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Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102:97-101. 1989.
PANSY CULTIVAR EVALUATION IN THE LANDSCAPE
T. K. Howe and W. E. Waters1 Materials and Methods
Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
Transplant production—Seed of pansy cultivars (Table 1)
University of Florida
were sown in flats filled with peat:vermiculite medium (1:1
Bradenton, FL 34203
v:v, amended with dolomite, superphosphate and minor
elements) on 21 Dec. 1987 and 24 Aug. 1988. Seedlings
Additional index words, variety trial, annuals.
were transplanted into 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 inch containerized
cells filled with the same peat:vermiculite medium. Trans
Abstract. Pansy (Viola x Wittrockiana) cultivars were plants received liquid fertilizer as needed during produc
evaluated for earliness of flowering, flower diameter and tion. No plant growth regulators were used in this study.
color, plant dimensions, growth habit, uniformity, longevity
and overall appearance during the spring and fall of 1988. Table 1. Pansy cultivars evaluated during 1988 and their seed suppliers.
Fifty-five cultivars in the spring and 40 cultivars in the fall
were grown in field plots on raised, polyethylene-mulched Cultivar Season Evaluated7 Seed Supplier
beds in full sun. Spring: Range of time from sowing to the
Armado series
first flower was 78 to 90 days. Twenty-six cultivars flowered
Yellow w/Eye F Royal Sluis
in 82 days or less, whereas 9 cultivars flowered later than 86 White F Royal Sluis
days. 'Imperial White' was tallest at 7.9 inches, and 24 cul White w/Eye F Royal Sluis
tivars were equal to or less than 6.0 inches tall. When rated Beacon Bicolor S,F Sakata
Black Prince S Sakata
on a 1 to 10 scale (poorest to best) for overall appearance
Crown series
uniformity and vigor, 18 cultivars had ratings >9 and 45 Azure S Sakata
cultivars were rated >8. Plant losses were noted as the season Azure Improved s Sakata
progressed with greatest plant loss for 'Imperial Ocean' at Cream S,F Sakata
Mix S,F Sakata
92%. Fall: The time from sowing to the first flower ranged
Orange S Sakata
from 83 to 103 days. 'Icequeen' was later than any other S,F Sakata
Rose
cultivar at 103 days. Fifteen cultivars flowered in less than Yellow Splash (Yellow Lip) S,F Sakata
68 days. 'Cream Crown' produced flowers with the largest Crystal Bowl series
diameter at 3.1 inches. The 'Waterford' series of cultivars pro Mix S,F Sakata
Purple S,F Sakata
duced the smallest flowers. Plant heights ranged from 3.8 to Bodger
Dancer Mix S
7.0 inches. Twenty-one cultivars were rated >8. Delft Mix F Sluis & Groot
Faces series
Deep Blue S German (Grimes)
Florida ranks third nationally in reported wholesale
Mix s German (Grimes)
value of flowering and foliar type bedding plants, exclusive Orange s German (Grimes)
of geraniums (1). The 1988 national wholesale value of Red 8c Yellow s German (Grimes)
these products was $33,971,000. Flat sales contributed White/Rose s German (Grimes)
s German (Grimes)
$16,213,000 and containers contributed $24,221,000 to Yellow
Happy Face Mix s Bodger
this total. F Sluis & Groot
Icequeen
Pansies produced for garden and landscape use ac Imperial series
counted for 4% of the total bedding plant crop in 1988 (4). Blue S,F Takii
They ranked fifth in popularity and seventh as a planned Gold S,F Takii
Gold Princessy s Takii
increase item for 1989. Although a minor species in a total
Mix S,F Takii
production scheme, pansies provide a wide selection of col Ocean S Takii
ors for use during cooler winter months in Florida. Orange S,F Takii
New and standard pansy cultivars were evaluated in Orange Prince S,F Takii
Pink Shades S Takii
field trials at the Gulf Coast Research & Education Center
Purple S Takii
during the spring (Feb.-May 1988) and fall (Oct. 1988-Jan.
Red S,F Takii
1989) of 1988 to determine those which are best suited for Rose s Takii
landscape use in central Florida. The fifty-five entries in Silver Princess F Takii
the spring and forty entries in the fall included 24 major White S Takii
Wine Fashion S Takii
cultivar series.
