Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, School of Agriculture and Land Resources Management, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Abstract
Trials were begun in 1989 at the Georgeson Botanical Garden (64°51’N, 147° 52’W, elevation 475
feet; 136 meters) to evaluate the hardiness and ornamental potential of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
perennial ornamentals. Woody ornamentals are tested for 10 years, and herbaceous perennials for five
years. This report is the first summary of perennials that have survived the trial period with a winter
hardiness rating between zero and 2.5. Each plant in the trial is evaluated annually for winter injury and
rated on a scale of zero through four. A zero rating denotes no visible injury, and four is death. A score of
2.5 and lower indicates the plant grew well in the Garden. It may have shown symptoms of winter injury
but recovered in subsequent seasons. The species and cultivars listed in Table 1 are recommended for
further trial throughout Interior Alaska.
Plants are grown on a south-facing slope in Fairbanks silt loam soil. The plots have been cultivated
since about 1910. All plants receive full sun except those located in the shade house. Plants receive
supplemental irrigation, mostly hand weeding, and an annual application of 500 lb per acre (560.5 kg/ha)
10-20-20S fertilizer. Lilies receive 1500 lb (1,681.5 kg/ha) per acre of the same fertilizer. No plant
receives winter protection such as mulches, wind barriers or snow fences. Weather data are compiled
annually from U.S. Weather Service station (elevation 475 feet; 136 meters) located approximately 350 feet
(105 meters) west of the Garden. A summary of pertinent weather statistics is shown in Table 2
