The Good New

Early each spring, gardeners begin to peruse the greenhouses, cabin fever induced by one last sloppy snow and the million dollar question is "So what's new this year?" I freeze, my brain short circuits and I envision the 10 new varieties of coneflower, that we have growing in the greenhouse, and are purportedly the color of a sunrise, a sunset, a sundown, supposedly bloom all summer and are, of course, winter hardy. Yikes!
In past years, I've featured new plants on the web site that I had not experienced over time. On more than one occasion, I've regretted touting the new hot item just to discover the unique color faded, the flower form reverted, the length of bloom was exaggerated, and/or our winters did it in.

So this year I've been rethinking 'The Good New Stuff' and instead of promoting what's brand new and largely untested, I've decided to feature what's relatively (like the last few years) new and lives up to its glossy catalog description. The items you see below are ones that have proved worthy of not just new, but tried and true and pretty new. Some of these, like stachys 'Humello' and sedum 'October Daphne' are just plain underused.

Sun-Loving New Stuff- requires at least half a day of full sun or part sun all day long. Well drained soil and regular weekly watering until well established. Dead-head or trim your plants back (about 1/3 the way down) occasionally to keep flowers blooming.

	Geranium 'Rozanne' The 2008 Perennials of the Year- Large glowing violet blue, saucer-shaped flowers with distinctive white eyes and reddish-purple veining are held above mounds of deep green foliage. Trim to keep blooming all summer. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ may be used as a dynamic ground cover or as an attractive specimen plant.
	Geranium 'Jolly Bee' A large, mounding geranium which is smothered in flowers the whole summer, and beyond. The distinctive 2" flowers are bright blue with a large white eye. The plants and flowers are more robust than average. Named in honor of the honey bees that pollinate plants at its home nursery in Holland.
	Coreopsis 'Full Moon' 'Full Moon' PPAF is a showy hybrid with very large, canary yellow flowers that measure up to three inches across. They are held on well-branched stems atop a mound of healthy green, medium textured foliage. The plants are long blooming, from about midsummer into early fall.
	Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise' Green leaves sport distinct cream or yellow margins. In spring, however, the new growth is flushed pinkish-red, and in fall, it takes on a darker mahogany hue. In early summer, a profusion of blooms is produced and plants continue to flower sporadically through early fall. The large, daisy-like flowers are golden yellow with a red eye.
	Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull' This new selection exhibits the best characteristics of both brilliant golden yellow flowers with fluted petals and a more compact habit. Coreopsis will grow in any well-drained soil with average moisture and full sun. This species requires deadheading to promote continuous blooming.
	Daylily-Stella Supreme This improvement of H. 'Stella D'Oro' offers even richer color with its showy clusters of lemon-chiffon yellow blossoms (Stella is gold) and an extended bloom period from late spring/early summer to first frost. Plant height is 14 inches as compared to Stella at 10-12 inches.
	Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' This compact and uniform perennial produces masses of large, 3" diameter, fiery orange-red blooms tipped by a ring of rich flame yellow. Butterflies are highly attracted to its bright colors. Since these plants bloom from early summer into fall. These perennials require little care once established. They are heat tolerant and actually prefer to be grown in poorer soils
	Gaillardia 'Oranges and Lemons' Rather than the typical bright red and yellow flowers, 'Oranges & Lemons' looks just like it sounds--large, peachy orange flowers with yellow tips and a gold central cone. The blue-green foliage enhances this warm coloring and the round, chartreuse seed heads extend the interest after the flowers are spent.
	Gaillardia 'Fanfare' Upward-facing, scarlet flowers flare out like trumpets with bright yellow at the ends, creating a vivid medley of color. Its high-powered flowering performance starts in early summer and continues into fall. This cultivar has an especially neat mounded form. Trim occasionally to keep blooming.
	Agastache 'Golden Jubilee Showy golden-chartreuse to lime green foliage depending on the sun exposure (it grows in full sun and part shade). The foliage emerges bright yellow in spring. Lavender blue, bottlebrush-like flowers are held on strong, upright stems from midsummer to early fall. Use this plant to add a bright spot of color in the landscape late in the season when many other plants are finished blooming. This plant will NOT tolerate wet soil, especially in winter. Plant height is 18-24 inches
	Stachys 'Hummelo' Unlike Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear), this species forms large, rounded clumps of green, long and narrow, textured leaves. It is lovely even when it's not in bloom. In midsummer, sturdy spikes of lavender-rose flowers shoot up through the foliage, putting on quite a display. Since it is relatively unknown to many gardeners, people always gasp in awe of this plant when it is in bloom.
	Phlox' Goldmine' Phlox ‘Goldmine’ is a striking combination of gold edged foliage and deep-magenta flowers. The brightest foliage of any phlox ensures season long appeal. Height is 25 to 28 in. Needs lots of sun, good drainage but regular watering and plenty of air circulation, like all phlox prefers.
	Phlox 'Peppermint Twist' A striking new phlox, ‘Peppermint Twist’ is a real head-turner with its large clusters of pink and white striped flowers. 'Peppermint Twist' is a very short Phlox, growing typically to just 16 in, making it more versatile for use in smaller gardens
	Salvia 'Cardonna' Rigidly upright habit and dark purple flower stems which accentuate the bright violet-blue flowers. They are great in fresh bouquets. Though it is drought tolerant, it will bloom better with regular watering. Deadheading encourages a longer bloom time. If plants get leggy during the season, cut them all the way back to the newly developed foliage. plant height 24-30 inches
	Salvia 'Sensation Rose' Just the right size for containers or edging, this dwarf salvia is a pink-flowering cousin to the ever-popular 'Marcus.' Bright rose pink flowers are borne on short, upright spikes above the green, mounded foliage in early through midsummer. If deadheaded, the plants may continue to bloom through late summer. Compact habit, beautiful pink flower color, and its remarkable vigor. Plant height is 10-12 inches.
	Salvia 'Marcus' A new dwarf introduction. This selection has a compact habit which makes it perfect for edging, containers, or other small spaces. The foliage spread the first year is quite impressive for a dwarf plant. Dark violet-purple flowers are produced nearly all summer long, particularly if plants are deadheaded. plant height 8-12 inches.
	Sedum 'October Daphne' A low, spreading species that forms a rounded mound, sending out horizontal branches from the central crown. The 3/4 inch round, blue-green leaves are borne in 3s around the stems and each leaf is narrowly outlined in deep pink. During the hot summer months, this pink edge intensifies. One of the most beautiful features of this perennial is its fall color. When sited properly, the foliage turns beautiful shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange. Often, the plant is still flowering when its fall coloring begins to appear.
	Veronica 'Purplelicious' Intensely colored flower spikes are the richest purple yet seen in Veronica. The plants are well-branched and display very healthy dark-green foliage. Trim veronicas back hard after first flush of bloom to encourage reblooming. Requires sun, good drainage, but regular watering. 'Purplelicious ' grows 18-20 in.
	Veronica 'Darwin's Blue' Darwin’s Blue’ typically grows to 12-16” tall. Dense, vertical terminal spikes of tiny, purple-blue flowers tower well above the foliage in summer. Rich blue/purple from June through August. Nectar for butterflies. Trim hard after bloom to encourage rebloom.
	Fountain Grass 'Piglet' The perfect size fountain grass! Many gardeners have wished for a fountain grass that was taller than 'Little Bunny' but shorter than 'Hameln.' 'Piglet' measures in at just about 18 inches, or knee height. It makes a fabulous tall edging and can also be grown in patio containers. In mid to late summer, full, tawny plumes cascade up and above the finely textured, green foliage.
	Maiden Grass'Super Stripe' This showy banded grass has lush green foliage marked with tighly spaced bands of gold. It forms an attractive upright, arching clump about 4ft. tall, and is topped by 6 ft. tall tawny plumes in early fall. Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond's edge. Plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed.
	Little Blue Stem "Prairie Blues' Little Bluestem is a native prairie grass that is said to have originated in Missouri. Little bluestem is a great choice if you are looking to restore an eroded site, or for a plant that will grow in hot, dry areas where other plants have a hard time surviving. 'Prairie Blues' is an improved selection of the native bluestem. It offers a more consistent grey-blue foliage color that is quite striking in the garden. The narrow, upright leaves take on reddish-orange tones in the fall. Fluffy silver seed heads appear in late summer and last well into fall.