Yellow S Takii
Lyric Mix S,F Goldsmith
Majestic Giants Mix S,F Sakata
Maxim series
Deep Blue F Sakata
'Biological Administrator I and Center Director, respectively. Mix S,F Sakata
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. N-00035. Medallion series
Note: The information contained in this report is a summary of experi Blue/Blotch S Harris Moran
mental results and should not be used as recommendations for crop pro Deep Rose Blotch S Harris Moran
duction. Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and Roc Mix S,F Sluis & Groot
no endorsement is implied. Shazam F Vaughan's
Acknowledgement: Our thanks to Sierra Chemical Co. of Milpitas, CA Spring Magic series
for the contribution of OsmocoteR fertilizer. Blue/Blotch S Harris Moran
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102: 1989. 97
Table 1. Continued Table 2. Temperature and rainfall for 1988-1989 and 33-year averages
(3) for Bradenton. FL.
Cultivar Season Evaluated7 Seed Supplier
1988-1989 33-year
Orange/Blotch F Harris Moran
Rose S Harris Moran Daily Temp. Daily Temp.
Ultra Violet S,F Harris Moran (° F) ( •F)
Rainfall Rainfall
White S Harris Moran
Month/year Max. Min. (in.) Max. Min. (in.)
Yellow/Blotch S Harris Moran
Springtime series
Feb. 88 74 49 2.34 73 51 3.25
Clarity Mix S,F Harris Moran
Mar. 88 78 55 5.27 77 55 3.39
Lemon Splash F Harris Moran
Apr. 88 84 60 0.77 82 60 1.59
Super Majestic series
May 88 86 63 2.55 87 64 3.14
Ocean S Sakata
Ocean Improved S Sakata Oct. 88 85 62 0.58 85 64 2.83
Ultima Mix S,F Sakata Nov. 88 81 61 5.15 78 57 2.00
Universal series Dec. 88 73 50 0.92 73 52 2.37
Mix S Goldsmith Jan.89 79 56 2.66 71 49 2.63
Violet F Goldsmith
Viking Mix S,F Goldsmith
Waterford series
Apricot S,F Ball
Azure Blue S,F Ball Shades' and 'Faces Deep Blue' in earliness to flower (Table
Deep Blue F Ball 3). The range among all entries was 78 to 90 days. Nine
Mix F Ball entries were similar to 'Imperial Orange Prince' in being
Red F Ball
Scarlet
the latest to flower. Color selections within cultivar series
S,F Ball
White S,F Ball were not similar in length of time to first flowering for the
Yellow S,F Ball 'Imperial', 'Spring Magic', 'Waterford', 'Crown' or 'Faces'
series.
7S = spring, F = fall.
yFleuroselect Gold Medal Winner.
Flower diameter ranged from 2.0 inches for 'Waterford
Yellow' to 3.0 inches for 'Super Majestic Ocean Improved'.
Field preparation and crop management—Beds of EauGal- Five other entries were similar to 'Super Majestic Ocean
lie fine sand were formed to a width of 30 inches on 4.5 ft Improved' in flower diameter and all flowers were greater
centers in the spring and a width of 33 inches on 5 ft than or equal to 2.8 inches. Ten entries were similar to
centers in the fall. Slow release fertilizer at 1672 lb/bedded 'Waterford Yellow' in flower diameter, including all of the
A OsmocoteR 18-2.6-11.2 (N-P-K) in the spring and 1542 remaining 'Waterford' color selections.
lb/bedded A in the fall was broadcast over the full bed Plant height ranged from 4.8 inches for 'Orange
surface and incorporated to a depth of 3-4 inches. Beds Crown' to 7.9 inches for 'Imperial White'. 'Imperial White'
were fumigated with 67% methyl bromide:33% chloropic- was significantly taller than any other entry. Twelve entries
rin and covered with black polyethylene in the spring and were similar to 'Orange Crown' in mature plant height and
white polyethylene in the fall. The fields were irrigated by all were less than or equal to 5.7 inches. Plant diameter
seepage via lateral ditches spaced every 40.5 ft. The trial ranged from 6.0 inches to 10.0 inches for 'Rose Crown'
area was in full sun. Plants were set on 12 inch centers with and 'Imperial White', respectively. Seven entries were simi
3 staggered rows per bed on 11 Feb. and 27 Oct. and lar to 'Imperial White' and 15 entries were similar to 'Rose
drenched with 1600 ppm N-P-K from a 20N 8.7 P 16.6 K Crown' in plant diameter.
