EHR Hot New Perennials Report 2024

2024

HOT NEW report

15th annual edition

PRESENTED BY

2024

HOT NEW report

Welcome to the 15th edition of EHR’s Hot New Perennials Report, where we embark on a wild adventure through the world of perennials! Within the pages of this report, you will discover a treasure trove of cutting-edge perennial introductions.

Our ‘wild’ theme is inspired by the first annual Breeder Showcase and Trials, hosted at the prestigious Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. This thrilling collaboration with EHR marks a significant trial event, as breeders, industry

professionals, and enthusiasts come together to witness the spectacular results of innovative plant trials firsthand. For more information, visit www.ehrnet.com.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable partners, vendors, and breeders, whose support has made this report possible. Their contributions, from sharing invaluable plant information, photographs, and descriptions to guiding us through trial gardens and hosting engaging webinars, have been instrumental in bringing this publication to life. Thank you!

Join us on this wild expedition through our 2024 Hot New Perennials Report, where the wonders of nature await. From majestic blooms to exquisite foliage, these plants will transform your lineup for next season.

Enjoy!

From majestic blooms to exquisite foliage, these plants will transform your lineup for next season.

CONCEPT PLANTS | We are dazzled by the extraordinary size and vibrant color of Agastache ‘Beelicious Pink.’ This introduction boasts super-sized ultra pink flowers that are truly showstoppers. With its reliable garden hardiness similar to Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’, ‘Beelicious Pink’ takes it up a notch with its stunning pink blooms. The plant features a compact and upright habit. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators will flock to this variety throughout the summer months, drawn to its irresistible charm. Grown in 4 to 6-inch containers, this beauty finishes in 7 to 11 weeks, while 2.5 quart and gallon containers require 9 to 13 weeks for optimal growth. Hardy to zone 6a.

WALTERS GARDENS | Embrace the fiery beauty of Agastache ‘Guava Lava’, a North American native hybrid and a favorite among pollinators. This remarkable perennial begins its stunning display of coral orange flowers in the heat of summer and continues for many weeks, providing a lasting burst of color. What sets it apart is not only its vibrant blooms but also the equally colorful mauve pink calyxes that remain attractive even after the flowers have faded. Bred for exceptional hardiness, this variety thrives in loose, well-drained soils, fitting in nicely to rock gardens and xeric container plantings. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and honeybees will flock to this easy-to-grow perennial, further enhancing its allure. Zone 5-9.

HONEYSTICKS SERIES

DUMMEN ORANGE | Introducing the Honeysticks series, the newest addition to the world of compact agastache varieties. With a maximum height of only 20 inches, these perennials offer a perfect fit for smaller spaces. While small in habit, expect large flowers! The Honeysticks series is early to flower and will continue to bloom until frost. Each variety in the series brings its own unique color palette to the mix, with Amber, Purple, and Sandstone. These bright retail colors, combined with the plant’s heat and humidity tolerance, make it a fantastic addition. As an added bonus, the Honeysticks series is a favorite among pollinators! Zone 6-9

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONCEPT PLANTS®

about perennials

WALTERS GARDENS | Unlike some other aruncus, ‘Goatee’ is extremely floriferous, putting on a spectacular show with dense cream flower panicles that create a cloud-like appearance in early summer. Complementing the floral display are dark green, intricately dissected leaves that add visual interest before and after bloom. This perennial adapts well to various light conditions, thriving in both full sun and full shade. However, for optimal performance in full sun, additional moisture may be required. Standing at a height of 24-26 inches, it is the fabulous flower power with ‘fun’ texture that really sells this as a new must-have. Zone 3-7.

ASTER x THUNDERDOME

INTRINSIC PERENNIAL GARDENS | A brand new breakthrough beauty from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, ‘Thunderdome’ combines the vibrant purple flowers of New England aster with the fragrant foliage and bushy habit of aromatic aster. The result is a showstopping plant that reaches heights of 24-30 inches with a mounded growth habit. The striking purple flowers not only create a visual feast but also emit a scent that repels deer. ‘Thunderdome’ thrives in full sun and average to dry soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance addition to your lineup. Large plants in the garden will grow 2-3 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide! With its substantial size and captivating color, this new introduction is sure to turn heads. Zone 3-8.

