Catalogue descriptions for new plants may grab our attention, but usually provide little useful information about how these up-and-coming cultivars will perform in your garden. Fortunately, comparative trials like those conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden and Mt. Cuba Center put plants to the test, side-by-side, under typical garden conditions. In this episode, Richard Hawke and Sam Hoadley delve into a few of the similarities and differences between their trial programs. They compare notes, trade stories, and dispel a few misconceptions as they prepare for the talk they will give on Thurday, March 6th, 2025 as part of the Know to Grow lecture series at the Philadelphia Flower Show. 

Field evaluation is a core component of plant trials at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden. 

The trials at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware focus on plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region. In the trial garden, staff and visiting gardeners alike can compare the flower colors, habits, and pollinator appeal of a wide variety of cultivars, like the array of bee balms shown here. 

The CBG Plant Evaluation Program is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden. 

A recent sedge trial at Mt. Cuba Center determined that a few cultivars are excellent for turf grass replacement. Photo courtesy of Mt. Cuba Center 

A shade structure at Mt. Cuba Center makes it possible to grow plants that prefer less sun under precisely controlled light conditions.