, non-profit plant trialing program in North America with over 90 years of trials and award winners. Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Vanity' verbena are AAS winners, with 'Vanity' particularly suitable for cottage garden-style plantings and pollinator habitats.
Reiman Gardens, a trial site for AAS, showcases ornamentals, edibles, and perennials both in-ground and containerized. It also serves as a display garden for recent AAS winners. This summer, 'Vanity' verbena is currently looking its best despite the heat, humidity, and rain.
For more information on these plants, visit the AAS website, which offers trial and display sites, winners, blogs, and more. Whether you're looking to add a splash of color or attract pollinators to your garden, these vibrant plants are sure to deliver.
The vibrant Verbena bonariensis 'Vanity', an AAS winner, is ideal for cottage gardens and pollinator habitats, thriving in warm climates and adding a touch of purple to the home-and-garden lifestyle. Tithonia rotundifolia, with its two varieties 'Fiesta Del Sol' and 'Torch', boasts showy flowers that are perfect for attracting pollinators in a summer-and-garden setup, each adapting well to hot, humid environments. These plants, selected for their resilience and aesthetic appeal, contribute to a lively and thriving home-and-garden lifestyle.