CARYOPTERIS

DARWIN PERENNIALS | Get ready for a high-impact color show! This exceptional caryopteris provides a better finished plant, thanks to its dense flower clusters that burst into bloom in late summer and continue through fall. The vibrant blue flowers are a rare sight for fall programs. With its compact habit and glossy green leaves, ‘Emerald Crest’ forms an attractive mound that fits perfectly into any garden or container. As an added benefit, this variety attracts pollinators, ensuring gardens are abuzz with activity. ‘Emerald Crest’ stands at a height of 28-36 inches and spreads 24-30 inches wide, hardy to zone 6a.

DARWIN PERENNIALS | An EHR favorite! This delightful new perennial possesses an enchanting mounding appearance, with gracefully wavy leaf edges. The distinctive silvery-white foliage really catches the eye! With its exceptional winter hardiness, ‘Silver Swirl’ outperforms the competition, ensuring its beauty remains year after year. We can’t wait to see this in border plantings in years to come. This resilient plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it easy to grow and droughttolerant once established. Zone 6b-9b

DANZIGER / THINKPLANTS | Enjoy a burst of vibrant color with Coreopsis ‘Solanna Sunset Bright’! This newbie comes with large flowers and an early blooming habit. Also, bringing a wellbranched, mounded and compact habit, it showcases vibrant flowers in a neat, striking display. The bright yellow blooms, accented by a bold center red ring, create a spectacle from spring to fall. As a first-year flowering perennial, it eliminates the need for bulking or vernalization requirements. Seeing this in bloom at CAST 2023, it was a welcomed bright and bold favorite. Zone 5-9

CENTAUREA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARWIN PERENNIALS®/BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DARWIN PERENNIALS®/BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DANZIGER

DIANTHUS PASHMINA™ SERIES 09.

SELECTA ONE | We can’t wait to see first-hand the exceptional toughness and reliability of the Dianthus Pashmina series. This series excels as a groundcover in the landscape, offering superb overwintering capabilities down to zone 5a. With its extended bloom time from spring through summer, these perennials keep on providing continuous beauty. An added value to the Pashmina series is its ability to bloom without vernalization requirements and is naturally a fast-crop perennial for spring planting. With its vibrant colors and resilient nature, this series is a reliable choice for adding splashes of color and texture.

BENARY | A true delight for early spring sales! This variety captivates with its immense, highly serrated blooms that create a show-stopping display on well-branched plants. Showing off in delicate shades of pinks and whites in a frilly clump of blooms, it’s really the tri-color effect of ‘Sugar N’ Spice,’ that sells us! From quart-sized containers to 1-gallon programs, this charming perennial for growers and gardeners alike.

METORLINA TRIALS 2023

DIANTHUS SUGAR N’ SPICE 10.

the perennial beauties

TERRA NOVA NURSERIES | As an exciting addition to the renowned KISMET series, this new variety showcases all the best features of its multiple award-winning counterparts. With a rounded and compact habit, ‘Pink Lemonade’ stands at 14 inches and spreads 12 inches wide. The blooms are a true marvel, featuring long-lasting, bicolor flowers in an unusual shade of pink with lemonadecolored petal tips. The combination of vibrant colors and the plant’s vigor and longevity make it a standout choice. Thriving in full sun, it blooms from June to October, with zone 4-9 hardiness.

12.

DARWIN PERENNIALS | These extraordinary varieties bring the branching, flower count, and timing of the beloved Sombrero® Series to the realm of doubleflowered echinacea. With a more compact habit and better branching, this series offers a higher flower count compared to typical double-flowered echinacea varieties. With clean leaves and brilliantly colored blooms, this series thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil and reliably flowers the first year. Drought resistance adds to their appeal, and deadheading will prolong the flowering period. Among the delightful additions to the Double Scoop Deluxe Series are ‘Orangeberry Deluxe’, which improves upon the original ‘Orangeberry’; ‘Watermelon Deluxe,’ a brand-new color featuring hot pink blooms with an almost black eye upon opening; ‘Strawberry Deluxe’, a captivating deep red variety; and ‘Raspberry Deluxe’, showcasing radiant dark pink double blooms. Zone 4a-9b

ECHINACEA KISMET® PINK LEMONADE 11.

