Fleuroselect has awarded its prestigious Gold Medal for excellence in breeding and beauty to Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White'. This eye-catching new cultivar fits into the popular, modern range of annual flowering container perennials, which has brought traditional perennials to a wider market. 'Crystal Peak White' demonstrated outstanding compactness and uniformity in both pack and garden trials and the judges were particularly impressed with its earliness. The sparkling white peak of perfect flowers was impressive all season long and will be a treat for the container market.
USE
Physostegia virginiana 'Crystal Peak White' is an excellent summer, container plant and is winter hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 2-9. It has a preference for a moist soil and is happiest in a sunny spot. Physostegias were originally used in wildflower meadows. The arrival of this cultivar for the annual market means that the variety can be used in more civilized containers and borders.
MARKET VALUE
Growers will find the variety easy to produce as no vernalisation is needed for flowering. The variety is exceptionally compact and uniform reducing bench space and transport costs. For the retailer the abundance of stunning white flowers is a definite advantage and the variety can be offered as an attractive specimen plant in mixed containers. For the consumer, the self cleaning of the old flowers is a real plus giving a clean, contemporary, contrast of pure white flowers on dark green spikes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Physostegia belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The generic name comes from physa (a bladder) and stege (a covering), referring back to the somewhat inflated appearance of the flowers. Of the 12 known species Physostegia virginiana is the most widespread and carries the common name ''Obedient Plant'' as the flowers heads will obey by remaining in position when swivelled on the stems. The flowers are usually purple-pink, but white flowering plants are not uncommon. The plant is native to eastern North America from Quebec to Manitoba, and south to Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and of course Virginia.