New Perennial Varieties

Whether you're a rookie or pro at producing perennials, check out these new plants from breeders around the world.

ACHILLEA
Achillea ptarmica ‘Noblessa’ from Benary Seed sports bright white, fully double flowers over deep green foliage. It does not require vernalization to flower, reducing crop times and energy costs. Reaching about 12 inches tall, ‘Noblessa’ provides a dainty appearance in containers or the garden. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

Achillea tomentosa ‘Goldie’ from Benary is more compact than Aurea and earlier to bloom. At 6-8 inches tall, it offers a compact habit that is perfectly suited for pot production or for groundcover applications. It creates a dense mat of fern-like foliage. Large, golden flower clusters are held over silver-green foliage. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

AGASTACHE
Agastache pallidflora ‘Rose Mint’ from American Takii produces lavender-rose flower spikes from March until first frost. Plants have excellent branching and a fresh minty scent and require little maintenance. It is excellent in containers and in the garden.

Agastache ‘Summer Fiesta’ from Terra Nova Nurseries produces outstanding dense, spicy orange-red spikes that are weather proof and heat proof. One of the best attributes of this variety is its unfading calyx that clasps the flower. The calyx does not brown like on other agastaches, giving it a much longer lasting spike. This full sun plant has an upright habit reaching 25 inches tall and wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10.

AJUGA
Ajuga ‘Sparkler’ from Terra Nova Nurseries has thick, dark green, shiny foliage covered in creamy-white splashes that light up the floor of a garden. ‘Sparkler’ has hybrid vigor and produces blue flowers in spring. It reaches 3 inches tall and 10-24 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

ALCEA
Alcea rosea ‘Halo White’ from Thompson & Morgan flowers the first year producing large, clear white single flowers with bright yellow centers. The plants, which reach 6½-feet tall, are ideal for planting in borders. ‘Halo White’ has not been tested, but it should be hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 like other varieties offered by the company.
Alcea rosea 'Halo White'


ALCHEMILLA
Alchemilla sericata ’Gold Strike’ from Jelitto Perennial Seeds is free-flowering with grey-green, velvety leaves that are more scalloped than A. mollis. This mounding plant produces a profuse constellation of tiny chartreuse flowering stars. These blooms can be used as cut flowers and are especially useful as fillers, tucked-in around the base of arrangements. ‘Gold Strike’ is adaptable as a groundcover or as an accent plant in sun or partial shade, only requiring evenly moist soils. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

ALOE
Rancho Tissue Technologies has released two aloe hybrids.

Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’ was hybridized by Kelly Griffin and tissue cultured at Rancho Tissue Technologies. This striking selection is the perfect plant for 4- to 6-inch containers. Outdoors in full sun it stays brightly colored year round and tolerates cold and heat. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.

Aloe ‘Sunset’ has a light pink tinge to the foliage and red trimmed edges. It should be planted in full sun to preserve its unique coloring. ‘Sunset’ is drought tolerant, cold hardy and heat loving.

Alstroemeria 'Tangerine Tango' ALSTROEMERIA
‘Tangerine Tango’ from North Creek Nurseries offers an array of vibrant tangerine flowers that blanket sturdy, upright stems from May until first frost. A creamy yellow throat and deep speckling accentuate flowers. Plants average 15 neat, upright florets per umbel. It grows to 30-36 inches tall and 20 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9 and can take Zone 5 when planted in a protected spot and is well mulched. Plants can be used mid to front of a border, mass plantings and cutting gardens. It was produced from the breeding program of Mark Bridgen at Cornell University.

AQUILEGIA

Aquilegia hybrida ‘Spring Magic Yellow’ from Benary has creamy yellow flowers surrounded by white corollas. It’s naturally compact (14 inches tall), well branched habit reduces growth regulator costs. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

ARENARIA
The compact (3-6 inches tall) Arenaria montana ‘Flurry’ from Darwin Perennials is low maintenance and goes to market in flower with attractive crush-resistant, blue-green foliage. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7.

ARMERIA
Armeria maritima ‘Morning Star White’ from Benary provides a multitude of true white, long-lasting flowers and deep green grass-like foliage. At 6 inches tall, it is a perfect accent for rock gardens, container pots and perennial borders. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.

