Featured Five Plants from Pell Greenhouses Trial Garden 2025

By Andi Anderson

Each summer, Michigan State University and leading plant producers across Michigan host trial garden tours, giving industry professionals the chance to evaluate new ornamental varieties in real-world growing conditions. This year’s open house, held July 28 through August 8, 2025, featured seven trial sites, including Pell Greenhouses.

At Pell Greenhouses, the trial garden included hanging baskets, fence plantings, and containers displayed in both sun and shade. The site also hosted a combination planter competition among employees.

Michigan State University Extension educators Heidi Lindberg and Caitlin Splawski selected their top five performers from this trial site, focusing on sun-loving plants that excelled in beauty, vigor, and resilience.

Osteospermum Besties ‘Trusty Amethyst’ – This African daisy variety stood out with large purple-and-white blooms and a compact habit. Tolerant of both heat and cold, it provides continuous color and will be released in 2026.

Coreopsis Reina ‘Single Giant Gold’ – With bright yellow flowers and strong pollinator appeal, this hardy perennial matures at 12 to 15 inches tall. Its daylength neutrality and resistance to deer and rabbits make it versatile.

Portulaca MegaPazzaz ‘Red’ – Known for its prolific blooms and semi-trailing foliage, this 2023 introduction impressed with vibrant red flowers and its excellent heat and drought tolerance, ideal for baskets and planters.

Alternanthera ‘Choco Chili’ – From Westhoff’s FanciFillers series, this foliage plant offered rich, multidimensional color and dense growth. Its dark foliage enhances container combinations and has been recognized in national trials.

Ipomea Sweet Georgia ‘Pulse Black’ – A striking sweet potato vine, it featured unusual leaf shapes and heavy venation. Its dark foliage created strong contrast, pairing well with chartreuse vines and colorful coleus.

These five plants from Pell Greenhouses illustrate the creativity and resilience of today’s ornamental breeding. With their strong performance under Michigan conditions, they offer gardeners and landscapers reliable choices for future seasons.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension