2003 Cut Flowers of the Year

Ageratum “Blue Horizon”

The very uniform, 30-inch tall plants produce many long-lasting 3-inch flower clusters on long strong stems. This cultivar grows well in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Plant every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain season-long production of long stems. Maryland grower Roxana Whitt says, Blue Horizon Ageratum works well in bouquets for us and is superior to other ageratums we’ve tried. Indiana cut flower grower Beverly Sharritt says, “We had an increased demand for it from our florist customers this summer and will increase production for 2003”.

Hydrangea paniculata

There are many great cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata. Valued for its vigor and wide range (Zones 3-8), H. paniculata produces large pyramidal clusters of white flowers which lend themselves to preserving and drying quite well. “P.G. Hydrangea” pays my bills in October. My customers start asking for it by early August, and by the time I finally have flowers that are ready for drying, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch. says Susan O’Connell of Fertile Crescent Farm in Hardwick, Vermont. Joanne Harrison of Harrison Flowers, Hood River, Oregon reports, “My customers buy it any way I offer it. Fresh, almost dry, preserved (with supplemental color) or air-dried. I use it fresh in large bouquets and arrangements and save the dried and preserved stems for use in holiday wreaths and winter arrangements