HORTICULTURE DIVISION CLASSES
Horticulture entrants are cordially invited to a convivial gathering to review the 2022 horticulture competitions ….
Get Growing!
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
5:30 p.m.
The Breakers Stable & Carriage House
Coggeshall Ave, Newport, RI
Please RSVP by Friday, March 18, 2022 to Events@newportmansions.org
Read the Horticulture Division rules & guidelines
Entering the Newport Flower Show is easy! Complete the Horticulture Design Registration Form, click "submit" and it will be automatically e-mailed to our committee.

DIVISION I: CREATIVE MIXED PLANTERS
Delivery & Passing: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, from 1 – 4 p.m. & Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 8 – 10 a.m.
Back lawn at Rosecliff
Pre-registration is required in Division I, Creative Mixed Planters
A photo key card is a photo of your exhibit attached (or printed) on white card stock no larger than 5” x 8”. A numbered list of botanical and common names refers to the corresponding numbered plant in the photo. Please complete your Photo Key Card prior to arriving at the show. The Photo Key Cards are laminated to 8 ½” x 11” cardstock. Please do not use photo paper, which will blur in the laminating process.
Division I Class Consultant: Jim Donahue jdonahue@newportmansions.org / (401) 847-1000 ext. 154
Class 1 Planting Pallet The 2022 Garden Club Challenge Up to 12 entries
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
In the US alone, two billion wooden pallets are manufactured to facilitate shipping. Most pallets end up in landfills, accounting for 90% of discarded wood. It can take up to 13 years for a pallet to decompose and oftentimes they are treated with preservatives and pesticides which further retard decomposition and contribute to groundwater pollution. Re-using pallet wood and getting it out of the waste chain is one small step towards Eden.
The Newport Flower Show Committee has commissioned a Brooklyn based carpenter to create raised planter boxes made entirely of chemical-free pallet wood. The raised planters will be arranged on the back lawn of Rosecliff to create an abundant and colorful gardeners’ Eden. Garden Clubs are invited to design a planting in one of three ways:
Primarily Vegetables
Primarily Flowering
Primarily Herbs
There will be four of each type of planting, chosen by the competitors on a first come basis. Garden Club representatives will be provided with planter inserts which can be installed into the raised planters on-site at Rosecliff. The general dimensions of the root space are 42”- long x 14” -wide x 14”-deep. A sample planter will be available for inspection at the Get Growing gathering at The Breakers greenhouses in March at which time a diagram of the planter, with complete measurements will be provided.
Class 2 Bee Friendly!
Planting for Pollinators (4 Entries)
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
Without insect pollinators – bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and beetles – human life would become nearly impossible. Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of more than two-thirds of the world’s crop species. And pollinators are essential species in most terrestrial ecosystems facilitating the production of fruits and seeds that feed 25% of all birds and mammals. No pollinators – no Eden. Pollinators are at risk due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases.
Create a container planting that promotes pollinator habitat. Accessories permitted. A comprehensive plant list can be found at: https://xerces.org/publications/plant-lists/pollinator-plants-northeast-region
Class 3 Jungle Home
Houseplant Vignette (4 Entries)
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
For reasons we are all too familiar with, recent years have seen the rise of ‘nesting’ and the use of terms like ‘hygge.’ With this increased desire for cozy and personalized interiors there has been an unprecedented boom in decorating with houseplants.
Create a vignette of three houseplants, with similar site requirements, and one accessory object that together convey your personal Eden. The entire composition must be able to sit on a tabletop and not exceed 24 x 24 x 24”.
Class 4 Casting Shade (This class is full; registration is closed)
Perennial Planter (4 Entries)
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
After the whole ‘apple thing,’ Adam cast some serious shade at Eve.
Use it to advantage by creating a mixed container of at least three different perennials that thrive in the shade. Accessories not permitted. Container not to exceed 18” in any dimension.