ARUNCUS
Aruncus dioicus Kneiffii-Hybr. ‘Whirlwind’ from Jelitto produces consistent, finely dissected, cut-leaf foliage, which is a little wider than ‘Kneiffii.’ ‘Whirlwind’ is highlighted in May and July with creamy white feathery panicles. It reaches 55 inches tall and can be planted in a border or shade garden. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

ASTILBE
Astilbe ‘De Luxe’ from De Vroomen Garden Products produces an abundance of intensely colored 2-tone purple-lilac plumes on strong stems. It produces attractive shiny foliage that has a slightly ruffled texture. ‘De Luxe’ is a robust plant that exhibits very good consistency in color and habit. It grows to 18-22 inches tall and produces a large number of flower plumes from July to August. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

ASYSTASIA
Asystasia ‘Manaus’ from GroLink is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that reaches 4-6 inches tall and produces glossy green and yellow variegated leaves. It grows best in full to partial sun. In the summer and fall this plant will produce funnel-shaped, deep purple to white flowers. It makes an excellent ground cover for the landscape or can be used as a trailing component plant in mixed containers. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

AUBRETIA
Dark Red is a new color in Syngenta Flowers’ vegetative Axcent series. Axcent offers large flowers over a long period and outstanding disease and heat tolerance. Plants display a naturally compact habit for a tidy bench display. This series offers a rainbow of color from early- to mid-spring.

Campanula 'Viking' CAMPANULA
Campanula ‘Viking’ from Plants Nouveau is a sturdy, non-invasive, sterile new selection with a compact stature and clear lavender, tubular, bell-shaped blooms. Plants reach 15-18 inches tall by 18-24 inches wide. It can be used in the front to middle of the border, foundation plantings, mass plantings, and butterfly, cutting and cottage gardens. It attracts hummingbirds. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

CAREX
Carex trifida ‘Rekohu Sunrise’ from
PlantHaven is a distinguished New Zealand variety that has an upright, arching habit forming an elegant mound. It reaches 20 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Broad, mid-green blades are edged with a striking gold margin. As the plant matures, a glaucous tone on the underside adds to the overall effect. It produces chestnut brown spikelets in late season. This sturdy plant is quick to divide, fast growing and trouble free. It has an excellent shelf life. Use in containers, borders, and window boxes. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11.

CHASMANTHIUM
Chasmanthium latifolium ‘River Mist’ from ItSaul Plants provides striking green and white variegated foliage. Variegated northern sea oats provides a vivid look to any garden and makes a great specimen plant. It can reach 30-36 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide. Late summer and early fall is when the oats appear that provide interest well into the winter as they dry out. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

CORDYLINE
Cordyline banksii × australis Renegade (‘Tana’) from PlantHaven is set apart from other cordyline selections by its tight, clump-forming habit. The broad, dark purple-black foliage is accented with a glossy iridescent lacquered finish. It can be used in commercial landscapes, home gardens and in patio containers. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It does best in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Coreopsis verticillata 'Sienna Sunset' COREOPSIS
Sunny Border Nurseries has release several new coreopsis varieties.

The Big Bang series is the result of extensive breeding efforts by Darrell Probst. Cultivars are extremely hardy and very floriferous, featuring daisy flowers that continuously bloom from midsummer into fall. ‘Cosmic Eye’ has dramatic, claret-colored daisies tipped in golden, sunshine yellow. It is compact growing to 12–15 inches tall and 12 inches wide. ‘Galaxy’ produces flowers with a double tier of cherry yellow petals that shine against glossy green foliage. It has a short, sturdy habit growing 12 inches tall and wide. Plants are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5

Coreopsis verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis) ‘Sienna Sunset’, is a unique new sport of ‘Crème Brulee’ that was discovered by Sunny Border Nurseries. Its beautiful burnt sienna flowers fade to coral as they age. It does best in full sun to partial shade, growing to 12-18 inches tall. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

C. verticillata ‘Route 66’ from ItSaul Plants produces yellow flowers with a beautiful ring of burgundy around the crown that bleeds down to the petal tips. Discovered by Patti Bauer of Bauer’s Forever Flowers in Lucinda, Pa., it has come back for three years in USDA Hardiness Zone 5. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows to 24 inches tall. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 and possibly colder.
 

DELPHINIUM
Delphinium grandiflorum ‘Summer Cloud’ from Benary produces blue and white bicolor flowers. It thrives in heat and humidity without stretching like other delphiniums on the market. The early flowering plants are well-branched reaching 10-12 inches tall. ‘Summer Cloud’ remains compact and matches the rest of the Summer series. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7.