fertilizer. Four replications of 6 plants per cultivar were Percentage plant mortality was tabulated through 16
arranged in a randomized complete block design. May 1988, and was taken as an indicator of heat tolerance.
Metalaxyl was applied as a drench at transplanting to 'Imperial Ocean' had the greatest plant losses at 91.7%.
revent damp-off in both seasons. Other pesticides were This was followed by 'Imperial Red' at a 66.7% loss. All
utilized as needed to control botrytis, lepidopterous other cultivars had plant losses less than 50%. Thirty-four
worms, aphids, whitefly and thrips in the spring and bot entries were not significantly different than the two cul
rytis, lepidopterous worms, leafminer, and whitefly in the tivars with zero plant loss.
fall. The pansy evaluation plots were in a mixed species Eighteen entries were given an overall subjective rating
production area so all pests were not necessarily problema equal to or greater than 9.0 (superior); forty-five entries
tic to pansy production. were greater than 8.0. Since ratings were given on 31 Mar.,
Data collection—Cultivars were evaluated for flowering they did not reflect final plant mortality figures. Forty en
time, flower size and color, plant growth habit, mature tries were not significantly different from 'Faces Deep
plant dimensions, longevity and other horticultural qual Blue', which received a rating of 9.9. Color selections
ities. Subjective ratings for overall appearance were as within the following series were not similar in overall rat
signed to field plots based on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = all plants ings: 'Imperial', 'Spring Magic', 'Crown' and 'Faces'.
dead and 10 = excellent). Vigor, floriferousness, habit and Subjective evaluations during the season highlighted
uniformity were considered in this single rating. Temper the following: 'Spring Magic Rose' had superior deep floral
ature and rainfall information (3) is contained in Table 2. color which resisted fading. 'Faces White with Rose', 'Faces
Red and Yellow', 'Faces Deep Blue' and 'Faces Yellow' all
Discussion provided uniform, vigorous plants which were floriferous
with flowers directed upwards and tilted out for a good
Spring—Of the fifty-five cultivars in trial, 22 were simi floral display. The 'Imperial' series colors 'Yellow', 'Wine
lar to 'Dancer Mix', 'Waterford Yellow', 'Imperial Pink Fashion', 'Purple' and 'Gold Princess' all received high rat-
98 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102: 1989.
Table 3. Growth and performance of pansy (Viola x Wittrockiana) cultivars in field beds at the Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Bradenton,
FL (Feb.-May 1988).
