2024 California Spring Trials preview: Plant Development Services, Inc.

Check out Plant Development Services, Inc.'s offerings at CAST 2024.

2024 California Spring Trials (CAST): Santa Barbara Polo Club 3300 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA 93013. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. March 19-22.

For more information: plantdevelopment.com

Available through Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Plant Collection:

Nelliet Ilex maintains a classic pyramidal shape with superior branching and dense dark green foliage contrasted by red berries. Ideal for Zones 6-9 in full sun to part shade, maturing to 15-25 feet tall by 10-15 feet wide.

Nice & Easy Yucca displays soft-edged leaves with stable cream variegation. Ideal for containers or as a vertical accent planting. Thrives in Zones 8-11 in full sun to part shade, maturing to 4-6 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide.

Yucca Mellow Yellow lends a unique structure to the landscape with variegated arching leaves. This upright, water-wise yucca boasts superior heat and humidity tolerance. Ideal for Zones 6-10 in full sun, maturing to 4-5 feet tall by 3 feet wide.

Redemption Colocasia is a dramatic addition to the landscape with jet-black leaves featuring a hot pink center. Winner of a Retailer’s Choice Award at Cultivate'23. Ideal for Zones 7-11 in part sun, maturing to 3.3 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide.

Blackjack Agapanthus is an award-winning agapanthus that exhibits saturated dark purple-black blooms, exceptional drought tolerance and an extended blooming season. Thrives in Zones 8B-11 in full sun to part shade, maturing to 14-20 inches tall by 14-16 inches wide.

Royal Hawaiian ‘Waikiki’ Colocasia, named the 2023 All-American Selections Ornamental Winner, the glossy green Colocasia is a sensational color breakthrough with white and flamingo-pink veining. Ideal for Zones 8-11 in part sun to shade, maturing to 3 feet tall and wide.

Available through Better Boxwood:

Skylight shines with lush foliage that responds well to pruning. A standout new release from Better Boxwood and winner of the NGB’s 2024 Green Thumb Award, it's hardy in Zones 5-9 and matures to 6-8 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide.

Available through Butterfly Candy Buddleia and Sunset Plant Collection:

Li'l Grape Buddleia is a KVBC silver award winner with a tidy, low-growing habit that is more compact and floriferous than traditional buddleia. Thrives in Zones 5-10 in full sun, maturing to 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Available through Encore Azalea:

Autumn Moonstruck stuns with stable variegation and pure white blooms. Hailed among Garden Gate Magazine’s Best New Plants of 2024. Ideal for Zones 7a-10b in full sun to part shade, maturing to 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide.

To explore more offerings from other growers, check out our full 2024 California Spring Trials coverage.

Check out American Takii's past CAST offerings:

2019

2018