2021 New Plants

Steel blue spring and summer foliage is topped by nicely contrasting tan colored airy panicles in late summer and fall. In fall the foliage changes to yellow and finally beige creating winter interest and providing food, habitat, and nesting material for a variety of birds and other fauna. Gunsmoke is a selection of our native Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, with an initially upright to vase shaped habit becoming rounded once flowering begins. This is a naturally clump-forming herbaceous perennial that is found throughout much of the US and into Canada, except for the westernmost states, and is a major component of the Tall Grass Prairies. Switchgrass was also used by native Americans to build long-lasting, rain resistant shelters. The foliage is a larval host to the Delaware Skipper, Arogos Skipper, Tawny Edged Skipper, Northern Pearly Eye, and Dotted Skippers. Adaptable to a wide variety of soil types and moisture regimes. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12305

Billowy, ruffly edged, double, purplish pink, 2-3" wide flowers are produced in early to midspring and are held against a foil of deep green, medium textured foliage with the flowers attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and curious passersby. Hallie Evergreen Azalea is an unusual and uncommon Aromi hybrid that develops into a medium-sized, densely branched shrub. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Images courtesy of Maarten Van der Giessen, Van der Giessens Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 12572

Hanging clusters of small individual flowers are centered by waxy yellow, star-shaped coronas with a creamy white to pink tinged halo and recurving fuzzy corollas are produced during the growing season. Hoya obscura is one of the more vigorous and easier to grow vining waxflowers that is well-suited to hanging basket culture or give it a trellis or other support for its twining vines to climb. The major leaf veins are fairly prominent in this species even from the upperside of the medium green foliage and under cool direct sunlight the foliage can become more olive green and may even take on red tones. To some the flowers have a light fragrance and it may be most noticeable at night or very early in the day. The mother plant was sold to us as Hoya pusilla, and we thank Rachel for pointing this out for us, so if you have purchased that species from us it is H. obscura. Item# 12367

Hanging clusters of fuzzy white to white tinged pink flowers with a pink halo and recurving corollas are produced during the growing season. Hoya pusilla is one of the more vigorous and easier to grow vining waxflowers that is well-suited to hanging basket culture or give it a trellis or other support for its twining vines to climb. The major leaf veins are fairly prominent in this species even from the upperside of the medium green foliage and under cool direct sunlight the foliage can become more olive green. This is also considered to be one of the more cold tolerant species among Hoyas although it still will not tolerate a freeze. To some the flowers have a light fragrance and it may be most noticeable at night or very early in the day. Item# 12349

This plant covers up in 1" bright cherry red tubular flowers that are tipped in nicely contrasting sunny yellow and are sure to provide a feast of nectar for hummingbirds and other long-tongued pollinators. Hummingbird's Lunch Cuphea is a well-branched, naturally mounding plant to 24"H x 36"W that revels in the heat and sun of summer offering up a riot of continuous color for hanging baskets, window boxes, container specimens, in mixed container gardens as well as in the garden and landscape. This exciting new hybrid Cuphea has received top marks in trials across the US! Provide a full sun to part shade site in a well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of PlantHaven International, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12407

The full, rounded, funnel shaped, rich rosy red flowers are randomly marbled with splashes of white, but can also be solid red, pink, or near solid white, are produced in mid to late spring attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Kobai #2 Evergreen Azalea, a.k.a Red Plum, is a rare Satsuki hybrid with a dwarf compact, naturally rounded mound forming habit making this a popular choice for bonsai but it is equally desirable in the garden and landscape where its multi-colored flowers are sure to make a big splash. Provide your evergreen Azaleas with a well-drained, average moist, humus rich, acid soil and topdress with an organic mulch for the best results. Item# 12574

Loose hyacinth-like spikes of dainty green flowers with recurving petals and contrasting dark purple filaments and yellow stamens are held above the spotted succulent lax green foliage in spring after a dry winter dormancy. This is an easy to grow dwarf scilla or squill, tentatively Ledebouria socialis 'Laxifolia' as there are many similar horticultural forms within this species, is a dwarf growing, evergreen herbaceous tropical succulent that grows from a thickened above ground bulb and readily multiplies happily filling its container. This should make an easy windowsill, porch, or patio plant where it receives bright indirect sunlight or a small amount of cool early morning or filtered sunlight. Provide this easy to grow plant with a well-drained, cactus-like soil and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. If it gets too dry it will wilt to let you know but it readily recovers once moisture is applied. During active growth, average moisture is preferred and it can be allowed to remain a good deal dryer when dormant. We ship 1-3 or more bulbs actively growing in a 2.25" pot. Item# 12451