DIANTHUS
Dianthus ‘Hearts Desire’ is available from Blooms of Bressingham. It produces double bubblegum pink with darker pink eye flowers in mid to late spring with slight rebloom in fall. A sport of long-time Blooms of Bressingham favorite ‘Rosish One’. Plants have a sturdy, uniform habit making them good for containers with excellent flower canopy. Plants reach 6-8 inches tall in flower by 10 inches wide. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. It was developed at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Flavora Rose Shades’ from Benary produces flowers that are sweetly fragrant in rose colored shades. This 8-inch tall plant is a wonderful addition to rock gardens, mixed containers or in well traveled areas of the landscape. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Dianthus ‘Fusion’ from hybridizer Kevin Hurd is available from Walters Gardens. This virus-indexed dianthus presents an ever-changing array of flower color patterns. Spicy scented single, blood red flowers emerge with two deep pink blotches on each petal. As the flowers expand, the blotches fuse and the petals turn coral pink with a serrated red edge. In their final stage, the flowers are coral pink with a red eye. The 10- to 13-inch flower stems are perfect for cutting for fresh bouquets. The plant forms a 5-inch tall and 12-inch wide grassy clump of blue-green foliage. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

Scent First dianthus series from PlantHaven is among the best of garden Pinks. Candy Floss produces cotton candy pink, double blossoms with gray green leaves. Passion has velvety deep red, double flowers and smoky green foliage. Tickled Pink has many semi-double, lavender pink flowers on top of its blue gray leaves. Plants are day neutral, perpetual flowering from May to October. Vernalization is not necessary. Plants have a compact mounding habit reaching 5 inches tall and 12 inches wide with 10-inch flower stems. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

DYCKIA
Dyckia hybrid ‘Burgundy Ice’ was created by Kelly Griffin and tissue cultured by Rancho Tissue Technologies. This exotic hybrid is cold hardy and heat tolerant and will maintain its burgundy color year round in full sun. This is the first of many dyckias to come from the company.

ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea ‘Hot Summer’ is exclusively available from Northwest Horticulture. Flowers open orange and fade to red. It boasts a good flower petal count and produces an abundance of blooms from late June to August. ‘Hot Summer’ grows 18 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide.

Terra Nova Nurseries has released two new varieties. Echinacea ‘Tangerine Dream’ produces elegant, 4-inch, bright orange flowers with wide, overlapping petals. The color lasts much longer than most and has a lovely honey scent. This clumping plant reaches 27 inches tall and 30 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Echinacea ‘Gum Drop’ is a full-sized plant with strong stems for the middle of the border. This clumping plant reaches 40 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Dark pink, double, feathery pom-poms decorate the center of each flower, surrounded by a broad brim of candy-pink petals. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Echinacea purpurea ’Lucky Star’ from Jelitto produces flowers with beautiful white petals, horizontally arranged around a large cone.

ERIOGONUM
Eriogonum allenii ’Little Rascal’ is a durable perennial from Jelitto that was selected for its handsome rosettes of grey-green, paddle-shaped leaves, neat, low-growing habit (16 inches tall) and consistent growth. It can be used in mass landscape plantings or combined in a well-drained border, rock garden or mixed containers. It flowers for nearly three months. Its maturing seed capsules make it an interesting addition to dried arrangements. It is very drought resistant and hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10.

EUPHORBIA
Well-branched and compact Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Ruby Glow’ from PlantHaven reaches 10–12 inches tall and up to 20 inches tall when in flower. It has a spread of 18 inches. Its foliage ranges from mahogany in lower light levels to virtually black in full sun. Bright red new growth darkens to almost black in summer with purple overtones. The red stems contrast beautifully with the leaves and bracts. The flowers have ½-inch or larger dark red bracts. It benefits from removal of flowering stems after blooming to encourage bushiness. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-11.

Euphorbia × martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ from PlantHaven produces a bold blend of sage green, gold and lime leaves, tinged with pink overtones in cool weather and under drought conditions. From March to May, it produces gold and green tubular flowers on red stems. First year height is 20 inches and it spreads to 20 inches. This evergreen is very heat and drought tolerant. Compared to other euphorbias ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is relatively easy to root and grow. It is suitable for containers, borders and xeriscapes and is very tough in most garden environments. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5b.

GAILLARDIA
Mesa Yellow gaillardia from Darwin Perennials is the first F1 gaillardia from seed and is easy to grow. This 16- to 18-inch tall first year-flowering perennial is uniform, well-branched and produces masses of huge, clean yellow flowers. An All-American Selections winner for 2010, it is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

Athens Select introduces two new gaillardias.

‘Georgia Sunset’ is a stunning plant whose brilliant gold-and-orange bicolor blossoms light up the landscape. Each flower measures almost 2 inches across. Plants are compact, free breaking, and grow approximately 18 inches tall. These heat- and humidity-tolerant plants are great in beds, pots and mixed plantings. Flowering time is from late spring to fall. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b.

