The Blue Ribbon
While analyzing the trial results we search for plants that maintained a mean overall appearance score of 4 or greater, on a scale of 1-5, on the lowest irrigation treatment over the deficit season. We award those plants that meet this threshold a Blue Ribbon, our highest distinction, because they have proven their ability to maintain a high level of aesthetic performance using low amounts of water. The intention of the Blue Ribbon is to highlight meritorious plants to assist the nursery and landscape trade in growing and planting high performing, low water-use plants.
Blue Ribbon Winners are listed alphabetically by scientific name below along with a short description. Due to the wide geographic gradient of the project sites, a Blue Ribbon in one region may not be a Blue Ribbon in another. The site where the Blue Ribbon was awarded and the year evaluated is appended to the description. Trial Sites:
- Aurora, Oregon - North Willamette Research & Extension Center (NWREC)
- Davis, California - UC Davis (UCD)
- Irvine, California - South Coast Research & Extension Center (SCREC)
- Logan, Utah - Utah State University (USU)
- Seattle, Washington - University of Washington (W)
- Tucson, Arizona - University of Arizona (UA)
2022 Awardees
Emerald Ice hopbush
Dodonea viscosa ‘Emerald Ice’
A cool evergreen shrub native to the Sonoran Desert that rated well with participants. Site: UA
Center Stage® Red crapemyrtle
Lagerstroemia indica 'SMNLCIBF'
A slow growing shrub with rich burgundy red coloration and contrasting bright watermelon red flowers from summer to fall that can serve as a specimen or play well in a larger ensemble. Site: UCD
Red Hot trumpetbush
Tecoma × 'Red Hot'
A compact selection with light orange tubular flowers from spring to fall with evergreen foliage. Site: SCREC
Winter Blaze™ emu bush
Eremophila glabra ssp. carnosa
An evergreen shrub that bursts into bloom from late winter to mid-summer with orange-red hummingbird friendly with occasional rebloom for the remainder of the season. Site: UA
San Antonio Rose Texas ranger
Leucophyllum frutescens ‘San Antonio Rose’
With light gray foliage and orchid pink flowers, San Antonio Rose can act as an evergreen sentinel holding down a landscape throughout the year. Site: UA
Aguirre™ turpentine bush
Ericameria laricifolia
This compact, low shrub is native to the desert southwest that adds color to the landscape with yellow ray flowers and a pine-y, resinous scent when touched. Site: UA.
Slender veldt grass
Pennisetum spathiolatum
A short (1-2’) grass whose flowers will add interest and movement to the landscape. Site: SCREC
Sierra Red™ firecracker bush
Hamelia patens
A facultative herbaceous perennial that provides a tropical vibe with glossy green leaves and vivid orange tubular flowers that arranged in clusters reminiscent of a just exploded firework. Site: UA
Oso Easy® Urban Legend® rose
Rosa × 'ChewPatout'
A shrub rose with epic red coloration that is both eye-catching and hard to photograph: a bright orange-red at midday that morphs to a glowing coral-red at twilight. Sites: UCD