Variety Notebook

Osteospermum Margarita series
The Margarita series of osteospermum from Fides North America is available in a wide color range. Plants in this uniform series are easy to grow and have excellent branching with little to no growth regulators needed.

Plants are very heat tolerant and flower throughout the summer. ‘Margarita Purple’ was awarded a Plant Merit at this year’s University of Georgia field trials where temperatures exceeded 90°F. The ideal temperature range for producing the plants is between 55°F-65°F.
 
For more: Fides North America, (805) 525 7125; www.fidesnorthamerica.com.

SunPatiens Spreading Corona
Spreading Corona is the newest addition to Sakata’s SunPatiens series. Well suited for 10- and 12-inch baskets, gallons and mixed containers, this variety matches the habit of previously released Spreading Salmon. Spreading Corona reaches a height and spread of 24-36 inches in containers and 36-48 inches in the landscape.

Corona thrives in full sun or partial shade as well as humid conditions. This vigorous plant performs from spring through a hard frost.

For more: Sakata Ornamentals, (408) 778-7758; www.sakataornamentals.com.

Mecardonia GoldDust
Proven Winners is offering GoldDust mecardonia, which flowers six weeks earlier than other varieties. The compact plant reaches 2-5 inches tall and spreads 12-16 inches.

This self-cleaning plant requires no dead-heading and produces small, bright-yellow flowers May through October. It has excellent heat tolerance and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. It’s great in landscapes, baskets and planters.

For more: Proven Winners, (877) 865-5818; www.provenwinners.com.