‘Georgia Yellow’ produces bright butter-yellow flowers about 2 inches across on compact, strong stems. Plants are exceptionally heat- and humidity-tolerant and perform well in beds, pots and mixed plantings. Flowering time is from late spring to fall. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b.

GAURA
Fleurizon is introducing the Compact Africa series (Pink, Red and White) and ‘Silver Lining’. All of the plants are compact and free branching. ‘Silver Lining’ has variegated leaves. All four varieties are 12 to 16 inches tall, produce many flowers and flower for a long time.

GENTIANA
Drought-resistant Gentiana cruciata ’Blue Cross’ from Jelitto has a tight clumping habit reaching 10 inches tall. It produces intense blue violet flowers. It is a beautiful selection for rock gardens, mixed containers or as a cut flower. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7.

GERBERA
Florist de Kwakel has introduced its Garvinea winter hardy perennial gerbera, which are available in 15 different colors from Northern Innovators. Outdoors the plants’ small flowers provide a tremendous amount of color until winter. The strong plants with compact foliage can take cold temperatures.

GEUM
Geum coccineum ‘Koi’ from Benary produces many bright orange flowers that stand out over a compact mound of glossy green foliage. It has a long blooming period and can be used in flower beds, borders and mixed containers. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-7.

Geum × ‘Mai Tai’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens produces 1½-inch diameter single to semi-double punch red flowers with ruffled petals fading to peach and then pink on burgundy stems. Plants, which have hairy green leaves, reach 8-10 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. Bloom time is May into June. Plants prefer full sun and are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10.

HELIANTHUS
Helianthus × multiflorus ‘Sunshine Daydream’ from North Creek Nurseries is a branch sport of Helianthus ‘Capenoch Star.’ This selection has fully double, 2½-inch wide golden-yellow flowers with petals that re-curve toward the stem. Its long, leafless stems lend themselves well to seasonal flower arrangements.

Expect continuous flowering from June through August. Plants reach 5-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. It is generally free from powdery mildew. ‘Sunshine Daydream’ can be used in the middle of a border, foundation plantings, mass plantings, butterfly gardens, cutting gardens and cottage gardens. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.

HELIOPSIS
Heliopsis helianthoides Green and White from GroLink has variegated green and white foliage. It is heat and drought tolerant and ideal for 6-inch pots, landscape beds or combination containers. Plants produce small sunflowers just above the foliage during long days.

HELLEBORUS
Helleborus Winter Jewels Painted Doubles from Terra Nova Nurseries has a clumping habit reaching 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. This white double flower hellebore is adorned with red brush marks. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

HEMEROCALLIS
Hemerocallis ‘Elegant Explosion’ is an exclusive introduction from Walters Gardens’ hybridizing program. This 20-inch reblooming daylily explodes with sparkling orange-gold color beginning in midsummer and then again when it reblooms later in the season. The 4-inch, dramatically recurved flowers with heavily ruffled petals are produced atop strong, three-way branched scapes loaded with 22 or more buds apiece.

HEUCHERA
Heuchera ‘Malachite’ from Kieft-Pro-Seeds is a heavily curled green-leaved counterpart to ‘Melting Fire’. It is easy to grow and highly uniform. It reaches 10-16 inches tall and 12 inches wide in the garden. It is excellent for mixed combinations.

Heuchera ‘Electra’ from Terra Nova Nurseries exhibits shocking, blood-red veins that electrify its golden leaves. The red venation remains while the leaf changes from shades of yellow in spring, to chartreuse in summer and fall and tan in winter. Short, dense cones of white flowers bloom in summer. The mounding plant reaches 7 inches tall and 11 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Syngenta Flowers has added two seed-produced varieties.

Heuchera sanguinea ‘Coral Forest’ produces dense spikes of clear red flowers early in the season for spring sales. The short flower stems offer a neat appearance in the pot. Plants have excellent uniformity for ease of production.

Heuchera americana ‘Marvelous Marble’ is all about its green foliage with unique dark veins. It has excellent vigor for great pot and garden performance.

HEUCHERELLA
Heucherella ‘Sweet Tea’ is the most intensely colored heucherella from Terra Nova Nurseries. Huge cinnamon stars are surrounded by the loveliest orange tea colored borders. It offers big, palmately cut leaves that darken in summer and lighten again in fall. Its villosa breeding gives it a big bold habit and heat and humidity tolerance. This mounding plant grows to 20 inches tall and 28 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

HIBISCUS
Walters Gardens has introduced three hibiscus varieties.

