The American Society of Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) has revealed its picks for the 2024 Cut Flowers of the Year. These selections, chosen by ASCFG’s membership of over 3,000 growers, highlight varieties recognized for their ease of cultivation, productivity, and market appeal.
The 2024 honorees include:
Fresh Cut Flower of the Year: Snapdragon Potomac Appleblossom
The Snapdragon Potomac Appleblossom, developed by PanAmerican Seed, features ribbon-candy spikes adorned with pink and white blossoms against glossy dark green foliage. Praised for its robust stem strength and length, growers in various climates have lauded its versatility and productivity, noting multiple blooms throughout the season. Ideal for both field and greenhouse cultivation, this cultivar performs best from mid-spring to mid-fall.
Cut Foliage of the Year: Thornless Raspberry ‘Joan J’
‘Burpee’s Thornless Raspberry ‘Joan J’ produces abundant long stems from late spring to frost, prized for its use in greenery for mixed bouquets. Growers appreciate its reliability and ease of cultivation, making it a profitable choice for direct sales to florists. Cold-hardy in Zones 4 to 8, it thrives in cooler climates and bears fruit on new growth, ensuring a continuous supply of foliage throughout the season.
Bulb Cut Flower of the Year: Daffodil ‘Cheerfulness’
Renowned for its fragrance and vibrant display, Daffodil ‘Cheerfulness’ boasts multiple blooms per stem in shades of white and yellow, enhancing spring arrangements with its cheerful demeanor. Adaptable to both greenhouse forcing and field cultivation, this variety is a favorite among designers for its long-lasting appeal and cold-hardiness in Zone 5.
Woody Cut of the Year: Brandywine Viburnum
Brandywine Viburnum from Proven Winners ColorChoice offers multi-season interest with clusters of white flowers in late spring, transitioning to green berries that evolve through ivory, pink, and blue hues by late summer. Known for its ornamental foliage and vibrant berry clusters, this native species thrives in Zones 5 to 9, tolerating wet conditions and standing out for its compact size and abundant fruit set.
Each of these selections represents the pinnacle of achievement in their respective categories, showcasing not only aesthetic beauty but also practicality and resilience in diverse growing conditions.