Terra Nova Nurseries gathered impressive accolades for a selection of its best-of-breeding varieties at the 2025 Penn State University Flower Trials and the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville.
Three Terra Nova introductions — Echinacea Revelation ‘Coral,’ Echinacea Princess ‘Bride’ and Heuchera ‘Changeling’ — posted perfect 5.0 ratings at the 2025 Penn State Flower Trials. Each was recognized with both “Best of Show” and “Best of Species” awards in the sun category. Changeling also achieved a 4.95 rating and received a “Director’s Select” designation in shade.
A group of additional award-winning Terra Nova cultivars earned the Best of Species and Director’s Select distinctions at the 2025 Penn State Flower Trials, with ratings ranging from 4.8 to 4.95 across sun and shade evaluations. Varieties recognized in shade included Anemone Harlequin ‘Cameo,’ Anemone Puff ‘Pink’ and Pulmonaria Nova ‘Cobalt,’ along with Geum Tempo ‘Coral’ and Sedum Nova ‘Cherry Fizz’ selected in sun.
Director’s Select designations were also awarded to a larger set of Terra Nova varieties. These comprised Anemone Satin Doll ‘Glow,’ Echinacea ‘French Tips,’ Echinacea Delightful ‘Gold,’ Echinacea Prima ‘Spider’ and three other introductions, with ratings ranging from 4.65 to 4.96 in sun and shade evaluations.
Performance trends observed at Penn State were echoed at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, where Terra Nova varieties received positive performance data during the 2025 season. Several selections recorded high scores ranging from 4.0 to 5.0, including Agastache ‘Pink Pearl,’ Echinacea Prima ‘Aura,’ Echinacea Prima ‘Berry’ and Heuchera ‘Peach Smoothie.’
Two Terra Nova varieties also received special recognition in the University of Tennessee Gardens’ 2025 Best and Beautiful Report. Heuchera Changeling was again named Best in Show for its aesthetic qualities, while Agastache Pink Pearl was honored as a “Customer Favorite” and ranked among the most frequently requested plants at the trial gardens.
The Penn State Flower Trials are conducted at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC) in Landisville, Pa. These trials evaluate varieties of annuals and perennials submitted by breeders worldwide.
The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville is one of the three sites of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee that evaluates annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses for overall health, vigor, uniformity, branching, flowers, foliage, heat- and humidity-resistance and pest-resistance.
Terra Nova Nurseries advances plant breeding through a performance-focused approach, creating varieties selected for durability, regional adaptability, and distinct ornamental characteristics.
