Every year I read up on the new and hot plants for the year. It is fun to keep up with the new arrivals and even things that are making a comeback.
Here are a couple of my ‘want to try’ plants this year.
photo from www.monrovia.com
The Calypso Rose, Rosa ‘Sweet Spot’
It is a nice compact rose 2 feet tall with shrubby form. Works great in containers or as a blooming border. Great array of colors from pinkish red and yellow with stunning dark eyes changing throughout the season. Reminds me of the China rose I have planted in several client’s garden’s to rave reviews. This one is a little easier to care for and will stay smaller. Zones 5 -10 and available from Monrovia this year.
photo from www.monrovia.com
Fatsia Japonica ‘Variegata’ Camouflage / Variegated Japanese aralia
I purchased several of these last year and have to say I still love them. The leaves are VARIEGATED in an amazing way. It is lush and exotic with lovely fat leaves giving a tropical feel in our zone. I’m always looking for that crazy fat leaf and this one just makes me want more! Zones 7-10. A Dan Hinkley introduction through Monrovia.
photo from www.plantdelights.com
Syneilesis aconitifolia – Shredded umbrella plant.
Speaking of tropical. Here is another woodland plant that has that tropical feel. It loves the shade and grows to about 18 inches in height. Jumps out of the ground in spring with wooly new leaves. The foliage looks great with helebores, hostas, epimediums and gingers. Zones 3a – 8b. Available from Plant Delights Mail order.
photo from www.plantdelights.com
Farfugium Japonicum ‘Giganteum’ Giant Leopard Plant
OK one more. This moisture loving perennial has great glossy leaves that emerge in early spring. The rounded leaves are abundant and lush with a yellow flower later in the year. The foliage alone is enough for me. I have grown the ‘leapordi’ one before (spots on the leaves) and it was hardy. I’m anxious to try this one too, hardy to zones 7 – 10 . I should be able to find in locally at a nursery in Seattle, also available at Plant Delights.
photo from www.monrovia.com
Agave bracteosa ‘Calamar’ – Squid Agave
Since the siding on my new house is stucco and has a southwest flair that just calls for agave. This one is without spines! It also looks like a squid! Crazy right? It’s green and white striped leaves will reach up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide with age Hardy to Zone 7B – 11. Good drainage is important with no standing water. Available through Monrovia.
photo by www.newplantsandflowers.com
Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Madi-II Mandarin Jewel’
Can’t leave out trees. This one looks so amazing I am on the hunt. It has a traditional Dogwood look with abundant white flowers. but when the fruits ripen they are a delicious light orange instead of traditional red. They persist into the fall when the leaves turn yellow-orange. Sounds to be a striking, yell out loud, fall beacon. Zones 6 – 9. You should be able to find this at your local nursery.
Of course there are always more that I want to try but I have to stop somewhere. I’d love to hear what you’ve got your eye on this year? Simple or exotic, I want to hear about it!
