Top Performer Program

The Top Performer in Mt. Cuba Center Trials Program was created based on the research of Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, DE. Each of the plants in this program received a rating of 4.0 or higher in their trials (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest).

The Mt. Cuba Center research team uses the Trial Gardens to evaluate native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value, and to highlight the ecosystem services native plants provide. Our partnership with Mt. Cuba Center will help ensure that many of these great garden plants continue to be sold in the trade. 

Coreopsis tripteris Gold Standard

For more information on the ongoing and previous trials at Mt. Cuba Center, visit their Trial Garden page.

The Top Performer in Mt. Cuba Center Trials Program includes the following plants:

  • Aster oblongifolius October Skies
  • Aster x Wood’s Purple
  • Baptisia x Ivory Towers
  • Carex woodii
  • Coreopsis tripteris Gold Standard
  • Coreopsis palustris Summer Sunshine
  • Coreopsis verticillata Zagreb
  • Coreopsis x Gilded Lace
  • Echinacea purpurea Fragrant Angel
  • Echinacea purpurea Pica Bella
  • Echinacea x Glowing Dream
  • Echinacea x Butterfly Julia
  • Echinacea x Kismet Intense Orange
  • Echinacea x Kismet Raspberry
  • Echinacea x Butterfly Postman
  • Echinacea x Sensation Pink
  • Echinacea x Sombrero Poco Hot Coral
  • Helenium x Kanaria
  • Heuchera villosa Bronze Wave
  • Heuchera villosa Caramel
  • Heuchera x Apple Crisp
  • Heuchera x Cajun Fire
  • Heuchera x Citronelle
  • Monarda fistulosa Claire Grace
  • Monarda didyma Gardenview Scarlet
  • Monarda didyma Grand Marshall
  • Monarda didyma Purple Rooster
  • Monarda didyma Grand Parade
  • Monarda x Judith’s Fancy Fuchsia
  • Monarda x Raspberry Wine
  • Phlox paniculata Coral Creme Drop
  • Phlox divaricata Blue Moon
  • Phlox glaberrima Morris Berd
  • Phlox stolonifera Sherwood Purple