2021 New Plants

The nearly 1/2" wide ruby red flowers adorn the narrow elongating spikes of this large growing Porterweed from spring to frost. We are excited to be able to finally offer this true red flowering form of the ever popular Coral Porterweed! Ruby Throat Red Porterweed is a vigorous large type Porterweed that can easily exceed 3' high. The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds along with a host of butterflies are sure to search this beauty out and enjoy its rich near continuous supply of nectar. These are heat and sun loving tropical plants that have excellent flower power and will show off in a non-stop fashion throughout the growing season! Item# 12377

Dark salmon colored flowers are produced from spring to fall with flowering being heaviest in spring and fall. Salmon Autumn Sage, a selection of the tough native Salvia greggii, is an excellent choice for Hummingbird gardens! This is a heat and sun loving as well as moderately drought tolerant perennial for the garden or containers. Provide full sun and good drainage for the best results. Item# 12491

From dark colored spikes and calyxes emerge vivid hot fuchsia colored two-lipped tubular flowers that are produced throughout the growing season on a mound forming, heat and sunloving perennial. San Carlos Festival Littleleaf Sage, a Yucca Do selection of Salvia microphylla from the mountains of Tamaulipas, Mexico, has proven to be a top garden performer with excellent season long flower power and reliable cold hardiness. The brightly colored, nectar rich flowers are sure to draw hummingbirds as well as bees and the occassional butterfly. Provide this tough perennial Salvia with a well-drained, fertile soil with average moisture, although, fully established plants are somewhat drought resistant the plants will flower best where they have at least some moisture available during the growing season. In areas that experience hard freezes plant this Salvia out between early spring to midsummer to ensure winter survival. Item# 12477

The lightly fragrant, light lavender to light blue, starry, campion-like flowers are composed of narrow petals that are deeply notched at their tips and are produced in clusters atop the narrow low-growing foliage in spring and attract both butteflies and moths. Sand Phlox, Phlox bifida, is a low-growing, mat-forming, taprooted, somewhat shrubby perennial from the north central US with good disease resistance. It is also quite adaptable to garden locations from sun to light shade, dry to average moist, and both acidic and alkaline soil pH. Excellent drainage may be optimum along with at least some direct sunlight during the day for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12450

The thick, smooth, succulent, upright to trailing stems are rounded to 4-angled and tend to be green and purple when grown in high indirect light but become burgundy under full sun conditions. In summer Schinz's Carrion Flower produces 3-5" wide burgundy to brownish yellow starfish-shaped flowers that have a fringe of purple to burgundy club-shaped hairs dangling from the edges of the petals and tremor at the slightest breeze attracting insects for pollination. Like the larger growing Starfish Cactus, the flowers produce a light scent of rotting meat to attract their main pollinators - flies. This is an easy to grow succulent that will readily multiply into a dense mass of short upright stems and where allowed to trail the stems can grow to exceed 18" long. Provide full sun to bright indirect sunlight in a very well-draining, cactus-like soil for optimum vigor, health and flowering. Makes an easy windowsill, porch, or patio plant whose unusual flowers are sure to be a conversation piece. It can tolerate slightly more moisture when in active growth but should still be allowed to become moderately dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, especially if grown under cool conditions. These are well-established young plants with multiple plants per pot. Item# 12633

Produces medium-sized yellow to bronze tinged, pear-shaped figs with a sweet rich, amber flesh and a closed eye making it resistant to spoiling in areas with high rain fall. LSU Scott's Yellow Fig, a.k.a Brandy, is a selection made by Dr. O'Rourke of LSU. It produces both a good breba crop on well-established plants as well as a large early season crop. Considered to be sweeter and a better producer than LSU Gold by some accounts. Fig trees grow best in a full to mostly sunny site with a fertile, well-drained soil with average moisture. Item# 12693

Large 2" long rosy-pink tubular flowers emerge from contrasting light bronze and rose tinged calyxes in dense spikes atop the deep green glossy foliage from spring until first frost. Skyscraper™ Pink Salvia is a mid-sized well-branched and exceptionally free flowering Sage perfectly suited for use in medium-sized containers as well as in sunny garden and landscape settings. The Skyscraper series grows to about one half the size of the Wish series Salvias and flowers longer than typical Tropical Salvia, Salvia splendens, selections. It is reported to have some winter hardiness into zone 7B. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist well-drained fertile soil. Images courtesy of Ball Horticulture, all rights reserved. Item# 12459

This low growing, mat forming perennial covers up in 1/2" wide white daisies with yellow eyes in late summer and fall attracting bees and smaller pollinators. Snow Flurry White Heath Aster, a selection ofSymphyotrichum ericoides , is a 4-8" high, sprawling, groundcovering selection of this normally 3' high native perennial with dark green narrow heath or juniper like foliage. This species is found most commonly throughout much of the central US as well as into the northeastern and northwestern regions. Provide this easy perennial with a full to mostly sunny site and well-drained, semi-dry soils. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 12246