WATERMELON DELUXE

ORANGEBERRY DELUXE AND STRAWBERRY DELUXE

ECHINACEA x. DOUBLE SCOOP™ DELUXE SERIES

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA® NURSERIES, INC.

GAZANIA

STERLING SILVER® SERIES

13. 15. 07 HOT NEW PERENNIALS | 2024 REPORT

GREEN FUSE BOTANICALS | This all-new ground cover series delights with its silver foliage and stunning massive flowers. Producing both double gold and burgundy stripe flowers, the Sterling Silver series brings a touch of elegance to any landscape! The double flowers remain open day and night, atop plants that thrive in full sun and well-drained soils. This is something different to add to the bench, an easy-to-grow and a drought-tolerant option. When we glimpsed at these during our CAST travels, it was the contrast of the blooms to the foliage that really struck! Hardy to zone 5.

ERYSIMUM

ERYSISTIBLE™ SERIES ADDITIONS

SYNGENTA / THINKPLANTS | The first zone

5 hardy erysimum available in novelty colors!

It was a showstopper with its color palette at CAST 2023. With a medium-vigor and controlled habit, this series thrives across all key container sizes and fits right into early spring programs. It presents an excellent option for landscape designers and gardeners seeking reliable and pollinator-friendly varieties. Five varieties mark the series, with ‘Yellow Pink’ and ‘Bronze Rose’ being the newest color additions. It stands at a height of 12-16 inches and spreading 16-22 inches wide.

14.

GERANIUM MACULATUM

INTRINSIC PERENNIAL GARDENS | We love the warm chocolate-red foliage of Geranium ‘Huggy Bear’! It displays its unique colors from spring until fall, making it a standout choice for adding depth and richness to the garden. Compared to ‘Espresso’, the leaves of ‘Huggy Bear’ are larger, measuring up to 5 inches, and boast cleaner foliage with better disease resistance. The clear pink flowers that bloom above the foliage create a striking combination. With a spreading habit of 5-6 inches wide, this perennial thrives in full sun to part shade and average soil conditions, adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting. Zone 3-8.

PHOTO COURTESY OF INTRINSIC PERENNIAL GARDENS

HEMEROCALLIS

16.

PROVEN WINNERS | “Out of the hundreds of varieties we have evaluated for our catalog, we consider this to be one of the 20 best we have available,” says Walters Gardens. For not only all of the daylilies but perennials they offer, that is truly a statement! If that’s not enough to grab your attention, then see the picture here... a captivating display with massive 6-in. raspberry-red flowers complemented by a wide rosy pink eye that leads to a yellow throat. This aptly named perennial represents the years of hard work by renowned breeder Karol Emmerich to find a truly exceptional red daylily. Each petal features a thin white margin, adding further elegance to the blooms. With its midseason blooming time in July, this rebloomer produces a second set of flowers, offering prolonged beauty. Fragrant and with semievergreen foliage, this tetraploid variety with 44 chromosomes excels in size and strength. With its impressive attributes and Minnesota breeding, this red daylily is a hardy choice! Zone 3-9.

RAINBOW RHYTHM® BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS CHANGELING

TERRA NOVA NURSERIES | Prepare to be amazed by the most curious heuchera! It gets its name from its unique characteristic of changing colors every week or so, offering an ever-evolving display of foliage hues. From blushing peach and cherry to champagne and taupe, and finally transitioning into several shades of green, ‘Changeling’ is a true chameleon in the garden. The influence of the strong H. americana bloodline enhances this plant with a sharp, silver veil that highlights the contrasting veins, adding an extra layer of interest. Standing at a height of 9 inches and spreading 14 inches wide, this perennial thrives in full sun to part shade and blooms in May and June. Zone 4-9.

HIBISCUS HIBISCUS SUMMERIFIC® ALL EYES ON ME MARSHMALLOW MOON 18. 19.