Class 5 Garden of Eat’n
Edibles Planter (4 Entries)
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
Abundance has a beauty all its own.
Create a planter of at least three different fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers that rivals the bounty of Eden. Accessories permitted. Container not to exceed 18” in any dimension
Class 6 Dramatic Monochromatic (This class is full; registration is closed)
Annual Planter (4 Entries)
Pre-registration required; Photo key card required
While mixed colors often steal the show, a single floral color can be elegant and eye-catching.
Choose your favorite hue and create a mixed annual planting using that one floral color along with complementary foliage plants. Accessories not permitted. Container not to exceed 18” in any dimension.
Entering the Newport Flower Show is easy! Complete the Horticulture Design Registration Form, click "submit" and it will be automatically e-mailed to our committee.

DIVISION II: Potted Plants
Delivery & Passing: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 1 – 4 p.m. & Thursday, June 16, 2022, 8 – 10 a.m.
Back lawn at Rosecliff
NEW: Pre-registration encouraged
Email a list of the classes in Division II that you would plan to enter. Email: Events@newportmansions.org
Your pre-registration allows our committee to plan appropriately for class placements and space needed for display at the Show.
Division Consultant: Libby Moore (401) 635-2657 | libbymoor@aol.com
Reminder: One plant per pot unless otherwise stated. Containers must be able to be staged with ease.
Topiary
4 entries per class
(Entries must have been trained by the exhibitor)
Class 7: Trained on a frame
Class 8: Standard pruned to tree form
Bonsai
4 entries per class
Class 9: Woody plant trained in the Bonsai manner
Annual, Perennial or Biennial
4 entries per class
Class 10: Grown for flower
Class 11: Grown for foliage
Begonia
4 entries per class
Class 12: Any species or cultivar grown primarily for flower
Class 13: Any species or cultivar grown primarily for foliage
Fern
4 entries per class
Class 14: Container not to exceed 12” in diameter
Miniature or Dwarf Plant
6 entries
Class 15: A mature example of a species or cultivar that is one of the naturally diminutive members of the genus.
Orchid - Must be in bloom. No hanging containers.
4 entries per class
Class 16: Novice Orchid Class (open to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the orchid class at The Newport Flower Show)
Class 17: Cattleya
Class 18: Paphiopedilum
Class 19: Phalaenopsis
Succulents
4 entries per class
Class 20: Agave, container 6” and under
Class 21: Agave, container over 6”
Class 22: Aloe, container 6" and under
Class 23: Aloe, container over 6”
Class 24: Crassula, container 6” and under
Class 25: Crassula, container over 6”
Class 26: Echeveria, container 6” and under
Class 27: Echeveria, container over 6”
Class 28: Euphorbia, container 6" and under
Class 29: Euphorbia, container over 6”
Class 30: Haworthia, container 6" and under
Class 31: Haworthia, container over 6”
Class 32: Other succulent
Family
Class 33:
4 entries per class
Three or more different species from one plant family (e.g., Apiaceae, Petroselinum (parsley), Illicium (anise), Anthenum (dill). In separate containers 6” or under, staged on a base or tray provided by the exhibitor. Photo Key Card required.
Species and/or Cultivars
4 entries per class
Class 34:
Three or more different species and/or cultivars from one plant genus (e.g., Agave: A. “Blue Glow”, A. isthmensis, A. victoria-reginae). Separate containers 6” or under, staged on a base or tray provided by the exhibitor. Photo Key Card required.
Parent and Child
4 entries per class
Class 35:
A single plant exhibited along with the parent plant from which it was propagated, each in a separate container. Date and method of propagation must be specified on a 4” x 6” white index card (starting date, light source, medium used, repotting date, etc.) Both plants will be judged.
Propagation
4 entries per class
Class 36:
A single plant propagated by the exhibitor from seed, stem, leaf cutting or other method. Date and method of propagation must be specified on a 4” x 6” white index card (starting date, light source, medium used, repotting date, etc.)