Loose hyacinth-like spikes of dainty green flowers with recurving petals and contrasting dark purple filaments and yellow stamens are held above the spotted succulent lax green foliage in spring after a dry winter dormancy. This is an easy to grow dwarf scilla or squill, tentatively Ledebouria socialis 'Laxifolia' as there are many similar horticultural forms within this species, is a dwarf growing, evergreen herbaceous tropical succulent that grows from a thickened above ground bulb and readily multiplies happily filling its container. This should make an easy windowsill, porch, or patio plant where it receives bright indirect sunlight or a small amount of cool early morning or filtered sunlight. Provide this easy to grow plant with a well-drained, cactus-like soil and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. If it gets too dry it will wilt to let you know but it readily recovers once moisture is applied. During active growth, average moisture is preferred and it can be allowed to remain a good deal dryer when dormant. We ship 3 or more bulbs actively growing in a 4.5" pot. Item# 12452

Up to 1" wide dense double wonderfully fragrant white flowers are produced in abundance throughout the growing season to year round under warm tropical conditions. The Little Duke Sambac Jasmine is an old cultivar with a compact upright to scandent (a.k.a. vine-like) habit and slightly smaller flowers that is a more vigorous prolifically flowering plant than the Grand Duke of Tuscany Jasmine. The dark green elongated to rounded foliage is reminiscent of Grand Duke Supreme Jasmine but Little Duke Jasmine has denser flowers and is expected to be more compact making it a good choice for container culture or bonsai. Provide a full to part sun site in a fertile well-drained acidic soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12272

The 2-3" wide cupped fragrant roses have red outer petals with deep rose inner petals and are produced throughout the growing season on this disease resistant small shrub. This long-loved rose from 1834 bears many names attesting to its prowess as a garden and landscape rose and it is one of the few roses that has proven resistant to chili thrips in Florida. It is very similar to the ever popular Craimoisi Superieur with which it is often confused but Louis Philippe generally has a more compact habit growing to 3-4' high and wide on average and the flowers seem to be more pink in the inner petals. Like all China Roses provide this easy to grow plant with a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering though it is fairly adaptable. A excellent rose for hedging, landscapes, and as part of a mixed perennial border. Item# 12300

Exceptionally fragrant with a strong spearmint aroma! Malcolm's Whiteleaf Mountainmint, a.k.a. Malcolm's Mint, was selected and introduced by its namesake Dr. Malcolm Vidrine for its strong minty fragrance in lieu of the typical, sometimes camphor-like, fragrance more common to this species. This is a clump forming native perennial with an upright to rounded growth habit reaching about 3' high by flowering. The dainty flowers are pollinated by a variety of smaller pollinators but are especially relished by bees. Easy to grow and deer and pest resistant. Whiteleaf Mountainmint is somewhat drought resistant once well-established. Clusters of tiny, light pink, tubular flowers are encircled by a mass of velvety white, bract-like leaves in mid to late summer. Item# 12627

Bright sunny yellow ruffled petals surround the yellow rounded cones of this Helenium beginning in midsummer and continuing well into fall. The flowers attract smaller butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Mariachi™ Sombrero Helenium is an easy to grow and pest resistant perennial that provides a riot of color on sturdy, compact, upright plants. Provide a full to mostly sunny location and average moisture. Image courtesy of Plants Nouveau, all rights reserved. Item# 12211

Intense dark magenta-red 6-8" wide heavily textured flowers have a compimentary deep red halo surrounding the burgundy eye with the summer to fall display held against a foil of purple and bronzed tinged young maple-like foliage that matures to deep green. Mars Madness Perennial or Hardy Hibiscus is a vigorous clump-forming perennial that develops into a full, well-branched plant with great flower power!  Like most other Walter's Gardens introductions, Mars Madness is an indeterminate plant producing flowers from the top to the bottom of the plants creating an amazing summer into fall display in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny location in moist to average moist to wet, moderately fertile soils. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12499

Large clusters of lightly fragrant very pale-blue flowers, that appear white from any distance, are produced in early spring and are held well above the deep dark green foliage. May Breeze Phlox was selected by renown Netherland landscape architect Piet Oudolf for its vigor and near white coloration. This Woodland Phlox  is an excellent choice for lightly to partially shaded gardens, as a groundcover under deciduous trees. Provide shade during the hottest portion of the day in hot summer climates and a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Easy and reliable once established. The flowers provide early spring nectar to butterflies and other pollinators. Item# 12352