PROVEN WINNERS | This is one of Proven Winners’ most compact hardy hibiscus to date! Don’t let its scaled-down size fool you, as ‘All Eyes on Me’ still possesses the trademark massive 8-inch blooms for which the plant is renowned. This hibiscus showcases blushing pink flowers that appear from the top to the bottom of a well-rounded habit of dark green leaves. The heavily overlapping petals give the impression of semi-double flowers, particularly as each bud unfurls. ‘All Eyes on Me’ is excellent at brightening up end-of-season gardens and attracting pollinators with its vibrant blooms.

Zone 4-9

WALTERS GARDENS | This new hibiscus variety sets new expectations for hardy hibiscus with its solid white blooms! It showcases a well-behaved habit of dark green leaves, approximately half the size of its predecessor, ‘Blue River II’. The flowers appear along the entire length of the stem, resulting in a high bud count and more blooms earlier in the year compared to its counterparts. The 6-6½-inch wide pure white flowers exhibit petals of a thick substance, ensuring improved weather resistance. Use this statement piece in the garden bed or on the retail shelf to captivate customers.

‘Marshmallow Moon’ stands at a height of 3-3.5 feet and is hardy to zone 4.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS / WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

HIBISCUS WATERMELON RUFFLES 20.

WALTERS GARDENS | As Walters Gardens says, the highly decorative flowers are the hallmark of this hardy hibiscus! These 7-inch magenta pink blooms boast heavily ruffled petals, with each petal appearing notched at the end due to its puckered nature. The flowers are indeterminate, appearing along the length of the stem and resulting in more blooms earlier in the season compared to traditional cultivars. Against a backdrop of dark green leaves with a bronze cast, the brightly colored and textured flowers create a stunning contrast. With a height and width of 4.5 feet, ‘Watermelon Ruffles’ adds a touch of tropical-looking beauty to any garden. “Use this perennial to attract pollinators in the landscape and customers in the garden center!” Zone 4-9

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

GREEN FUSE BOTANICALS | Introducing the all-new high-vigor Hosta ‘Old Yeller’! This exceptional hosta, supplied via tissue culture from Green Fuse’s own labs, produces an aggressive habit and large, deep golden leaves that hold their color throughout the season. As a zone 4 perennial, ‘Old Yeller’ brings bright yellow leaves that grow magnificently large in a summer garden. Produced reliably from TC, this hosta will come back year after year as a focal plant, creating a stunning centerpiece for any garden.

PROVEN WINNERS | Prepare for a “love story” in your garden! This new hosta features long heart-shaped leaves with medium green margins and chartreuse jetting that bleeds into creamy white centers. The medio-variegation extends from the leaf tip to the petiole, flaring at the base of the leaf. Each leaf is adorned with a gentle piecrust wave edge, adding an extra touch of charm. Tall scapes hold large clusters of tubular white flowers in early summer, a delightful combo of foliage and blooms. With its broad, coarse leaves and tall scapes, it fills a niche in designs, providing excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. Zone 3-9.

PACIFIC PLUG & LINER | Despite Spanish lavender being less hardy than other lavenders, we still love its place in the perennial world- north or south! This variety, part of the Sunset Plant Collection, showcases a medium compact habit with rich raspberry purple flowers. Its gray-green foliage adds a touch of elegance, while its flower power is truly bountiful. Standing at 10-12 inches in height and width, this lavandula thrives in full sun, making it a perfect addition to gardens. Zones 7-9

CONCEPT PLANTS | As a white version of the well-known Lavandula ‘Phenomenal,’ this exceptional perennial creates a striking display with its crystal-white flowers. This newest cultivar of ‘The Phenomenal Family’ of Lavender by Peace Tree Farm features grey-green foliage and very large white flowers. Blooming from summer to autumn, it reaches a height of 24 inches, offering superior disease resistance, moisture, and humidity tolerance. It flourishes in full sun with minimal water, attracting bees and butterflies while resisting deer. Zone 5-9

HOSTA

PHOTO COURTESY OF PACIFIC PLUG & LINER

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN FUSE BOTANICALS

FIRST ANNUAL BREEDER showcase and trials

Wednesday August 30th

2023

EHR and The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens join together for the first-ever Breeder Showcase! As the Zoo completes a large expansion to their plant trials, EHR has the pleasure of working alongside breeders and industry growers to fill the space with a diverse range of the latest plant genetics. There will be over 500 of the newest varieties on display from many of the breeders, and well over 50,000 plants being grown for the trials. In total, this is being supported by over 25 companies that have helped to get the plants to the zoo for trialing.

