Perennials gaining attention at Spring Trials

While new annuals take up the majority of display space at the California Spring Trials, an increasing number of companies are showing new perennials. Here are just a few of the new varieties that were shown this year.

Israeli breeder Danziger continues to expand its perennial offerings. This is the second year that the company displayed new perennials. Its Kira heuchera series contains more than a dozen varieties of mounding plants that have a medium to vigorous growth habit. Leaf color ranges from light green to black-crimson.

Partnering with Walters Gardens, Proven Winners introduced 28 perennials, eight of which are brand new to the market. Leucanthemum superbum ‘Banana Cream’ produces 4- to 5-inch lemon yellow flowers that lighten to creamy white as they mature. An extra row of ray petals makes the flowers appear fuller than other single-flowered varieties. The disease-resistant, strong growing plants bloom all summer.

Iberis Masterpiece is a Pacific Plug & Liner exclusive. Bred in the United Kingdom, this hybrid starts flowering at the end of March or first part of April. It produces 3-inch diameter inflorescences with creamy-white flowers with a contrasting burgundy eye. It finishes quicker and flowers longer than traditional varieties. It finishes well in 1-gallon containers. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 6.

Light Blue is the newest color to Syngenta Flowers’ Audrey aubrieta series. It is the first F1 hybrid aubrieta series from seed. It is one of the earliest flowering perennials making it ideal for early spring sales. Very cold hardy, it can be grown outside or in a cold frame. Plants in the series are extremely long blooming, offering better shelf life and garden color. Hardy to Zone 4.

1) Hydrangea macrophylla Passion. 2) Heuchera Kira series. 3) Leucanthemum superbum ‘Banana Cream’. 4) Aubrieta Audrey Light Blue.

5) Salvia nemorosa Sensation Deep Rose. 6) Iberis Masterpiece. 7) Gerbera Garvinea Romy. 8) Gaillardia Mesa Bright Bicolor. 9) Coreopsis Big Bang Cosmic Evolution. 10) Gaillardia × grandiflora ‘Arizona Apricot’.


David Kuack is editor of Greenhouse Management.