Fifty-five herbaceous summer flowering annuals tested this year (1994) included 16 All American Selections (AAS). All selections are rated on a scale of 1-4 for the sum of the following qualities: flowers, plant size, peak bloom (and length of bloom), and disease and pest resistance.

Of 30 species of Buxus cultivated in the Midwest, few boxwood varieties are hardy in colder, northern sites. Ten boxwoods were evaluated in this study, with seven showing successful and appealing cultivation characteristics.

While some Achillea in this study did not prove winter-hardy, a wide variety of hybrids had outstanding performance, including 10 cultivars in colors from gold to peach to pink and lilac.

Given minimal cultural care, rose mallow cultivars thrived in this evaluation. The range of flower colors, flower sizes, foliage types and habits make this a plant worthy of a variety of landscape uses.

Bamboo can be grown successfully in the Chicago region and the Midwest, although size and coloration of bamboo canes isn't reliable in colder climates. Five species are recommended in this report.

Fox Valley(TM) River Birch, Betula nigra 'Little King', proves a promising as a specimen plant, hedge, or in a shrub border. It's exfoliating bark and dense branching habit are outstanding features in the winter landscape.

Rhododendrons can be grown with success in the Midwest. The top five performers of this five year study of small-leaved evergreen rhododendrons include 'Milestone', 'Weston's Pink Diamond', Molly Fordham', 'Laurie', and 'Pink Clusters'.