Coral Bells ( or Heuchera)
The popularity of coral bells increases every year. Prized primarily for their colorful foliage, their late spring- early summer flowers are also lovely additions to the shady garden. Thanks to advances in breeding, newer varieties that withstand our hot, humid summers are entering the market. Most of the coral bells listed below have villosa ancestry which imparts the ability to withstand heat, humidity and exposure to sunlight. In the St. Louis area, coral bells perform best in morning sum, afternoon shade, organic rich soil with consistent moisture and good drainage. Mulch well over winter because most coral bells are evergreen and therefore needed added winter protection.

	Coral Bell 'Obsidian' Is closer to black than any other heuchera. The surface and edges of the rounded leaves are so smooth they look like they have been polished. Their undersides are deep purple and exhibit a glassy finish. Though this selection is grown mainly for its unusual foliage, its ornamental value is enhanced by the 24 inch tall scapes which bear smoky purple buds that open to cream flowers.
	Coral Bell 'Georgia Peach' Huge peach colored leaves with a very showy white overlay and a large lush habit. Foliage color changes from peach orange tones in the spring to rose to rose purple in the fall through winter, and always with a decorative white veil. From H. villosa breeding so will grow well in southern humidity
	Foamy Bells (heucherella) 'Alabama Sunrise' Foliage in spring to mid summer is gold with red veins and is deeply cut. In late summer, the leaves go to green with red veins. In fall, the older foliage turns orange pink. Small white flowers. A villosa hybrid. Heat and humidity tolerant. Mounding habit-15-18 inches
	Foam Flower (tiarella) 'Sugar & Spice' 'Sugar & Spice' has glossy, deeply dissected leaves with a prominent central blotch, abundant pink and white lightly fragrant flowers, and beautiful winter foliage color. This clump forming selection is a show stopper in shaded gardens and containers
	Coral Bell 'Miracle' Young foliage is chartreuse with a heavy smattering of reddish purple in the center. As the foliage matures, it turns brick red with a bright gold edge and silvered undersides. This villosa species is a large, late blooming type that exhibits an increased tolerance of high heat and humidity. Cream flowers.
	Coral Bell 'Caramel' Forms a dense, sturdy mound of large copper-caramel foliage set off with red leaf undersides. The color intensifies from gold and yellow-green shades to rich caramel and ruby-gold as the plant matures . 'Caramel' is an exceptionally strong plant and is able to withstand heat, humidity and exposure to sunlight that would make many others wither.
	Coral Bell 'Mocha' 'Mocha' is the largest, darkest-leaved heuchera we've ever seen! The young leaves are bronze-purple with royal purple undersides, while the mature leaves are very dark purple (almost black) and can grow larger than one's hand. Mocha holds its leaves through the winter and the new spring foliage emerges copper-brown.