Landscape Philadelphia

Newcomers New plant introductions for landscape installations

Every year, thousands of new plants varieties are released by professional breeders and growers to the horticulture and landscape industries. It can be a challenge for busy landscape designers, managers and contractors to find time to familiarize with those plants that satisfy their aesthetic and performance needs. However, being acquainted with new and exceptional varieties is essential to unveil fresh ideas to both residential and commercial clients, as well incorporate unique live good elements to the landscape.

Breaking down new plant material into categories may help in identifying the value of each new plant and how it can well suit future installation projects. Some of the newest plants are improvements upon older varieties; others are new and updated series or varieties that compete with existing products. Still others nobly attempt to solve long term maintenance problems. Then they are the standouts-the varieties that stop tradeshow-growers in their tracts, turn heads and sometimes, drop jaws. It is inspiring to find plants that shine among the hundreds of new colors and selections on the market. In recent years, plant breeders and growers have stepped up their cultivation efforts to make such great plants available for consumer's enjoyment and for landscapers benefit.

Plant experts develop plants that accommodate consumers' quest for striking varieties that capture attention. Many of these offerings also support landscapers' needs with new tolerance for pest pressures and weather extremes.

Nine notables for the Spring:

Nemesia 'Bedazzele Topaz'
Bletilla ochracea 'Chinese Butterfly'
Diervilla variegate "Cool Splash'
Vriesa 'Splenriete' Bromelaid
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Petite'
Pratia penunculata 'Alha'Super Star Creeper
Veronica 'Purpleicious'
Echinacea 'Tomato Soup'
Tiarilla 'Mystic Mist'

Written by John A. Pinto
John A. Pinto Landscaping. December 30, 2010

References:

Landscape and Irrigation April 2009
www.landscapeirrigation.com
Design Decisions
Leslie Kirk and Dom Eberly of Eberly and Collard Public Relations
A national PR and advertising firm specializing in the home, garden, design industries. They can be reached at 404 574 2900