Introductions

Sedum × ‘Soft Cloud’
‘Soft Cloud’ is a hybrid sedum with pointed grey-green foliage on extremely vigorous plants. Plants emerge in spring in tight dome-shaped mounds. In September, the plants bloom light pink and deepen with age and cool weather. The short clumping plants only reach around 15 inches tall and around 24 inches wide. It prefers a well-drained soil in full sun. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 3-9 and can be planted in spring, summer or fall. This new sedum combines nicely with Veronica incana ‘Pure Silver’ and short ornamental grasses. Plug liners are available from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens.
For more: www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com

Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Julia’
This new addition to the Pretty Lady series features pink 2-inch double blooms. It has the same flower power and excellent dwarf habit with improved container performance over older, taller varieties. ‘Pretty Lady Julia’ grows to 16 inches tall by 20 inches wide; or 18 inches tall in a container. This fall blooming selection grows best in full sun to part shade — more shade in very warm climates. Vernalization isn’t required for flowering and pinching is not required. It’s hardy in Zones 5 to 9. ‘Pretty Lady Julia’ is a Blooms of Bressingham introduction from Japanese breeder Yoshihiro Kanazawa.
For more: www.bloomsofbressinghamplants.com

Camellia ‘Susy Dirr’
Camellia ‘Susy Dirr’ (C. hiemalis) from Plants Nouveau is hardier than most of its cousins. It flowers from September-October, featuring voluptuous, bubble-gum pink blooms. C. hiemalis is often called the dwarf sassanqua. There are reports of ‘Susy Dirr’ being hardy in Zone 6, but it is definitely hardy to Zone 7. ‘Susy Dirr’ camellia grows 8-12 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide. It’s a full, bushy plant with a dense habit and double flowers. Bobby Green, the breeder of this camellia, has gifted $.45 from each plant to the Sweet Melissa Fund, which helps families with cystic fibrosis (http://sweetmelissafund.org).
For more: www.plantsnouveau.com