Days Flower Plant Plant
to Diametery Height Diametery Plant
Cultivar Flower2 (in.) (in.) (in.) Mortality" Ratingw
Dancer Mix 78 qv 2.3 1-t 6.6 b-i 8.5 b-g 33.3 b-e 8.9 a-e
Waterford Yellow 78 pq 2.0 u 5.8 e-j 7.8 d-k 41.7 be 9.1 a-c
Imperial Pink Shades 78 pq 2.2 n-t 6.7 b-e 8.4 b-i 27.1 b-f 8.4 a-f
Faces Deep Blue 78 pq 2.2 n-t 6.0 b-i 8.6 b-g 4.2 ef 9.9 a
Crystal Bowl Mix 79o-q 2.2 q-u 5.6 f-k 7.8 d-k 20.8 c-f 8.4 a-f
Faces Yellow 79o-q 2.1 tu 5.9 d-j 7.8 d-k 0.0 f 9.6 ab
Waterford Azure Blue 79n-q 2.1 q-u 6.5 b-f 8.5 b-h 20.8 c-f 8.1 b-f
Yellow Splash Crown (Yellow Lip) 79n-q 2.6 d-h 5.6 f-k 8.3 b-i 8.3 d-f 8.9 a-e
Crystal Bowl Purple 79m-q 2.3 1-t 5.1 jk 6.8 j-n 12.5 c-f 9.3 a-d
Rose Crown 79m-q 2.3 m-t 5.4 h-k 6.0 n 33.3 b-e 7.9 c-g
Waterford White 79m-q 2.1 s-u 6.4 b-f 8.8 a-e 25.0 b-f 9.4 a-c
Imperial Ocean 801-q 2.6 d-h 6.3 b-g 7.3 f-n 91.7a 8.4 a-c
Springtime Clarity Mix 80k-q 2.2 n-t 5.6 f-k 8.1 b-j 41.7 b-d 8.3 b-f
Imperial Yellow 80k-q 2.1 q-u 6.5 b-f 8.5 b-h 16.7 c-f 9.3 a-c
Maxim Mix 80k-q 2.3 m-t 5.9 d-j 8.0 b-j 8.4 c-f 9.5 ab
Ultima Mix 80k-q 2.3 m-t 5.9 d-j 8.0 c-j 16.7 c-f 8.5 a-f
Faces Mix 80k-q 2.1 q-u 5.6 f-k 7.3 f-n 33.3 b-e 7.6 d-g
Waterford Scarlet 81j-q 2.2 p-u 6.9 be 7.5 e-m 44.2 be 9.0 a-e
Faces White with Rose 81j-q 2.3 j-r 6.1 b-i 8.1 b-j 8.4 c-f 9.6 ab
Crown Mix 81j-q 2.4 i-q 6.3 b-g 8.1 b-j 12.5 c-f 7.6 d-g
Imperial Wine Fashion 81j-q 2.6 e-i 6.1 b-i 7.6 e-1 33.3 b-e 9.0 a-e
Imperial Gold Princess 81j-q 2.4 i-q 6.1 b-i 7.2 g-n 16.7 c-f 9.5 ab
Beacon Bicolor 81j-q 2.3 k-s 6.7 b-e 8.5 b-g 20.9 b-f 9.4 a-c
Roc Mix 81j-q 2.4 i-q 6.0 b-i 7.8 d-k 37.5 b-e 7.9 c-g
Spring Magic Rose 81 i-q 2.5 g-n 6.4 b-f 8.6 b-g 16.7 c-f 9.1a-d
Imperial Rose 82h-q 2.8 a-d 6.9 b 7.0 h-n 20.9 c-f 8.9 a-e
Azure Crown Improved 82g-p 2.4 h-o 6.2 b-h 7.0 j-n 41.7 b-d 8.6 a-f
Spring Magic Ultra Violet 82g-p 2.3 k-s 6.6 b-e 9.2 a-d 45.0 be 7.1 fg
Super Majestic Ocean 82g-o 2.9 a-c 6.3 b-g 8.5 b-g 12.5 c-f 9.0 a-e
Cream Crown 82g-o 2.9 a-c 5.4 g-k 8.8 a-e 25.0 b-f 8.6 a-f
Universal Mix 82g-o 2.1 r-u 6.0 d-j 7.5 e-m 4.2 ef 8.3 b-f
Medallion Blue with Blotch 83 f-n 2.5 g-m 6.4 b-f 8.0 b-j 21.7 b-f 8.6 a-f
Faces Orange 83f-n 2.3 j-r 5.7 f-i 6.8j-n 29.2 b-e 8.5 a-f
Imperial White 83e-m 2.7 c-g 7.9 a 10.0 a 28.3 b-f 8.9 a-e
Imperial Purple 83e-m 2.6 e-j 6.0 d-j 8.1 b-j 0.0 f 9.1 a-d
Super Majestic Ocean Improved 83e-m 3.0 a 6.3 b-g 8.6 b-g 20.9 c-f 9.3 a-c
Faces Red & Yellow 83e-l 2.2 o-t 5.3 i-k 7.3 n-f 20.8 c-f 8.6 a-f
Medallion Deep Rose with Blotch 84e-l 3.0 ab 6.3 b-g 8.3 b-i 25.0 b-f 8.9 a-e
