For 2026, we showcased over 100 varieties of dahlias, 57 varieties of osteospermums, 17 celosia, 16 lobularia (sweet allysum) 12 dianthus, and 7 salvia varieties.

Here is the list of plants in the trials:  CGW_2026 list

The plants were evaluated 3x (early June, early July, early August) and scored from 1 to 5 (1 being poor, 5 excellent).

Peak bloom for the osteospermums and lobularia were late July; most of the dahlias peaked around August 1st; the celosia finished nicely throughout August and September (many beautiful bright colorful blooms and foliage) while the Salvia Salgoon series were peaking in late September.  Here’s a photo of the Salgoon salvia on Sept 29, 2026. While all varieties were full of blooms, ‘Lake Onega’ and ‘Strawberry Lake’ ended up being nearly 4 feet tall.

Ratings are posted here:CGW.2026Evaluations Final