For more information and trial updates, visit www.ehrnet.com

NEPETA

CHARTREUSE ON THE LOOSE

WALTERS GARDENS | A top 10 favorite on our perennial intro list! Your catmint turning yellow may have been a bad sign for other varieties, but this is the trait that makes us swoon for this one. Its bright chartreuse yellow leaves provide visual appeal for a full three seasons, while clusters of lavender blue flowers bloom just above the foliage throughout the summer. Unlike most catmint varieties, ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ continues to produce flowers without requiring cutting back. With a height of 8-10 inches and a spread of 20-24 inches, this variety thrives in full sun with low to average water needs, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden. It certainly put on a show for us at Metrolina trials and we can’t wait to see it this summer! Zone 3-8

LEUCANTHEMUM SWEET DAISY™ SERIES ADDITIONS

26.

DUMMEN ORANGE | Prepare to be dazzled and charmed by the additions to the Sweet Daisy collection: ‘Sweet Daisy Izabel’ and ‘Sweet Daisy Shelly’. These delightful shasta daisies will bring joy to your lineup with their unique characteristics. ‘Sweet Daisy Izabel’ has remarkable yellow flowers that shine like the sun in the early summer landscape. With a high heat and humidity tolerance, this breakthrough variety boasts a compact habit, reaching a height of 14-16 inches. ‘Sweet Daisy Shelly’ is a petite perfection much like ‘Izabel.’ This compact daisy exhibits a mounding habit, with classic white petals and large button-sized yellow centers. Another first-year-flowering beauty, it can also be produced as a single potted gift item for spring holidays! Zone 4-9

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DUMMEN ORANGE®

PROVEN WINNERS | Part of the LUMINARY Collection, ‘Prismatic Pink’ is a must-have variety with large, wellformed panicles of bubblegum pink flowers adorned with dark pink eyes. This stunning phlox matches the height of the rest of the collection, making it perfect for the middle of the border, where it will truly shine. With beautiful colors and exceptional performance, this variety is a delight to watch as it grows with minimal effort. ‘Prismatic Pink’ reaches a height of 32-34 inches. Zone 3-8

WALTERS GARDENS | Walters Gardens’ flagship Phlox paniculata variety, ‘Glamour Girl’. has been admired for its beautiful floral display and more importantly, its disease resistance including mildew that often plagues Tall Garden Phlox. ‘Fancy Girl’ joins the lineup with that same strength and show! A display of soft pink flowers with a dark pink eye surrounded by a white halo make this a welcomed addition to the collection. From a distance, the flowers appear blushing pink. Walters Gardens puts them to the test each summer with their hot, humid Michigan weather, comparing them to other varieites that turn white with mildew. It is this collection of phlox that proudly display their dark green foliage well into fall. Zone 3-8

TERRA NOVA NURSERIES | A brand new look and type of penstemon, we are super thrilled by this intro! Its neat, upright habit showcases clouds of violet-blue flowers that float at the top half of the plant, creating a stunning display. The medium-sized flowers not only attract pollinators but also continue to bloom for months, reaching 14 inches in height/width, with a full height of 28 inches with flowers. This unique penstemon is a true standout for containers or beds in full sun! Northern growers may consider this for pot production as it is hardy to zone 7.

PACIFIC PLUG & LINER | While considered tender perennials, hardy to zone 7, the exceptional characteristics to of these intros make them a worthwhile addition despite hardiness. The Summerina Glow series, alongside the Summerina series, features more pastel and double-petaled flowers, reminiscent of Echinacea coloring. While they are heat-tolerant and create a high impact at retail, they also offer long-lasting flowers, making them an excellent choice for larger pots. ‘Sugar Shake’ features HUGE fullydouble flowers with a peach color base, an almost zinnia-like bloom appearance. When outside in bright light, the flowers produce overtones of light pink to cherry colors, a truly unique look. ‘Sun’s Up’ is a semi-double flower in clear, as in crystal clear, yellow flowers with a dark eye. Unlike the traditional Summerina series, ‘Sun’s Up’ stays light and bright even in cooler bright days. A bit longer to bloom than other varieties in the series, it has a compact habit and is great for areas that might need a less aggressive sized plant. Each flower can be last up to 3 months!