Black Prince 84d-k 2.6 e-j 6.2 b-h 9.5 ab 4.2 ef 9.4 a-c
Imperial Orange 84c-j 2.3 m-t 5.7 f-k 6.5 k-n 45.8 be 8.6 a-f
Imperial Mix 85b-i 2.5 g-n 6.0 c-j 7.6 e-1 37.5 b-e 7.1 fg
Spring Magic Yellow with Blotch 85b-h 2.1 q-u 5.5 g-k 6.3 1-n 8.3 d-f 7.5 e-g
Imperial Gold 86 b-g 2.7 c-f 5.7 f-i 8.0 c-j 20.9 c-f 8.4 a-f
Happy Face 86 b-g 2.8 b-e 6.7 b-d 8.6 b-g 8.4 c-f 8.5 a-f
Imperial Blue 86 b-g 2.4 h-p 6.0 b-i 7.3 f-n 25.0 b-f 8.6 a-f
Imperial Red 86a-f 2.5 f-1 5.9 d-j 8.0 c-j 66.7 b 8.8 a-e
Spring Magic White 86a-f 2.4 i-q 5.8 d-j 8.7 a-f 25.0 b-f 9.0 a-e
Lyric Mix 87a-e 2.5 e-k 6.4 b-f 9.3 a-c 25.0 b-f 8.3 b-f
Spring Magic Blue with Blotch 87 a-d 2.3 m-t 6.0 b-i 7.7 e-1 20.8 c-f 8.4 a-f
Majestic Giants Mix 88a-c 2.8 a-d 6.3 b-g 7.9 c-j 41.7 b-d 8.5 a-f
Waterford Apricot 88 ab 2.2 q-u 5.5 g-k 6.7j-n 33.3 b-e 7.9 c-g
Viking Mix 88 ab 2.6 d-h 5.6 f-k 7.7 e-1 41.7 b-d 7.5 e-g
Azure Crown 89 ab 2.7 c-g 6.4 b-f 7.0 j-n 41.7 b-d 8.4 a-f
Orange Crown 89 ab 2.4 h-o 4.8 k 6.1 mn 12.5 c-f 6.5 g
Imperial Orange Prince 90 a 2.4 i-q 6.2 b-h 7.6 e-m 20.8 c-f 8.5 a-f
zFrom sowing 21 Dec. 1987.
yMeasured 31 Mar. 1988 at peak performance.
"Percentage of plants dead per plot by trial termination 16 May 1988.
wRated 31 Mar. 1988 at peak appearance. Overall rating scale: 0 = all plants dead, 1 = v. poor, 5 = accerptable, 10 = excellent.
vMean separation within columns by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
ings based on vigor, uniformity and flower cover. 'Black and 'Super Majestic Ocean Improved'. Cultivars examined
Prince' was uniform and vigorous, but the petals had a as color mixes showed that 'Dancer Mix' was floriferous
rough, paper-like texture. The best of the 'Waterford' and produced multiple blooms very early. 'Crown Mix'
series were the yellow, white and red. 'Beacon Bicolor' had produced plants of various plant habits (upright vs. pros
a very attractive flower color, was very floriferous and pro trate) and flower size which differed by flower color. 'Uni
duced bushy plants. Other cultivars favored were 'Crystal versal Mix' produced plants of uneven size. 'Viking Mix'
Bowl Purple', 'Yellow Lip Crown', 'Super Majestic Ocean' had plants of uniform size, but produced few flowers.
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102: 1989. 99
Table 4. Growth and performance of pansy (Viola x Wittrockiana) cultivars in field beds at the Gulf Coast Research & Education Center, Bradenton,
FL (Oct. 1988-Jan. 1989).
