Farwest Show Winners

Jennifer Polanz

There were a number of new varieties on display at the annual Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon, in August, but only one swept all the awards. Give it up for Nightfall Snowbell (pictured) from J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., which swept the People’s Choice Award, the New Varieties Showcase Best in Show and a Retailer’s Choice Award from members of The Garden Center Group.

Nightfall Snowbell was one of 61 new selections on display at Farwest and was bred by Oregon Nurseries’ Hall of Fame member Keith Warren for J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

“The many great attributes of this weeping tree caught the attention of our attendees and judges alike,” said Heather Cyrus, event and education manager for the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN). Nightfall Snowbell combines deep purple foliage with a weeping form and features pearly white flower buds in spring, which open to bell-shaped blooms.

Runners up in the voting for People’s Choice received Awards of Merit. Those were:

•     Midnight Express Redbud from Upshoot LLC. This redbud has velvety-looking, deep burgundy foliage, an upright habit, straight trunk, fast growth and pink, pea-shaped spring blooms.

•     Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC Edge of Night from Walters Gardens. This offers late-season color, large (7- to 8-in.) bubblegum pink flowers with darker pink veining, jet black foliage and a mounding habit.

•     Velveteeny Smokebush from Sidhu & Sons Nursery. A compact selection of parent Royal Purple with the same rich foliage, this is idea for patio planters and small spaces in yards. GP