Medium pink trumpets with deep pink throats are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop sturdy stems. Mayan™ Pink Ruellia or Mexican Petunia is a relatively new seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. In many regards it is similar to but outperforms Purple Showers in overall flower power and disease resistance. It is also a tetraploid so the funnel-shaped flowers are slightly larger than your typical Mexican Petunias. The Mexican Petunia is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a tall groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full sun to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12436

Deep violet trumpets are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop sturdy stems. Mayan™ Purple Ruellia or Mexican Petunia is a relatively new seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. In many regards it is similar to but outperforms Purple Showers in overall flower power and disease resistance. It is also a tetraploid so the funnel-shaped flowers are slightly larger than your typical Mexican Petunias. The Mexican Petunia is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a tall groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full sun to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12435

Large rounded clusters in shades of deep pink to near red (alkaline or no Aluminum), dark purple (neutral to acid), to near indigo(very acid) depending on soil acidity and the availability of Aluminum. Merrit's Supreme Bigleaf Hydrangea begins flowering early and the long lasting flower clusters mature into purple, red, and green shades. This is a compact growing Hydrangea with strong sturdy stems originally developed as a florist's Hydrangea but it has proven to be a reliably hardy, small to medium-sized deciduous shrub for the garden and landscape. Merrit's Supreme also makes an easy and low-maintenance container specimen and can be overwintered indoors outside of its hardiness range. The large glossy deep green foliage is disease resistant. Provide a moist, well-drained, fertile soil in an area that receives morning sun and shade during the hottest portion of the day for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12347

Rich purplish-pink, ruffly edged, nearly 3" wide flowers with a deep red-purple blotch and darker flecking are produced in midspring and are held against a foil of medium to coarse-textured foliage with the flowers attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and curious passersby. Michaele Lux Evergreen Azalea is an unusual and uncommon Aromi hybrid that develops into a small to medium-sized, densely branched shrub. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Images courtesy of Maarten Van der Giessen, Van der Giessens Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 12573

Clusters of fragrant pure white flowers are produced atop sturdy 15-20" high stems in mid to late spring providing a feast of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Minnie Pearl Phlox, a selection of our native Phlox caroliniana, begins flowering earlier than Garden Phlox, Phlox paniculata, and is an easy slowly spreading, groundcovering perennial with excellent disease resistance. This plant was discovered along a Mississippi roadside by Karen Partlow and was introduced by Tony Avant of Plant Delights Nursery in 2003. With its easy and reliable nature it has quickly become an enduring native perennial for the garden and landscape as well as part of more naturalistic settings like meadows, prairies, and of course roadsides. Item# 12311 

Spikes of deep rose tubular buds open to display starkly contrasting near white lower petals creating a bright two-tone effect and are produced from spring to fall atop this densely branching perennial Salvia with excellent flower power. The top performer in trials at Welby Flower Trials in 2020! Mirage™ Rose Bicolor Salvia, a form of Autumn Sage or Salvia greggii, was selected for its heat and cold tolerance, and exceptional flower power. Its vigorous well-branched semi-compact habit is perfectly suited for use as a low maintenance and forgiving container specimen as well as in hot and sunny garden and landscape settings. The two-toned flowers are sure to attract low flying hummingbirds as well as the occassional butterfly and larger bees with its nectar rich flowers. Provide a well-drained soil in full to mostly sunny conditions and never keep soggy wet. Images courtesy of Darwin Perennials, all rights reserved. Item# 12423

Huge, deep orange-red tubular flowers open from dark tinged calyxes and 8-12" long spikes in summer and fall, when grown as a perennial, to potentially year round under warm tropical conditions attracting hummingbirds for miles! Mole Poblano Mexican Chocolate Scarlet Sage, a selection of Salvia gesneriflora, is more compact and flowers much longer than its parent growing to about 6-7' high and wide. This giant growing Salvia, the species is reported to grow over 20' high, is a shade tolerant, herbaceous to shrub-like tender perennial Salvia that is adorned with fragrant, large heart-shaped, fuzzy, quilted foliage and is anecdotally root hardy into zone 8A. Its only real drawback is that it should be grown in a sheltered area protected from strong winds and heavy rains as the stems are subject to breakage. It can be pruned to help keep the plant shorter, stronger, and fuller. Provide Mole Poblano Salvia with a moist to average moist, well-drained, fertile soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Item# 12583