Days Flower Plant Plant %
to Diametery Heighty Diametery Plant
Cultivar Flower7 (in.) (in.) (in.) Mortality54 Rating'
Spring Magic Ultra Violet 83 kv 2.2 i-n 7.0 a 14.6 a 0.0 c 8.1 b-h
Waterford Yellow 83 k 1.9p 5.5 b-j 9.1 f-1 0.0 c 8.8 a-d
Ultima Mix 84 jk 2.3 f-k 5.5 b-j 10.2 b-h 8.3 be 7.6 b-i
Waterford Azure Blue 84 jk 2.0 n-p 5.4 b-k 10.0 c-h 0.0 c 6.6 h-j
Waterford Mix 84 jk 2.1 k-p 6.2 a-c 9.9 d-i 8.4 be 7.8 b-i
Universal Violet 86i-k 2.1j-o 6.1 a-f 10.4 b-g 0.0 c 9.7 a
Armado Yellow with Eye 86i-k 2.5 b-g 4.7 i-1 7.2 mn 4.2 be 8.6 a-e
Rose Crown 86i-k 2.6 b-d 4.8 h-k 8.1 1-n 0.0 c 7.1 e-j
Delft Mix 87i-k 2.1j-o 4.4 kl 7.2 mn 0.0 c 6.8 g-j
Crystal Bowl Mix 87i-k 2.2 i-n 5.4 b-k 9.6 e-k 5.0 be 7.3 d-i
Maxim Mix 87i-k 2.3 g-1 5.6 b-i 9.2 e-1 0.0 c 8.9 a-c
Crystal Bowl Purple 87h-k 2.1j-o 6.1 a-g 8.9 h-1 0.0 c 8.3 a-g
Waterford Red 87h-k 2.0 m-p 5.4 b-k 8.2 k-n 0.0 c 7.9 b-i
Roc Mix 87h-k 2.6 be 5.8 b-h 9.6 e-k 0.0 c 8.3 a-g
Imperial Mix 88g-k 2.5 b-f 5.9 b-g 9.5 e-1 0.0 c 8.4 a-f
Waterford White 89f-j 1.9 op 5.9 b-g 9.7 e-k 0.0 c 8.7 a-d
Imperial Orange Prince 89f-j 2.3 e-k 5.7 b-i 9.3 e-1 0.0 c 8.3 a-g
Maxim Deep Blue 89f-j 2.2 h-m 5.2 c-k 9.8 d-j 0.0 c 8.9 a-c
Armado White with Eye 90e-i 2.5 c-h 6.3 ab 9.8 e-j 8.4 be 8.4 a-f
Imperial Gold 91 e-i 2.7 b 5.0 g-k 9.2 e-1 4.2 be 8.4 a-f
Waterford Scarlet 91e- 2.2 i-n 6.1 a-e 8.4 j-m 0.0 c 8.6 a-e
Shazam Mix 91d- 2.7 b 5.1 d-k 9.6 e-k 12.5 b 7.0 f-j
Springtime Clarity Mix 91 d- 2.4 d-j 5.6 b-i 10.1 b-h 0.0 c 7.5 c-i
Springtime Lemon Splash 91 d- 2.5 b-g 6.2 a-d 9.9 c-h 25.0 a 5.8j
Imperial Red 91 c-i 2.5 b-e 4.5 j-1 8.1 1-n 0.0 c 7.4 c-i
Spring Magic Orange with Blotch 91 c-i 2.3 f-k 5.1 e-k 10.0 c-h 0.0 c 8.8 a-d
Crown Mix 91 c-i 2.7 b 5.5 b-j 10.4 b-h 0.0 c 7.6 b-i
Cream Crown 93b-h 3.1a 5.3 b-k 11.5b 0.0 c 9.1 ab
Beacon Bicolor 93b-g 2.2 i-n 6.0 b-g 11.2 b-d 0.0 c 8.8 a-d
Viking Mix 94b-f 2.7 b 5.5 b-j 9.9 c-h 0.0 c 7.3 d-i
Majestic Giants Mix 94b-f 2.7 b 5.6 b-i 11.4 be 5.0 be 7.9 b-i
Lyric Mix 95b-f 2.6 b-e 5.3 b-k 10.5 b-f 4.2 be 7.3 d-i
Yellow Splash Crown (Yellow Lip) 95b-e 2.7 b 5.2 b-k 10.0 c-h 0.0 c 8.0 b-i
Armado Pure White 95b-e 2.4 c-i 4.8 h-1 9.1 f-1 0.0 c 7.6 b-i
Waterford Apricot 96b-e 2.1j-o 4.7 h-1 9.0 f-1 0.0 c 7.9 b-i
Imperial Orange 96b-e 2.4 d-j 5.1 f-k 8.9 g-1 0.0 c 8.8 a-d
Imperial Silver Princess 97b-d 2.2 i-n 3.81 6.9 n 0.0 c 8.5 a-f
Imperial Blue 97 be 2.7 be 5.2 c-k 8.4 i-1 0.0 c 7.8 b-i
Waterford Deep Blue 97 b 1.9op 6.3 ab 10.6 b-e 0.0 c 8.0 b-i
Icequeen 103 a 2.01-p 5.3 b-k 9.9 d-j 0.0 c 6.5 ij
'From sowing 24 Aug. 1988.