PHLOX

PHLOX

PENTSEMON LUMINARY® PRISMATIC PINK EXCEPTIONAL® ECHIBECKIA™ SUMMERINA GLOW™ SERIES ADDITIONS

28.

29. 30. 27.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS / WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA® NURSERIES, INC.

31.

INTRINSIC PERENNIAL GARDENS | Introducing a remarkable new perennial that adds a unique blend of visual interest and texture to any garden or landscape! ‘Little Red Fox’ has a unique visual trait of a low basal foliage skirt while thin, wiry stems pierce through to a 30 inches height, creating a stunning display. Emerging green and gray, the foliage evolves into red and silver as the early blooms of July shimmer into fall color in August, culminating in winter interest all season long. The combination of its colorchanging, bushy foliage and slender stems bring a touch of whimsy and natural beauty to outdoor spaces, making it an exciting addition to the “short end of grasses.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF INTRINSIC PERENNIAL GARDENS

LITTLE RED FOX SCHIZACHYRIUM S.

DUMMEN ORANGE | Dummen Orange brings many new salvia to the table, starting first with ‘Caramia Rosa’! This nemorosa type boasts a matching habit to series companions with its mediumlate bloom time. Graced with a neat, upright growth, it is adorned with clouds of intensely colored, extra large flower spikes. This series addition is a welcomed one and a standout even as the season progresses. Zone 3-9

DUMMEN ORANGE | An enchanting new series debuts with ‘Noble Knight’! It showcases large, purple-to-blue flowers that are sure to catch your eye with a vigor and flower power that will “keep this salvia in your production rotation,” as Dummen Orange notes. With its compact habit, great branching, and early flowering, ‘Noble Knight’ is the shining example for series additions to come. For even more interest, the thick, weather-tolerant flowers are self cleaning yet leave behind a plant that still remains attractive. Hardy to zone 3.

DUMMEN ORANGE | This early-to-flower variety offers a striking floral display that may capture your attention like it did ours, at both CAST and Metrolina trials. The impact of the medium-blue flowers against the deep calyxes is what caught our eye, especially. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also boasts excellent branching and remains attractive even as the large, blue flowers fade. Expect first-year-flowering from spring onwards, with just one pinch! Zone 3-9

DANZIGER / THINKPLANTS | A salvia intro that combines beauty and performance! With large, intensely colored blooms and strong, branching, mounded habit, it is a true standout. This first-yearflowering salvia requires no vernalization and offers excellent radial branching. You may find that it is similar in habit, vigor, and performance as ‘Dark Matter’ with blooms larger than the standard nemorosa types. From its vibrant pink flowers with contrasting burgundy calyxes to its long-lasting blooms that remain vibrant throughout the season, ‘Pink Nebula’ is a bold intro we think you should consider in the lineup! Zone 4-9

DARWIN PERENNIALS | “Bring fragrance back to the ornamental garden,” says Darwin Perennials, and we’re here to chant it with them! This versatile variety features large, silver-green leaves that not only add visual appeal to the garden but also emit a delightful fragrance. In early spring, a profusion of charming blue flowers emerges (short days) for an added value. Whether used in combos or the landscape, this ornamental sage doubles as a fragrant herb. Plant it in a sunny spot and enjoy!

Zone 5a-9b

Introducing the Silver Collection from Darwin Perennials! Unveiled at CAST 2023, the Silver Collection is the umbrella for their 2023-2024 intros that feature captivating silver hues. The rising popularity of silver foliage only continues, whether as a striking addition to landscapes or a complementary element in combination planters. These selections perfectly cater to this growing demand, each item playing a role in displays.

