Testing and cultivating tomorrow’s garden favorites.
At Boone County Arboretum, we’re proud to serve as a regional trial site for some of the most respected names in plant breeding and nursery production. Trialing new plant varieties across diverse environments is a critical step in evaluating their real-world performance—ensuring strong genetics, heat and humidity tolerance, resistance to pests and diseases, and reliable landscape appeal.
Our staff and dedicated volunteers carefully monitor each plant through the seasons, collecting data and offering feedback to the breeders and developers behind them. These trials not only help refine future plant introductions but also provide valuable insight for gardeners and professionals in our region.
Current Plant Trials in Progress
Click on a nursery name below to explore the varieties currently under trial at the Arboretum: