The Ball Summer Showcase, hosted at its Oxfordshire Trial Grounds, has solidified its reputation as a must-attend event in the horticultural calendar. Drawing in over 2,000 attendees, including nurseries, retailers, landscapers, and gardening media representatives, this showcase has evolved into a pivotal trade event.
This year’s edition treated visitors to an expansive exhibition of Annuals and Perennials, presented in retail bench and meticulously merchandised trolley displays. The plants were thoughtfully grown in various pot sizes, offering growers and retailers a tangible glimpse into the market potential of each variety.
In addition to the captivating basket, container, and flower bed displays, the product managers’ trialing area held its own as a star attraction. With over 2,000 experimental Annual and Perennial varieties on show, visitors gained exclusive insight into the future of horticulture, uncovering what lies ahead in terms of new plant varieties.
Tradition met innovation as visitors were given the unique opportunity to voice their preferences by voting for their favorite Annual and Perennial varieties. This was accomplished by affixing a ‘Blue Flag’ to their preferred plants from the trials and displays. The meticulous tallying of these flags, undertaken over a period of more than four weeks, has yielded exciting results, shining a spotlight on the standout plants poised to dominate the horticultural scene in 2024.
The 2023 Ball Summer Showcase Results:
Top Annuals:
Dahlia Dalina® Maxi Starburst Pink (new): Emerging as the leading annual, this vibrant Dahlia variety promises to be a showstopper in 2024.
Coleus Coral Candy (new): Taking the second spot, Coleus Coral Candy showcases its allure as an exciting addition to the world of Annuals.
Calibrachoa Can-Can® Oriental (new): Claiming the third position, Calibrachoa Can-Can® Oriental signifies the enduring appeal of this well-loved species.
Top Perennials:
Allium Bubble Bath (new): Earning the coveted top spot in the Perennials category, Allium Bubble Bath is poised to make waves in gardens everywhere.
Verbena Lavender Lace FUTURE (new): Securing the second position, Verbena Lavender Lace FUTURE demonstrates its potential to captivate garden enthusiasts.
Achillea Milly Rock MixMasters® Dance With Me (new): Coming in third, Achillea Milly Rock MixMasters® Dance With Me showcases the enduring charm of Perennials in horticultural landscapes.
The Ball Summer Showcase has once again provided valuable insights into the evolving world of horticulture, shining a light on the plants that will capture the hearts of gardening enthusiasts and professionals alike in the coming year. As the curtains close on this year’s event, the industry eagerly anticipates the bloom of these top varieties in gardens across the globe.