Centaurea Silver Swirl works well for combos or front-of-the-border plantings. PAGE 4

Salvia Silver Scent is ideal for both combos and landscape. PAGE 16

Stachys Little Lamb is perfect for a groundcover or smaller gardens. PAGE 17

from DARWIN PERENNIALS

SALVIA N.

SALVIA N.

SALVIA N.

SALVIA

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DANZIGER

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DARWIN PERENNIALS®/BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

SEDUM

37.

WALTERS GARDENS | We love this compact sedum with mesmerizing dark purple foliage that appears nearly black! The foliage reaches its darkest color when exposed to the summer sun. In the fall, clusters of black buds will open to reveal gorgeous garnet red flowers. Even after the flowers fade, the dark red seedheads remain, providing visual interest throughout the fall and winter. This sedum variety is perfect for adding a touch of drama that if left standing, provides winter interest and even food for birds! Zone 3-9

STACHYS BYZANTINA LITTLE LAMB

38.

DARWIN PERENNIALS | Mary can keep hers, we found our ‘Little Lamb!’ This greenish-silver leafy plant stays compact and is perfect for edging, border gardens, and containers. Its fine, decorative foliage sets it apart from the standard Lamb’s Ear, adding an extra touch of elegance to any landscape. Unlike its taller counterparts, ‘Little Lamb’ offers shorter flower stalks that deliver a better overall finish. Whether used as a groundcover or in smaller gardens, this variety brings a sense of charm with its height of 2-5 inches and a width of 12-15 inches. Zone 4a-8b

SOLIDAGO

AFTER DARK SPARK PLUG®

39.

GREEN FUSE BOTANICALS | Prepare to be amazed by Solidago ‘Spark Plug’, the result of an all-new breeding program. This groundbreaking variety is the first ever truly day length neutral solidago. With its extremely compact habit, it maintains a tidy appearance and continuously flowers all season. ‘Spark Plug’ doesn’t require cooling or long days to thrive. This low-maintenance and high-performance plant is a game-changer in the world of solidago, offering unparalleled beauty and convenience for both growers and gardeners. It is hardy to zone 5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

POT PHOTO COURTESY OF DARWIN PERENNIALS®/BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN FUSE BOTANICALS

SPOROBOLUS HETEROLEPIS GONE WITH THE WIND

40.

WALTERS GARDENS | An exciting new seed strain of this native grass, known for its enchanting hair-like foliage and mass planting appeal! While slightly shorter than the species, it still retains many of the characteristics that make this grass popular. The short, green foliage is topped by wispy, airy, and aromatic tan flower panicles. As the name suggests, the plant gently sways with the wind, adding unique movement to the garden. In late fall, the foliage takes on stunning red overtones, enhancing its visual appeal. This heat and drought-tolerant grass is deep-rooted, making it a reliable choice for groundcovers and specimen plantings. Native to North American prairies, Sporobolus heterolepis is a valuable addition to any garden, providing a touch of natural beauty and resilience. Zone 3-9

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

TRADESCANTIA JS® BRAINSTORM

41.

CONCEPT PLANTS | This exceptional new plant is super climate-proof and requires minimal care! Get ready to be amazed as it continuously flowers. ‘Brainstorm’ captivates with its big, vibrant, magenta-purple flowers and a high flower count per flower head. With its unrivaled flowering period of 4+ months, this tradescantia variety certainly has our attention. It was the 2023 recipient of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year award. Vernalization is beneficial with this variety. Zone 4-9

VERBENA VANITY

42.

BENARY | Say hello to the compact sister of ‘Finesse’, Verbena ‘Vanity.’ This exceptional variety showcases excellent branching and is highly tolerant of both heat and rain. Its long flowering season lasts until frost, ensuring a colorful display throughout the year. ‘Vanity’ is suitable for borders, containers, and landscaping. As the recipient of the Fleuroselect Gold Medal and an AAS Winner, this verbena has earned its place as a top performer. Although it leans toward being a tender perennial, thriving in zones 7 and above, it offers a burst of vibrant beauty and texture to any outdoor space.