Huge 12-14" long panicles composed of numerous double sterile florets open bright white and slowly change as summer progesses adding red, pink, cream, and green tinges and are held on strong sturdy stems beginning in late spring or early summer with flower clusters lasting into winter. Snowcicle Oakleaf Hydrangea boasts some of the largest flower clusters among its peers, excellent vigor, and strong sturdy stems to support its massive flower clusters. In fall, the bluish-green, fuzzy, oak-like foliage changes into shades of red, purple, and orange. The Oakleaf Hydrangea is truly a plant for all seasons as winter shows off the bare stems with peeling bark. Provide a well-drained, average moist, fertile, acidic soil and although they are tolerant of full sun they flower well even in fairly dense shade. The Oakleaf Hydrangea will have the most intense fall foliage coloration where the plants receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. An organic mulch, especially important under full sun conditions in areas with hot summer climates, will to help alleviate moisture stress during dry periods among its numerous other benefits. Images courtesy of Plants Nouveau, all rights reserved. Item# 12578

Spikes of light purple tubular buds open to display the large pale bluish purple lower lips attracting hummingbirds, larger bees, and even the occassional butterfly. The show starts in spring and continues through summer into fall on well-established plants. The compact, densely branching, upright to rounded habit lends So Cool Pale Blue Salvia for use as easy and low maintenance container specimens for even the hottest locations. Add this tough little free flowering Littleleaf Salvia hybrid to a sunny garden and landscape to bring the temperature down a notch. This shrub-like perennial that may remain evergreen in mild winter climates, like zones 9B-10, but acts like a die-back perennial where temperatures fall much below about 30^oF. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for maximum flower power. The So Cool Salvia series was bred in Australia to endure hot, harsh summers as well as producing slightly larger flowers and a full, dense growth habit. Images courtesy of Plant For Europe, all rights reserved. Item# 12551

The beautifully mottled, splashed, and flecked yellowish, chartreuse, and deeper green variegated succulent ovate foliage adorns the zig-zagging stems of this upright growing succulent and summer may bring a ring-like cluster of 1" long deep red, bird-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and give the plant its common name. The Splish Splash or Mottled Red Bird Cactus is an easy to grow highly decorative form of this heirloom and Florida native plant that has an easy and forgiving disposition creating fantastic, architecturally pleasing specimens. A shrub-like native of tropical forests of southern Florida and as far south as Central America, it makes an easy porch or patio plant where it partial shade to bright shade but can also be enjoyed as an easy indoor plant.  Allow the soil to become somewhat dry between waterings although it can tolerant more moisture when in active growth and less during winter. Item# 12608

The large dark maroonish-red starry flowers are produced multiple times per year beginning in early spring and are held against a foil of deep green foliage all on a compact plant. Star Flower Scorpio Anise was developed and introduced by Dr. Tom Raney at NCSU's Mountain Crop Improvement Lab for both its ability to flower throughout the growing season as well as a neat, naturally rounded bushy habit. Like its parent the Red Anise, Illicium floridanum, it will tolerate full sun but it seems to be at its best where it receives midday to afternoon shade in a moist to average moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Like most other species of Illicium, this is not a plant to be used as a spice even though the crushed foliage has the typical licorice or anise-like fragrance. Images courtesy of Dr. Tom Raney and NCSU MCIL, all rights reserved. Item# 12472

Spikes of intense deep violet-blue flowers are produced from late spring or early summer and into fall on this repeat flowering hybrid native perennial.  STARSHIP™ Blue Lobelia was selected not only for its dark flowers but is also touted for its ability to repeat flower throughout the growing season. The nectar rich flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. These Lobelias prefer consistently moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soils and sunny conditions. STARSHIP™ Blue Lobelia can be enjoyed as a container plant as well as in the garden or landscape. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12258

New for 2021! In summer, deep burgundy spikes to 20-24" high are adorned with dark maroon tubular buds that open to display the large starry deep burgundy flowers held above burgundy tinged foliage. STARSHIP™ Burgundy Lobelia is different from STARSHIP™ Scarlet with deeper burgundy foliage, an improved branching habit, grows 4-6" taller, and still has the exceptional flower power to draw in the hummingbirds. The nectar rich flowers also attract larger butterflies, bees and other pollinators. These Lobelias prefer consistently moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soils and sunny conditions. STARSHIP™ Burgundy Lobelia can be enjoyed as a container plant as well as in the garden or landscape where its bronze tinged foliage and dark colored flowers are sure to contrast nicely with its neighbors. Images courtesy of Ball Horticulture, all rights reserved. Item# 12458

