Plant picks

Kurt Reynolds, Goldsmith Seed

'Cora’ vinca comes in hot colors such as punch.

Many gardeners like to stick with the tried and true. Others simply must have something new. If you're one of the latter, check out these new offerings.

Last update: May 5, 2009 - 2:38 PM

Many gardeners like to stick with the tried and true. Others simply must have something new. If you're one of the latter, check out these new offerings.

PERENNIALS

HEUCHERA

Coral bells are tough perennials whose colors aren't limited to coral. In fact, there are hundreds of new heuchera on the market. 'Ginger Ale' boasts khaki foliage, while 'Amber Waves' is the color of fine whiskey. These plants are part of the new "comfort colors" from Terra Nova Nursery.

ECHINACEA

Our native coneflower has come a long way from pink and is now offered in a rainbow of colors. New this year are Echinacea 'Mac 'n' Cheese,' with yummy yellow flowers, and 'Tomato Soup,' which boasts intensely red petals. These new coneflowers aren't as tall as the wild pink ones, nor are they as robust. (Although they're hardy here, they're very susceptible to aster yellows, a disease that plagues some coneflowers.) But with their bright colors, they'll definitely draw attention in your garden.

ANNUALS

PERIWINKLE

If you have a weakness for periwinkle, try one of the new disease-resistance plants. Designed to withstand hot conditions, 'Cora,' 'Nirvana Rose' and 'Nirvana Red' vinca or perwinkle (Catharanthus) come in hot colors. You'll also find periwinkle in apricot, burgundy, lavender, deep lavender, violet and white and a mix of colors.

YELLOW PETUNIA

Who could resist a small, soft-yellow petunia that grows quickly and spreads fast? Baby Duck Yellow petunia will fill holes in landscapes and gardens with 10- to 14-inch mounding forms. One requirement: This Baby Duck needs full sun.

SUPERSIZED COLEUS

Called Kong or Giant coleus, the supersized form of the much-loved foliage plant comes in as many colors as its smaller-leafed cousin. Given enough water, Kong coleus form massive leaves. Plus there are varieties that thrive in sun or shade.

SHRUBS

GARDEN GLOW DOGWOOD

This University of Minnesota introduction has unique chartreuse to gold foliage and its smaller size (4 to 5 feet) makes it well-suited for home landscapes. In spring, it bears clusters of small white flowers, followed by white- to pale-blue berries in late summer. It may develop some reddish-pink color in fall, and shows attractive red stems in winter. It may be difficult to find this shrub at garden centers because its foliage tends to burn in full sun, making it a challenge for nurseries to produce.

SHRUB ROSES

'Sven', 'Ole' and 'Lena' are three tough shrub roses that boast a covering of small but fragrant flowers that last for several weeks. Developed by the University of Minnesota as part of the Northern Accents series, these hardy shrub roses were introduced last year, so local garden centers should have a good supply of them this year.

Mary Hockenberry Meyer is a professor and Extension Horticulturist with the University of Minnesota.

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