VERONICA

DUMMEN ORANGE | Light up the landscape with this brand new series! All four varieties in this series are matched for timing, featuring a medium compact habit and super-sized flowers. Their vibrant colors are sure to grab the attention of consumers at retail, making them a standout choice for any garden or landscape. This is a true first-year-flowering series! Zone 3-9

The photo of Candela Blue is from our visit to Metrolina Trials in June 2023.

CANDELA SERIES MOODY BLUES® DARK BLUE IMPROVED

DARWIN PERENNIALS | This compact series of first-year-flowering veronica gets an upgrade! Now with even more versatility, the improvement offers a more upright habit that is ideal for container production, with even longer and deeper, more saturated blue color. It continues to cycle and bloom throughout the season until the first frost, ensuring a long-lasting display of its gorgeous deep blue flower spikes. As it is with the rest of the series, no vernalization is required, making it a hassle-free choice for growers. Zone 4b-9b

This photo is from our visit to Green Leaf Plants Trials in June 2023.

GARDENCHOICE | Looking for a standout thriller in the garden? Veronica ‘Seaside’ is the answer you have been looking for! This true-blue veronica offers up an abundance of plumes, that stand up nicely above bright green foliage all summer long. This taller beauty is coastal friendly, offering the gardener not only heat tolerance but exceptional salt tolerance as well. This hummingbird favorite reaches 20-24 inches tall and can be found with an abundance of full color, through August. Zone 3-8

This photo is from our visit to Green Leaf Plants Trials in June 2023.

ALLIUM

SEASON EXTENDER! BLOOMS JUST AS ‘MILLENIUM’ BLOOMS ARE ENDING

LEUCANTHEMUM

COMPACT

SUPER

AMSONIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAN AMERICAN SEED®/BALL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY PHOTO COURTESY OF BULL PLANT GENETICS

21 HOT NEW PERENNIALS | 2024 REPORT

PEROVSKIA BLUESETTE

BREEDER: PAN AMERICAN SEED

2024 PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR ®

2024 PLANTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN MARTIN

Each year the American Hosta Growers Association selects ‘the best of the best’, and honors one variety as “Hosta of the Year”. These special selections are acknowledged for being unique, easy to grow, and loved by many.

NOTES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT WALTERS GARDENS:

The Perennial Plant of the Year® (PPOY) program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free.

NOTES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT STONEHOUSE NURSERY:

“Our top-selling tall phlox. A highly soughtafter selection prized for its exemplary resistance to powdery mildew and magnetic attraction for pollinators.”

2024 PROVEN WINNERS NATIONAL PERENNIAL OF THE YEAR ®

“This petite and flirty hosta forms a miniature mound of very wavy, thick, blue-green leaves with creamy yellow margins in spring. In summer, the center turns more green and the edge lightens to creamy white.”

HOSTA

JEANA MINI SKIRT PINK PROFUSION

AMERICAN HOSTA GROWERS ASSOCIATION

2024HOSTA OF THE YEAR ®

The Proven Winners National Plant of the Year program selects plants for their exceptional performance. These plants have been chosen for their proven excellence and ability to be used successfully nationwide by growers and gardeners alike.

NOTES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT WALTERS GARDENS/PROVEN WINNERS:

“This Salvia nemorosa hybrid will impress you with the number of times it reblooms! Sheer back the spent flowers and enjoy again throughout the summer. Dark pink flowers are produced on darker pink calyxes on a perfectly rounded, dense and beautiful habit. ”

PHLOX P.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS / WALTERS GARDENS, INC.®

OF THE YEAR

HOT NEW report

Thank you to our suppliers and breeders for the photographs, information and time shared for this edition of our Hot New Perennials report. Without the help of these industry leaders, we could not spotlight the must-have varieties for the coming season!

The photographs in this report are copyrighted property of the breeder/grower listed for each variety.

Aris/Green Leaf Plants

Bull Plant Genetics

Concept Plants

Creek Hill Nursery

Danziger

Darwin Perennials

Dummen Orange

Emerald Coast Growers

GardenChoice

Green Fuse Botanicals

Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

PanAmerican SeedKieft Seed

Pacific Plug & Liner

Proven Winners

Stonehouse Nursery

Syngenta

Terra Nova Nurseries

ThinkPlants

Walters Gardens