Introductions

Winter's bark Pewter Pillar
Drimys winteri var. chiloense Pewter Pillar Dan Hinkley of Monrovia selected this Chilean evergreen tree for its tight columnar growth habit and handsome leaf undersurface of silvery white. Bold glossy-green leaves are clad to upright stems rising to 20 feet, while clusters of white flowers are presented at the end of each branch in late winter. It's a distinctive candidate as an unclipped hedge. Pewter Pillar grows best in well-drained soil. It was named Tree of the Year at the 2010 Farwest Show. It's hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It's available through Monrovia.

For more: www.monrovia.com

'Brandy Punch' hardy hibiscus
Green Leaf Plants is now offering 'Brandy Punch' hardy hibiscus as part of its Cordials series. 'Brandy Punch,' which was selected by Blooms of Bressingham, is the tallest in the collection at 42-48 inches. All selections in the series have bold, uniquely shaped leaves and sturdy habits. 'Brandy Punch' features foliage with striking hints of bronze, purple and green that forms a dramatic backdrop for its big pink flowers. Large leaves feature striking tints of bronze, purple and green. Plants are full and self-branching, forming a dramatic backdrop for big pink flowers. It's hardy in Zones 5-9.

For more: www.glplants.com

Agapanthus 'Gold Strike'
'Gold Strike' from PlantHaven is a colorful New Zealand selection that has fantastic golden and green variegated foliage. Foliage is topped from mid-summer with dainty flower heads made up of deep blue buds opening to picotee blue and white striped individual blooms. 'Gold Strike' is a compact, eye-catching plant great for container planting, commercial landscapes or drift planting in summer gardens. It is a great addition to the easy care, summer border. It is easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun to light shade and is drought tolerant once established.

For more: www.planthaven.com