New for 2021! In summer, deep burgundy spikes to 24-30" high are adorned with maroon tubular buds that open to display the large starry intense deep red flowers. STARSHIP™ Scarlet Bronze Leaf Lobelia is different from STARSHIP™ Scarlet with deeper burgundy foliage, an improved branching habit, grows a 4-6" taller, and still has the exceptional flower power to draw in the hummingbirds. The nectar rich flowers also attract larger butterflies, bees and other pollinators. These Lobelias prefer consistently moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soils and sunny conditions. STARSHIP™ Scarlet Bronze Leaf Lobelia can be enjoyed as a container plant as well as in the garden or landscape where its dark foliage is sure to contrast nicely with its neighbors. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 11903

Huge round clusters composed of extra large bell-shaped deep violet-blue flowers held on sturdy stems atop the narrow strap-like medium green foliage in late spring to early summer and potentially into fall on well-established clumps. Stevie's Wonder Lily of the Nile or Agapanthus is a vigorous, clump-forming perennial with a tropical look but this cultivar has proven to have excellent hardiness into zone 7. The flowering spikes are typically 2-3' high in areas that experience hardy winter freezes (zone 7-8) but they are reported to reach up to 6' high in zone 9 with reports that the flower clusters can reach near volleyball size! The flowers of Agapanthus attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Stevie's Wonder Lily of the Nile a full to partly sunny site in a well-drained, average moist, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Makes an easy and low-maintenance container plant where not hardy. May be fully winter deciduous. Image credited to Emerisa Gardens via AG3, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12467

Dense rounded to flattened clusters of 1/2" wide golden yellow flowers are produced atop tall sturdy stems in mid to late summer and attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, other garden beneficials. Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida and previously Oligoneuron rigidum, is a vigorous growing rhizomatous perennial found mainly in prairies and meadows in the north central US. Due to its rhizomatous, a.k.a. spreading, nature this species may best be suited for use in naturalistic areas like roadside plantings, meadows, and prairies. It is often found in dryer soils and in soils with an alkaline (calcareous) pH. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a well-drained soil with average moisture until it is well-established. Item# 12391

Spade and lance shaped foliage with white variegation along its veins against a backdrop of bluish to gray-green foliage that is tinged with pink and purple under high light conditions. The leaves adorn fine lax trailing stems that can reach over 3' in length. An interesting cultivar or hybrid of the String of Hearts, Ceropegia collaricorona subsp. collaricorona previouslyCeropegia linearis woodii, that is considered to be just as easy and vigorous as its 'parent'. These plants make beautiful, low maintenance hanging basket and container specimens that are sure to be a conversation piece. The String of Spades also produces the whitish, parachute-like, almost alien looking flowers whose purple-brown petals are fused together at their tips. Provide a very well-drained soil and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Item# 12292

The ovate, pointed, succulent, blue-green to gray-green foliage is adorned with fine streak-like veins reminiscent of a watermelon rind and may also be coated in a white bloom. Like the String of Pearls, this easy to grow succulent has a clear, slit-like "epidermal window" that allows light to enter the internal part of the leaf. The String of Watermelons, Senecio herreanus, is a tropical, trailing succulent whose thin trailing stems can reach 12 or more inches long. During the warmer months of the year it produces small, ray-less white flowers enjoyed by bees and other small pollinators. Provide a sharply draining, cactus-like soil allowing it to become moderately dry between waterings although they can tolerate slightly more water during the growing season. The String of Watermelons makes an easy windowsill plant, hanging basket specimen, and table top decoration or use it in one of the head pots for an interesting specimen plant. Provide high or bright indirect light outdoors but they can also tolerate some cool direct sunlight indoors. Item# 12675

4-5" wide round clusters of deep purple to violet trumpet shaped flowers are held above the dark green mounds of strap-like foliage on short sturdy 18" high stems beginning in spring to early summer and continuing into early fall. Sugar Plum™ Lily of the Nile or Agapanthus is a newly introduced vigorous hybrid that is both dwarf and compact and is a rare repeat flowering purple flowered selection. Its compact stature makes this a perfect choice for colorful low-maintenance container specimens as well as adding a tropical feel to the garden and landscape. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and the plants are deer and rabbit resistant. Provide a full sun to part sun site in an average moist, fertile, well-draining soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Images courtesy of CND Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 12296

The large bright bubblegum pink 8" wide, wind resistant flowers sport a contrasting dark burgundy eye and are held against a foil of dark green foliage providing a summerlong parade of flowers. SUMMERIFIC® Candy Crush Perennial or Hardy Hibiscus is a densely branching, perennial that develops into a full, well-branched upright to rounded plant. Walter's Gardens describes it as follows: "If you love 'Cranberry Crush', try 'Candy Crush'! This hardy Hibiscus shares all the great traits that made 'Cranberry Crush' popular: upright, columnar habit, fantastic garden presence, and excellent flower coverage".  Like most other Walter's Gardens introductions, SUMMERIFIC® Candy Crush is an indeterminate plant producing flowers from the top to the bottom of the plants creating a knockout display in the garden and landscape. Provide a full to mostly sunny location in moist to average moist to wet, moderately fertile soils. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12493