Grand Dame
4 entries per class
Class 37:
(A plant noted for its age, owned by the exhibitor for at least 5 years.)
Par Class
Class 38:
An exhibit of exceptional horticultural merit, which does not qualify for entry elsewhere in the Horticulture Division. Entries in the Par Class must have been owned and grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of six months. Cut specimens, orchids and hanging baskets are not permitted. Containers may not exceed 18” in diameter.
Entering the Newport Flower Show is easy! Complete the Horticulture Design Registration Form, click "submit" and it will be automatically e-mailed to our committee.
DIVISION III: CUT SPECIMENS
Division Consultant:
Delivery & Passing: Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Back lawn at Rosecliff
Pre-registration is not required in Division III, Cut Specimens
Cut specimens must be properly conditioned to survive the entire (un-air conditioned) run of The Newport Flower Show. For instructions on cut flower conditioning, please visit: https://libguides.nybg.org/cuttingconditioningflowers
Cut stems may not exceed 40" in length from the cut to the tip of the stem. Stems should include enough foliage to indicate the overall health and vigor of the plant; two full sets of attached leaves are recommended. Also, the length of stem should be proportional to the flowerhead. All entries should be a single stem with foliage attached above the water line and must have been grown by the exhibitor.
Vases for staging your cut specimen will be provided by The Newport Flower Show. Please read the Horticulture Division Rules & Guidelines before entering your cut specimen. Cut specimen entries will not be passed after 1 p.m.
Judging criteria for cut specimens include form, substance, condition, grooming and labeling. The Newport Flower Show reserves the right to remove cut specimens passed prime.
Annuals and Biennials
Class 39: Annual or Biennial in bloom
Class 40: Annual or Biennial grown for foliage
Perennial
Class 41: Leucanthemum
Class 42: Paeonia
Class 43: Other perennial in bloom
Class 44: Other perennial grown for foliage
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber & Corm
Class 45: Allium
Class 46: Lilium Asiatic
Class 47: Lilium Oriental
Class 48: Lilium Other
Hydrangea
Class 49: Hydrangea arborescens
Class 50: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'
Class 51: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'
Class 52: Hydrangea macrophylla lacecaps
Class 53: Hydrangea macrophylla mopheads
Class 54: Hydrangea macrophylla other
Class 55: Hydrangea paniculata
Class 56: Hydrangea quercifolia
Class 57: Other Hydrangea
Hosta
To measure leaf size, measure leaf-length by leaf-width to obtain the size in square inches. Do not include petiole (stem) in your calculations. (Hint: An undersized leaf of a variety listed as a large leaf may not be entered in the medium class.)
Class 58: Miniature less than 6”
Class 59: Small 6" to 29"
Class 60: Medium 30" to 63"
Class 61: Large 64" to 119"
Class 62: Giant 120" or greater
Class 63: Enter a collection of 3 different varieties. Plant list required.
Fern
Class 64: Fern - single frond
Species Roses
Class 65: Species (wild) Rose, one stem or spray
Old Garden Rose
Old Garden Roses are those classes that existed prior to 1867 and include Alba, Avershire, Bourbon, Boursalt, Centifolia, Damask, Hybrid Bracteata, Hybrid China, Hybrid Eglanteria, Hybrid Foetida, Hybrid Gallica, Hybrid Multiflora, Hybrid Perpetual, Hybrid Sempervirens, Hybrid Setigera, Hybrid Spinosissima, Misc OGR’S Moss, Noisette, Portland Tea.
Class 66: Old Garden Rose (climbing & non-climbing) one stem or spray (class to be subdivided by type)
Modern Rose
Modern Roses are those classes that came into existence after 1867.
