Variety Notebook

Lucky Lantern YellowAbutilon Lucky Lantern
The Lucky Lantern series from PlantHaven Inc. consists of genetically dwarf plants with tight, rounded habits. They are extremely floriferous, producing large bell-shaped flowers. Colors include Tangerine, White and Yellow with a red scheduled for release in 2011. They have a long blooming period from summer through fall.

Plants are quick and easy to grow, needing one pinch of the central stem. Started from a 72-cell vegetative liner, 4½-inch containers finish in six to eight weeks, and 6-inch containers are ready for sale in 10-12 weeks.

Plants reach 12 inches tall by 12 inches wide. Once established, they are heat and drought tolerant. Plants are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 8.
 
For more: PlantHaven Inc., (805) 569-9179; www.planthaven.com.
 

Dioon edule
Dioon edule, available from ForemostCo Inc., is commonly known as virgin palm or Mexican cycad. It is native to Mexico and Central America. This cycad reaches up to 11 feet under optimal conditions. It produces 3- to 6-foot-long stiff, arching blue-green to gray-green leaves.

It is low maintenance and can be used as an accent or specimen plant. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It is considered one of the most cold-hardy cycads, tolerating temperatures into the low 20°Fs. Once established it is considered drought tolerant. It grows best in partial shade. It is a versatile and durable plant that can be used in xeriscape and humid environments.

Bulbs (6-8 cm and 8-10 cm) are available, as well as 30- to 36-inch size plants. Plants should be grown in a well-drained growing medium. 
 
For more: ForemostCo Inc., (800) 421-8986; www.foremostco.com.

Aster ‘First Snow’
Aster ericoides ‘First Snow’ from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Inc. has a bushy habit reaching 24 inches tall with an even wider spread. Plants start to produce hundreds of tiny ½-inch-wide white flowers with yellow centers in late September and continue blooming into October. They have needlelike foliage on arching stems.

This easy-to-grow plant is drought tolerant and grows best in a well-drained growing medium and full sun. Plants can be propagated by taking cuttings in May and June or by divisions in the spring. Space plants to allow for good air movement around the foliage. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10. 

For more: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Inc., (815) 648-2788; www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com.