Cut Flowers of the Year
2022 Cut Flowers of the Year
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. announces its selections for the 2022 Cut Flowers of the Year.
These varieties are chosen by the ASCFG’s 3,000+ members on their ease of culture, productivity, and marketability.
Fresh Cut Flower of the Year
Lisianthus ‘Corelli Light Pink’ Group III
This double-flowered variety is a florist favorite. The large blooms have fringed petals with a delicate curl. Light pink flowers are carried on branched stems up to 40 inches. One grower said, “The ‘Corelli Light Pink’ have been incredibly consistent with strong stems, amazingly fluffy blossoms, and a fantastic color.”
Woody Cut of the Year
Smoketree ‘Royal Purple’ Cotinus coggyria
Smoketree is well named, due to its showy “puffs” that appear after the yellow flowers. It is useful for its green or purple foliage, as well as for flowers that appear May to July. Plants can grow 10 to 15 feet, and are hardy in Zones 4 to 8. ‘Royal Purple’ is a compact, purple-leaved variety of the European species. Cut flower growers and designers call it “the little black dress” of the foliage world.
Bulb Cut Flower of the Year
Allium sphaerocephalon
Allan Armitage calls this “One of the finest alliums for cut flowers and use in the border.” Others call it “cute as a button.” The bicolor green and purple flowers are egg shaped on 24″ stems. They open in mid June, and last about 3 weeks. Growers love that long vase life, and the great texture they add to bouquets.
Cut Foliage of the Year
Physocarpus ‘Amber Jubilee’
This cultivar’s foliage not only makes a durable cut specimen, its color change from golden to orange to red makes it an unusual and useful foliage for all types of designs. Plants grow to about five feet tall, and are hardy to Zone 3. One ASCFG member noted “Never met a ninebark I don’t love, and can’t wait to try this one.”