‘Cranberry Crush’ has a short but full, compact habit and scarlet red flowers. It represents a breakthrough in Walter Gardens’ hibiscus hybridizing and an improvement over older cultivars. This indeterminate flowering plant produces flowers at the nodes all along the stems rather than just at the top like some other cultivars. Near-black buds open to glossy, deep scarlet red, 7- to 8-inch wide flowers with heavily overlapping petals. It flowers from midsummer to early fall. The 2½- to 3-foot tall and 4-foot wide plants produce glossy deep green, leathery, maple-like leaves with slight purple overtones. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

‘Party Favor’ is a long blooming cultivar that produces large 8- to 10-inch wide blossoms from midsummer until frost. Rose pink buds open to glossy cotton candy pink flowers with heavily ruffled, overlapping petals and a red eye. This indeterminate plant produces flowers at the nodes along the flowering stems. The highly dissected, green leaves on nicely branched, red stems form a sizable clump in the landscape. ‘Party Favor’, which reaches 5 feet tall and wide, can be used en masse at the back of a border or planted singly as a focal point. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

‘Sultry Kiss’ is a long blooming cultivar that forms a beautiful upright mound of well-branched, maple-like, dark green leaves which are bronze when they first emerge. Deep red buds open to magenta-red flowers measuring 9-11 inches wide. The flowers have heavily overlapping petals and are produced at the nodes all the way up the reddish purple stems, covering the plant in blossoms from midsummer until frost. ‘Sultry Kiss’ is suitable en masse for the back of landscape borders or planted singly as a focal point. Plants grow to 4-5 feet tall and 5-feet wide. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

HOSTA
Walters Gardens has released four hosta varieties.

‘Mighty Mouse’ is a variegated sport of the award winning Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’. In spring, the rounded leaves are blue-green with a creamy yellow margin. By summer, the leaves transition to grey-green with a creamy white margin. Lavender flowers appear in early summer. It reaches 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide. ‘Mighty Mouse’ makes a perfect addition to patio containers with good winter drainage. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

‘Pineapple Punch’ is a sport of the popular ‘Pineapple Upsidedown Cake’. Its extremely rippled, long and narrow, variegated leaves emerge dark green with a light green margin that turns a showy gold color in late spring. Later in the season, the margin lightens to creamy white. Lavender flowers are produced in midsummer. Plants reach 15 inches tall and 28 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

‘Rhino Hide’ produces leaves similar to a rhino’s hide. The extremely thick leaves have wide, blue margins and a narrow, light green center that brightens to yellow. They are cupped and puckered, forming a medium to large sized clump in the landscape. Slugs don’t touch ‘Rhino Hide’. White flowers top the scapes in early to midsummer. Plants reach 20 inches tall and 30 inches wide. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

‘Tropical Storm’ is an exceptionally showy new sport of ‘Rainforest Sunrise.’ Heart-shaped, puckered leaves of good substance emerge green with a light green margin, but then quickly develop wide, brilliant yellow gold margins which remain all season. Lavender flowers top the clump in early to midsummer. Plants reach 8-10 inches tall and 16 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

Hypericum
Hypericum cerastoides ‘Silvana’ from Benary is a short (4 inches), well branched, low growing ground cover. In late spring to early summer it is covered with masses of yellow flowers. The plant has finely textured silvery-green foliage that makes it an attractive container accent plant or border plant in full sun to semi-shady locations or in rock gardens. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9.

LAVANDULA
Lavandula stoechas Ruffles series from PlantHaven is comprised of four, low maintenance, uniform varieties (Blueberry, Boysenberry, Mulberry and Sugarberry). The dense, mounding, upright plants measure 24 inches tall and wide. Each variety boasts gray-green, heavily dentate foliage and large bracts with a distinctive ruffling along the margins. Colors range from hues of pink and purple. Each selection in the series has a unique duo-toned color scheme with the bract colors being distinctively different from the flowers themselves. Plants are strong, sturdy, and drought and humidity tolerant preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They flower profusely from spring through summer. Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 8.

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Blue Rider’ from Hishtil is an upright scented evergreen herb with compact growth habit. The plant has very light green foliage and deep blue flowers. It grows up to 20 inches tall. The plant is native to Europe. It stands out in the garden for its free flowering habit and flower color. Plants don’t need any growth regulators. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

LEONOTIS
Leonotis menthifolia ‘Savannah Sunset’ from Skagit Gardens produces furry, orange flowers on tall stems. Flower clusters are perfectly round, arranged in whorls. With age, new growth appears from each blossom center, creating an interesting tiered effect. Light green, bushy foliage is aromatic with somewhat woody stems. Plants reach 60–72 inches tall and 36 inches wide.

