Introductions

Dianthus Fruit Punch ‘Pomegranate Kiss’
The Fruit Punch series from Walters Gardens is deer resistant, low maintenance and drought tolerant. This perennial dianthus also is fragrant and attracts butterflies. Fruit Punch ‘Pomegranate Kiss’ features deep velvety red, double flowers with petals that are irregularly splashed and streaked with rose pink and have a matching sharply serrated, rose pink edge. The flowers lighten a bit in color as they age. They contrast well with the glaucous blue-green, grassy foliage. This is one of the shortest, most floriferous varieties in the series growing to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It flowers in early summer and often reblooms in early fall.

For more: www.waltersgardens.com.

Ilex Emerald Colonnade
Ilex Emerald Colonnade from Monrovia is a rounded to pyramidal evergreen male holly that can be used as a single specimen or in a small group planting. It can also be used in containers, utilizing its natural form or shaping into a formal topiary. Emerald Colonnade also makes a superb hedge, screen or windbreak. It grows best in full sun. Once established, it needs only occasional water in the landscape. Emerald Colonnade grows 10-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. It has a moderate growth rate. Small, creamy flowers appear in late March and early April. This selection does not produce fruit. It’s hardy in Zones 7-9. It was bred by John M. Ruter, a renowned plant breeder and researcher at the University of Georgia.

For more: www.monrovia.com.

Agapanthus africanus Summer Sky
Agapanthus africanus Summer Sky from Hines Growers boasts a prolific flowering nature, producing between 20-30 flowers from one stem. The attractive blue blooms set a striking contrast against the creamy/white and olive green variegated foliage. Summer Sky can handle drought once established and still bloom. It grows 15 inches to 18 inches tall and is an airy and attractive plant for containers and patio pots. Use as a container plant, in perennial or English gardens, mass plantings and low-maintenance gardens. It’s also deer resistant. It grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy loam soil but will tolerate heavy soil. Hardy in Zones 8-10.

For more: www.hinesgrowers.com.