The Prairie Star collection consists of annual flowers of great vigor and spectacular bloom throughout the entire summer growing season. They are truly the star performers for the soils and climate of the prairie. To be included in the Prairie Star list an annual flower must perform at the highest level for a minimum of two years in the university bedding plant field research trials conducted by K-State scientist, Dr. Alan Stevens. Annual flowering plants from breeders around the world are on the list. Prairie Star annuals have the vigor to grow like crazy and bloom like crazy under lazy gardener care. It is the “WOW look at those flowers” list.

 

The Prairie Bloom flower collection is different from the Prairie Star flowers in that their bloom period is of shorter duration (perennials) or of less intensity (annuals). Prairie Blooms are the special flowers that add depth and breadth to our gardening palate. The ten days to two weeks of spectacular bloom that perennials provide make them more than worthy of planting in our gardens. The variety of flower form, texture, and color within the Prairie Blooms Collection provide great interest and diversity in the landscape. Inclusion in the Prairie Blooms Collection is based on multiple year (3 to 5 yr.) performance in Dr. Alan Stevens, K-State bedding plant field research trials. Prairie Bloom flowers are those plants best adapted to our never-boring, always-changing, ever-challenging prairie climate.