LEUCANTHEMUM
Leucanthemum ‘Sante’ from Darwin Perennials grows to 6-8 inches tall and bears double, pure white flowers in summer on very strong stems. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

The first year flowering Leucanthemum ‘LaCrosse’ from Florensis produces spoon shaped white petals. This well-branched, compact plant flowers 10-12 weeks. It will flower the second year with a mass of flowers.

Leucanthemum × superbum ‘Paladin’ from Terra Nova Nurseries has a new and unique flower-type for a Shasta daisy. Flowers have three rows of ruffled white petals on stiff, upright stems. This plant was bred with a unique flower form on a compact habit and a long bloom time. The disagreeable odor common to this genera was bred-out, making it almost odorless and highly desirable. It has a clumping, upright habit reaching 16 inches tall and 15 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

Leucanthemum superbum ‘Banana Cream’ from Walters Gardens produces long lasting lemon yellow flowers that brighten to light butter yellow as they mature. Plants bloom prolifically all summer long atop strong, upright stems. It has nicely compact, dark green foliage and exhibits increased disease resistance. It can be used in the landscape or combination containers. Plants reach 20-24 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

LOBELIA
Lobelia valida ‘Delft Blue’ from Kieft is compact, sturdy and well branched. It produces succulent-like deep green foliage with toothed edges. It is long flowering with intense blue flowers that are self-cleaning. Delft Blue reaches 16-20 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

The Lobelia speciosa Princess series from Hishtil contains three varieties (Crimson, Rose and Scarlet). The compact plants quickly develop into bushy clumps that produce flower spikes. Plants have rounded shiny deep green to bronze red foliage and large single flowers. Plants grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

LUZULA
Luzula sylvatica ‘Solar Flair’ from Jelitto produces low growing, ground covering, rhizomatous, evergreen clumps of wide grass-like blades. Its consistent golden twisting leaves with fringed, hairy edges, is at its most colorful early in the season and again in the early winter months. During the summer the leathery leaves turn soft green. The late spring flowering clusters mature to dark brown and can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements. This low maintenance plant grows to 12 inches tall. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

MONARDA
Walters Gardens has released two Monarda didyma varieties.

‘Pardon My Purple’ is a very compact yet large flowered selection. Plants reach 9-11 inches tall and 16-20 inches wide. Its glossy, dark green foliage is resistant to powdery mildew. Dark purple flowers top the clump from mid through late summer. It is ideal for growing in containers or planting along sunny pathways. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

‘Purple Rooster’ was selected by David and Nancy Nedveck of The Flower Factory in Stoughton, Wis. It produces large, true royal purple flowers over most of the summer on clean, mildew-free plants that never require staking despite their 36-inch height and 26-inch spread. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

PAPAVER
De Vroomen Garden Products is introducing four new Oriental poppies.

Papaver orientale ‘Little Patty Plum’ is a shorter-stemmed poppy with plum-lilac flowers similar in color to the classic ‘Patty’s Plum’. Plants reach 20 inches tall, so they are much better behaved in the border than their famous namesake. It blooms May through June.

P. orientale ‘Marlene’ is an intriguing variety with a rich flower color that falls somewhere between purple and red. Flowers are held on very strong, upright stems. Grows to 27 inches tall and blooms May through June.

P. orientale ‘Paradiso’ produces strong stems that hold delicately colored pale pink flowers set off with red spots instead of black. The petals have a sturdy, less crinkled form and open fully to give the flowers a clean rounded shape. This very floriferous variety grows to 26 inches tall and blooms May through June.

P. orientale ‘Rococo’ produces nearly white flowers warmed by an apricot blush. As with other varieties from Dutch breeder Eleonore de Koning, ‘Rococo’ boasts strong stems and a robust habit. Grows to 26 inches tall and blooms May through June.

PENNISETUM
Athens Select is offering two new pennisetums. 

Pennisetum purpureum ‘Princess Caroline’ provides brilliant purple foliage on a plant that reaches a mature height of about 3 feet. ‘Princess Caroline’ is a shorter version of ‘Princess’ but with better disease resistance, excellent weather tolerance and sturdier growth. It is excellent in pots, landscape plantings and mixed containers. This full sun plant, will not flower except in total frost-free areas. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 8.