Class 67: Floribunda, one stem or spray
Class 68: Grandiflora, one stem or spray
Class 69: Hybrid Kordesii, one stem or spray
Class 70: Hybrid Rugosa, one stem or spray
Class 71: Hybrid Tea, one stem or spray
Class 72: Large Flowered Climber and Rambler, one stem or spray
Class 73: Miniature and Mini-Flora, one stem or spray
Class 74: Polyantha, one stem or spray
Class 75: Shrub Rose, one stem or spray
Class 76: Other modern rose
Class 77: Unidentified Rose, one stem or spray of any rose whose name is not known
Woody Plant
Class 78: Cornus kousa, Japanese Dogwood, in bloom
Entering the Newport Flower Show is easy! Complete the Horticulture Design Registration Form, click "submit" and it will be automatically e-mailed to our committee.
HORTICULTURE DIVISION HELPFUL HINTS
General
How to properly measure a container - Size is measured as the longest inside dimension across the top of the pot; rectangular pots are measured on the diagonal. Disguised double potting is permitted. The inside pot is the one to be measured.
Horticulture Plant Classification and Labeling Resources
American Rose Society:
www.ars.org/about_roses/classification.html
Rhode Island Rose Society:
www.rirs.org
American Hydrangea Society:
www.americanhydrangeasociety.org
North American Lily Society:
www.lilies.org/types.html
Rhode Island Wild Plant Society:
www.riwps.org
Native Plant Trust:
www.nativeplanttrust.org
Royal Horticulture Society:
www.rhs.org.uk
American Horticulture Society:
www.ahs.org
The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants – Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk
The New Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants - Mark Griffiths
Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines - William Cullina
Herbaceous Perennial Plants - Allan M. Armitage
Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs – Michael A. Dirr
Flower Show “Lingo”
Passing: Passers check to make sure exhibits are of show quality, properly groomed, pest and disease free, are in appropriate containers, meet class specifications and are labeled correctly.
Grooming: Cleaning plant material to remove unsightly parts, dirt and/or spray residue. Grooming should not alter the typical features of the plants or flowers.
Staging: Designing the Show layout of horticulture exhibits.
Labeling: Identifying all flower and plant entries with correct botanical names. Include the common name, botanical name and species or variety.
Examples:
Common Botanical Species/Variety
Lily
Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
Lavender
Lavendula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
Conditioning cut flowers: Cut plants outside in the early morning or late afternoon/evening – not in the heat of midday. Give the stem a fresh, angled, cut under water with a clean instrument and place it in room temperature water in a cool, shady area for 2 to 12 hours. Optional: Use a water-soluble cut flower preservative in the conditioning solution.
Horticulture “Talk”
Foliage Plant: Plants exhibited primarily for their foliage. A few flowers on the plants are acceptable, unless noted.
Annual Plant: A plant that usually germinates flowers and dies in one growing season (does not ‘winter over.’) Such a plant is termed ‘non-hardy.’
Perennial Plant (Herbaceous): A plant with non-woody stems that lives for more than 2 years, flowering over many seasons. Such a plant is termed ‘hardy.’
Biennial Plant: A plant that takes between 12 to 24 months to complete its life cycle. Can self-seed (i.e.: Foxglove).
Native Plant: A plant naturally occurring in its given environment. Native plants vary by geographic area.
Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Shed their leaves at the same time annually.
Modern Garden Roses: The predominant roses of today in active development by hybridists after 1867
Old Garden Roses: The classes of roses that were established prior to 1867.
Species Roses (Wild Roses): The classes of roses which include both the truly wild species and those garden forms associated with them.
Botanical Family: A group of one or more genera that share a set of underlying features. Family names end in -aceae.
Genus (Genera) (Pl): Group of one or more plants that share a wide range of characteristics.
Species: Group of plants that are capable of producing offspring similar to themselves.
Cultivar: A plant that is a distinct variant of its species.
Judging “Jargon”
Cultural Perfection: A plant exhibiting vigorous healthy growth, with an excellent, general appearance resulting from growing in the correct environment.
Form: The shape that is the true or characteristic form of a flower or plant.
Symmetry: Beauty due to a balanced proportion of parts on a flower or plant.