Got gaps in borders or beds? Fill them with some recent introductions, rather than settling for tried and true. Here are some options from some well-known growers. Look for these plants in area specialty nurseries or shop online sources.
From Proven Winners (www.provenwinners.com)
 Blackberry Punch |
'Blackberry Punch' and ‘Coralberry Punch' Superbells - These new Calibrachoas are the series' fashionistas. ‘Blackberry Punch' flowers are a sophisticated deep purple edged in magenta, while ‘Coralberry Punch' blooms have throats of rich burgundy. Easy to grow, long flowering and ideal for baskets and containers. |
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'Golddust' Mercardonia - This petite hybrid to 5-inches tall is a strong garden performer, covered with cheery yellow flowers May to October. Heat tolerant and low maintenance - no deadheading needed. Carpets baskets or border edges with color. |
From Monrovia (www.monrovia.com)
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'Bountiful Blue' Blueberry - All season garden interest and sweet blueberries make this semi-dwarf shrub an ideal addition to edible landscapes. Foliage is strongly blue-tinged, turning red in fall; white flowers are followed by large berries. Performs best near a different variety blueberry bush. Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. |
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'Heatwave' Salvias - This Salvia greggii series popular in Australia for its heat and drought tolerance is ideal for water wise gardens here. Compact plants to 2 feet tall bear blooms in shades of lavender, pink, rose and white. Hummingbird favorites. |
From Mountain States Wholesale Nursery (www.mswn.com)
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Chrysactinia mexicana - Low growing mats to 2-feet tall and wide of aromatic foliage are a backdrop for daisy-like flowers in a traffic-stopping intense yellow. Shear lightly for repeat bloom. Water deeply once a week. Heat tolerant. |
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Yucca pallida - Nursery rep Wendy Proud calls this succulent the "new agapanthus" for its dramatic four foot tall flower stalks that bear pure white bell-shaped flowers for two months starting in spring. Blue-green leaves are edged in yellow-pink; sharp tips can be clipped off. "Not your grandmother's yucca," Proud adds. |