Bountiful Blue Blueberry is named best edible, while Little Rascal Improved Holly is tabbed as best shrub
Two Monrovia exclusive plant varieties were named award winners at the annual Farwest trade show in Portland last week. Bountiful Blue Blueberry (pictured, left) was named “Best Edible” for its abundance of plump, juicy berries and its fantastic blue foliage. This low-chill variety is a standout in the landscape or in a container.
Little Rascal Improved Holly (right) won “Best Shrub” for its dark green foliage and attractive purple/burgundy winter foliage. This variety has shown a higher disease resistance in container production.
“Monrovia is committed to finding the best improved varieties,” said Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants. “We seek out those that have superior pest and disease resistance, improved color, shape, bloom, fruit or habit,” he explained. “It’s an honor to be distinguished by our peers.”
Bountiful Blue Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum ‘FLX – 2’ P.P. #19,381
Zone: 6 – 10
Monrovia’s new exclusive Bountiful Blue has the bluest summer foliage of any Blueberry on the market, making it a great ornamental plant as well as a fantastic edible. It offers a heavy set of large, super sweet berries. Pretty white blooms appear in spring and red fall foliage adds a beacon of color. Although it will set fruit alone, Bountiful Blue is more prolific when planted near another blueberry such as Sunshine Blue. Semi-evergreen in warmer climates. Prefers full sun and acidic soil. This semi-dwarf moderate grower will reach three to four feet tall and wide.
Little Rascal® Improved Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Monnieves' Little Rascal Improved PP# 21941
Zone 5 – 9
An exciting discovery for the smaller Ilex category. Dark green foliage and attractive purple/burgundy winter foliage. Higher disease resistance in container production. Wonderful foundation shrub that can be used closer to the house. Use as a pollinator. Evergreen.
Other Farwest winners include: Georgie Red Monkey-Flower won Best Annual/Tender Perennial; Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass won Best Grass/Perennial; Street Keeper Honeylocust was named Best Tree; and Best of Show was won by Flutterby Grande‘ Peach Cobbler Nectar Bush.