P. purpureum (ornamental napier grass) ‘Princess Molly’ bears thin, beautiful, deep burgundy leaves but only grows 14-20 inches tall. An ideal plant for smaller landscapes where color is desired but size is not, as well as in pots and mixed containers. It has excellent disease resistance and weather tolerance. This full sun plant will not flower except in total frost-free areas. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 8.

PENSTEMON
Penstemon digitalis ‘Precious Gem’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens produces semi-evergreen bronze foliage that has some red winter color. Plants, which measure 36 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide, produce mid-pink flowers in June. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10.



PHLOX

The Phlox paniculata Candy Store series, exclusively from Novalis Plants that Work, includes Bubblegum Pink, Coral Crème Drop, Cotton Candy and Grape Lollipop. This mildew resistant series consists of compact, well-branched varieties that produce bright, fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies from early summer until fall. Plants reach 18-22 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. These full sun plants should be planted in a well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.
 Plants Nouveau has released two new Phlox paniculata varieties:

‘Lord Clayton’ offers a combination of jeweled-toned cherry-red blooms and deep purple foliage. The foliage emerges deep, eggplant purple with lime green veins and matures to greenish-purple. Plants, which are resistant to powdery mildew, grow to 36-48 inches tall by 30-36 inches wide.?Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. 

‘Party Punch’ is a sturdy, compact summer phlox, growing 24-30 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide. It’s brightly hued flowers keep coming from early June to late August. Plants, which are powdery mildew resistant, are the perfect size for middle of the border, foundation plantings, mass plantings, butterfly gardens, cutting and cottage gardens. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

PHYSOSTEGIA
Physostegia virginiana ‘Crystal Peak White’ from Benary is excellent for mass plantings or as a filler in mixed combination planters. The 16-inch tall, well-branched plant produces a multitude of bright white flower spikes that do not fade or brown as they age. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-9.

POLYGONUM
Polygonum capitatum from GroLink is a perennial groundcover that is very low maintenance and drought tolerant. It has variegated foliage and produces ball shaped flowers all season making it ideal for basket production. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11.

POTENTILLA
Potentilla megalantha ‘Yellow Sunrise’ is day neutral, but does require a cold vernalization period. It is hardy to at least USDA Hardiness Zone 4. The plant, which is naturally compact with a very tidy growth habit, features very attractive large, elegant leaves. It produces large yellow flowers blooming continuously from spring through early summer. It is available as a rooted liner exclusively from Pineae Greenhouses.

Potetilla atrosanguinea var. argyrophylla ’Golden Starlet’ and ’Scarlet Starlet’ from Jelitto, come from a distinguished line of Himalayan species, recognized for attractive foliage and colorful flowers. These two seed strains yield blooms in bright gold-yellow and deep scarlet. The 12-inch tall plants have a compact habit with grey-green 3-segment pinnate leaves with toothed margins. These two varieties can be combined in rock gardens, front of the border, between paving stones or in mixed containers. Both are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.

PRIMULA
The new seed-produced Primula denticulata Confetti series from Syngenta Flowers includes Blue, Deep Rose and White. It makes a novel spring impulse item that will drive early season sales. The plants’ large lollipop-like flowers form on sturdy stems. The uniform series will bloom two weeks earlier than other varieties on the market.

Primula rosea Rose from Syngenta produces deep rose flower heads before the foliage in the early spring. These seed-produced plants have a compact rosette habit for 4-inch pots.

PRUNELLA
The beautiful and dainty Prunella grandiflora ‘Bella Blue’ from Benary is covered with masses of violet-blue flowers throughout the summer. It grows to 6-8 inches tall. ‘Bella Blue’ is an excellent addition to mixed combinations, and is also extremely showy in the landscape. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

PULMONARIA
Terra Nova Nurseries’ ‘Silver Bouquet’, has strong Pulmonaria cevennensis breeding. It holds up well in containers like P. cevennensis but has shorter foliage that is all silver and larger flowers that change from pink to blue. The clumping plant grows to 7 inches tall and 20 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

PULSATILLA
The Pulsatilla vulgaris Pinwheel series from Syngenta Flowers includes Dark Red Shades, Blue Violet Shades and White. Plants produce interesting looking flowers with contrasting yellow centers over fine-textured foliage. This is a unique impulse item for early spring sales.

ROSMARINUS
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Gold Dust’ from PlantHaven has bright green and gold variegated foliage that stays golden year-round. A sport of ‘Rex’, ‘Gold Dust’ is heat, drought and disease tolerant and won’t burn in the sun. It has an upright, well-branched and vigorous habit. ‘Gold Dust’ is a good ornamental landscape plant as well as a culinary herb. It has been tested to USDA Hardiness Zone 7, possibly 6.