yMeasured 21 and 22 Dec. 1988.
"Percentage of plants dead per plot by trial termination 10 Jan. 1989.
wRated 9 and 10 Jan. 1989. Overall rating scale: 0 = all plants dead, 1 = v. poor, 5 = acceptable, 10 = excellent.
vMean separation by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level.
Fall—Of the forty entries examined 'Icequeen' was sig 'Imperial', 'Spring Magic' and 'Springtime' series were dis
nificantly later to flower than any other entry at 103 days similar in plant dimensions for color selections within each
from sowing (Table 4). The number of days to first flower group. 'Spring Magic Ultra Violet' produced plants of the
ranged from 83 for 'Spring Magic Ultra Violet' and 'Water largest diameter, and had an untamed appearance even
ford Yellow' to 103 for 'Icequeen'. Thirteen other entries while covering the bed.
were similar in earliness to 'Spring Magic Ultra Violet' and 'Springtime Lemon Splash' had the highest percentage
'Waterford Yellow'. Inconsistencies were evident among of plant losses at 25%. Twenty-three entries had no plant
color selections with respect to flowering for the following losses.
cultivar series: 'Waterford', 'Imperial', 'Crown', 'Armado' Overall subjective ratings were made in Jan. at the end
and 'Spring Magic'. of the trial period. Twenty-one entries were rated above
Flower diameter ranged from 1.9 inches for 'Waterford 8.0 and only 4 below 7.0. Seventeen entries were similar to
Yellow' to 3.1 inches for 'Cream Crown'. 'Cream Crown' 'Universal Violet' (rated 9.7) in rating.
had significantly larger flowers than any other cultivar. Favorable characteristics were found for the following:
Ten cultivars, which included six other 'Waterford' selec 'Universal Violet' produced vigorous, spreading plants
tions, were not significantly different from 'Waterford Yel with many small, dark flowers. 'Cream Crown' was perhaps
low'. The 'Imperial' and 'Crown' entries were dissimilar in misnamed as it produced lemon flowers with a dark gold
flower size within each respective series. blotch. However, it was a very vigorous and prolific cul
Plant height ranged from 3.8 inches to 7.0 inches and tivar. 'Maxim Deep Blue' had good plant uniformity with
plant diameter from 6.9 inches to 14.6 inches. 'Waterford', plants lateral in habit. It was vigorous and very floriferous.
100 Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102: 1989.
'Maxim Mix' was the best mixed color entry; however, it Plants were very large in the fall and became unkempt
had uneven plant size as the primary fault. Plant habit looking. 'Icequeen' was very late to flower and flowering
varied slightly. While most color selections of'Maxim' were was very sparse and irregular. 'Springtime Lemon Splash'
more lateral, the rust with gold bicolor was obviously more produced cream colored flowers with a very dark blotch.
upright. There was a favorable matching among 'Maxim' This was distinctly different than the color observed in a
color selections for flower size and flower number. 'Spring trial at this location in fall, 1987 (2), at that time the color
Magic Orange with Blotch' produced bushy, vigorous was a light yellow with a medium purple blotch.
plants with good flower presentation. The dark orange
flowers had a small dark blotch and were upturned for Literature Cited
good display. 'Beacon Bicolor' had very dark blue lower
petals capped with bluish-white upper petals. Plants were 1. Anonymous. 1989. Florida Agriculture. Foliage, floriculture and cut
greens. Florida Agricultural Statistics Service, Orlando, FL April,
bushy, lush and vigorous. 'Imperial Orange' produced a
1989.
shaded, clear orange flower where the lower petals were 2. Howe, T. K. and W. E. Waters. 1988. Observations of flowering bed
darker than the upper and lines in the lip petals were occa ding plants. Spring and fall 1987. Bradenton GCREC Research Report
sional. 'Imberial Orange' produced vigorous, fairly uni BRA 1988-12.
form plants. 'Waterford Yellow' was very floriferous and 3. Stanley, C. D. 1988. Temperature and rainfall report for 1987.