SALVIA
Danziger has added Blue Joy and Pink to its Salvia nemorosa Sallyrosa series. These varieties are tolerant to drought and low and high temperature extremes. Blue Joy has an abundance of stems loaded with masses of bright blue flowers from June to October. Pink produces soft pastel-pink flower spikes that stand at attention above nicely mounded foliage. Plants have aromatic deep green basal leaves and reach 15 inches tall and 16-18 inches wide. They are well suited for pots, patios and landscape beds. Blue Joy and Pink attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds and are deer-resistant. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

Deep Blue is a new color in the Florensis’ Salvia nemorosa Sensation series. This first year flowering plant produces a mass of bright blue flower spikes. Its compact, basal branching habit is a perfect match to the other Sensation colors.

SCABIOSA
Scabiosa columbaria ‘Blue Note’ from Kieft has a genetically compact habit requiring no growth regulators. It is first-year flowering with a nice dark blue flower color. Blue Note can be used as a spring/summer annual in the North and a winter/spring annual in the South.

SCHYZACHRIUM
Schyzachrium scoparium ‘Jazz’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens produces thin blue foliage and silver flowers. It reaches 24-30 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide. ‘Jazz’ prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10.

SEDUM
Sedum hybride ‘Black Beauty’ from Florenis is the first dark-leaved sedum with a good plant habit. This medium tall plant branches very well and has very strong growth which gives it the perfect garden performance. Plants produce large dark red flowers. It has a long shelf life.

Sedum × ‘Plum Perfection’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens produces plum and grey green foliage. It has a mounding habit reaching 6 inches tall and 8-10 inches wide. The plant flowers in mid August producing pink blooms. It does best in full sun to light shade and prefers a well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

‘T Rex’ from Walters Gardens is a rigid upright sedum that measures 24-28 inches tall and 32 inches wide. Despite its height and the heavy weight of its large flower clusters, the plant remains tidy and compact all season and never opens up like some other varieties. Its green leaves have sharply serrated edges. In late summer, clusters of greenish cream buds cover the entire clump, then open to light rose pink flowers similar to its parent ‘Autumn Joy’. ‘T Rex’ was developed by Ken and Linda Smith who have noted this variety has a much greater resistance to stem rot. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

STACHYS
Stachys macrantha ‘Morning Blush’ from Jelitto produces dozens of clustered 16-inch spikes surrounded with pink-flushed white tubular blooms in July and August. The low-growing compact clumps are packed with wrinkled, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that remain remarkably handsome the entire season. ‘Morning Blush’ looks great in containers, rock gardens or at the front of a border.

TIARELLA
Tiarella ‘Happy Trails’ from Terra Nova Nurseries offers a profusion of runners and charming rounded-lobed leaves that are marked with a thick black band on the veins. It’s a vigorous trailer with short white flowers. Wonderful as a shade ground cover, this tiarella is perfect for cascading down a woodland slope or weaving with other plants in a container or hanging basket. It reaches 4 inches tall and 36 inches wide. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

VERBASCUM
Verbascum ‘Flower of Scotland’ from Plants Nouveau produces flower buds from June to August that open a rich-wine red and mature to a soft mauve-pink. This reblooming plant grows to 5 inches tall by 6 inches wide. ‘Flower of Scotland’ comes from Dick Maas of Maas en van Stein Nurseries in the Netherlands. Plant in front of a dry border, on dry, sunny slopes, in rock gardens and in dry mixed and specimen containers. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.

VERONICA
Veronica incana ‘Pure Silver’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens was selected for better vigor and ease of propagation. Plants produce lavender blue flowers for three to four weeks starting in July. The silver foliage looks good all year long and is semi-evergreen. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

VINCA
Northwest Horticulture has released two new vinca varieties.

Vinca minor ‘Merlot’ is a sport of V. minor ‘Atropurpurea’ that features a burgundy wine colored flowers over dark green foliage, which offers a nice contrast.

V. minor ‘Double Bowles’ is a sport of V. minor ‘Bowles.’ It features a unique extra petal formation and light blue flowers over dark green foliage. Both of these varieties share the growth habit of the original plants. They flower heavily in the spring after vernalization and repeat flowering sporadically during the summer depending on the climate.

VIOLA
‘Jumping Jack’ from Darwin Perennials has larger flowers in brighter colors. This extremely floriferous variety blooms continuously from summer to autumn. It reaches 6-8 inches tall. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10.

 

August 2009
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