Bradenton GCREC Research Report BRA1988-11.
produced very showy plants; some lines in the lip were
4. Voight, A. O. 1989. Prices strengthen in '88 bedding plant season—'89
occasionally seen. production prospects bright but maturing. PPGA News, Vol. 20, No. 1.
Unfavorable traits were found in the following: 'Spring
Magic Ultra Violet' had an erratic halo flower marking.
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102:101-106. 1989.
THE MEXICAN WASHINGTON PALM IS NOT AN ASSET IN
FLORIDA LANDSCAPING
Julia F. Morton ican Washington palm (Washingtonia robusta H. Wendl.),
Morton Collectanea which was first brought to Florida in the 1920's by boxcar
University of Miami loads (41). One of the reasons for the present popularity
Coral Gables, FL 33124 of this palm with landscape contractors is that many of
them, especially those from out-of-state, are misled by the
Additional index words. Washingtonia robusta, W. filifera, specific name, robusta and believe it to be the stout-trunked
California fan palm, desert palm. Washingtonia so commonly grown and admired in Califor
nia. It is necessary, therefore, to explain the differences
between the two species of this genus which have been the
Abstract. South Florida is burdened by a plethora of exotic
subject of much botanical confusion and even believed to
trees and other plants which have been introduced as useful
represent at least 4 different species instead of the actual
species but have proven to be not only undesirable but also
two (25). One must beware of the older literature (2, 3, 6,
rampant weeds. We now need to be concerned about the
20, 31, 39).
increased planting of the Mexican Washington palm ( Wash
ingtonia robusta H. Wendl.). It appears attractive when
California Fan Palm
young; grows rapidly; has a skirt of dead leaves the first few
years, becomes nude with age, when the slender trunk, ulti Washingtonia filifera (L. Linden) H. Wendl., the Califor
mately too tall for a hurricane area, looks like a telegraph nia fan palm, desert palm (or hula palm in Hawaii) (30),
pole with a small tuft of leaves at the summit; and it has casually noticed by surveyors for the Pacific Railroad and
become a weed. Seeds sprout in any nook, beside steps, in the Mexican Boundary Survey (1849-1853), was not re
planters, and hedges. I have seen such volunteers disrupt corded by a botanist until 1861 and then given only a
masonry and threaten the roof overhang. Unfortunately, speculative name, Brahea?. Not until 1879 did some young
some landscaping contractors are misled by the specific seedlings growing in a Belgian greenhouse attract the at
epithet "robusta" and believe they are planting the thicker- tention of the palm specialist, Dr. H. Wendland, who bes
trunked, more leafy, shorter, slower-growing and hardier de towed upon them the generic name in honor of George
sert fan palm, W. filifera (L Linden) H. Wendl., of California, Washington (though this had previously been applied to
northern Baja California and Arizona. Sequoia species). There still remains utter confusion as to
the source of the seeds. Neowashingtonia superseded
South Florida's loss of thousands of "Jamaica Tall' Washingtonia in 1897 but was not widely accepted and soon
coconut palms from lethal yellowing disease has stimulated was abandoned (31).
a demand for other tall palms. Besides disease-resistant The specific name, filifera (at first, filamentosa), refers
hybrid coconuts (now in short supply), more than a dozen to the numerous, threadlike filaments dangling from the
other species have been adopted by wholesale producers deep divisions of the circular, gray-green, rigid, leaf blade
over the past few years (32). which may be 4-6 ft across and dies after 1 yr (3). Another
Fast-growing palms are preferred and, unfortunately, distinguishing feature is that the long (4-6 1/2 ft) petiole
one that is becoming planted in large numbers is the Mex- bears spines only on the lower half and is green except for
Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 102: 1989. 101
