New Plants 2001 - flowers and plants available for 2001

Flower & Garden Magazine, Jan, 2001 by Jonathan Prebich

It's that time of year again--everyone's favorite, New Plants, returns for the 2001 season. As with previous years' introductions, this year is no exception. Numerous choices are being offered, some for the first time and some improved for better enjoyment.

This listing of plants is not all-inclusive due to time and space restraints. The company listed after each entry may not reflect all the outlets where a consumer may purchase that particular plant. Please phone or investigate other seed catalogs, nurseries and/or garden centers to explore all avenues of possible purchase.

Enjoy the wonderful new selections and have a happy, healthy and productive 2001 gardening season.

* ANNUALS

1. Nemesia `Peach Sachet' and `Blueberry Sachet' bloom in the summer. Plants are free branching and low mounding, making them ideal for use in 4" pots and mixed containers. Sachets have a height of 16-to-18" and a spread of 10-to-12". Available from The Flower Fields.

2. Argyranthemum `Comet White' and `Comet Pink' have free branching plant habits, which makes them easy to grow. The dill-like foliage provides lovely garden texture throughout the summer heat when total flowering is reduced. Plant height is approximately 24". Available from The Flower Fields.

3. Antirrhinum nanum variegata `Frosted Flames' is the first antirrhinum to combine unusual frosted foliage with a carnival of rich colors including yellow, rose, red and even bi-colors. This flower grows between 12-18" and is sure to create interest in your beds, borders and containers. Available from Thompson & Morgan.

4. Salvia `Pachyphylla' is an unbelievable sight in peak bloom. Best in sandy or loam soils and full, hot sun, Giant Flowered Purple Sage blooms all summer and holds its silver evergreen foliage all winter. The leaves are pungently fragrant and browse-resistant. Hardy in Zones 6-9. Available from High Country Gardens.

5. Pansy `Accord Black Beauty' is the first black pansy from Goldsmith. This deep, dark purple flower appears black when cast against a green backdrop in bright sunlight. Growing to a height of 6-8", the plant blooms especially well in spring and fall. Available from Goldsmith Seeds.

6. Zinnia tenuiflora `Red Spider' has unusual narrow petals which create a starry effect in rich red. Blooming from summer to frost, it is easy to grow and mildew resistant. Available from Select Seeds.

7. Dahlia `Parkland Princess' offers two distinct solid colors. This is an anemone type of dahlia, which appears like a pincushion in the center, and a row of petals around the outside. Very pleasing with excellent form and color. Available from Alpen Gardens.

8. Salvia leucantha `Santa Barbara' is a new dwarf selection of the very popular Mexican Sage, which should prove popular due to its smaller size. Growth peaks out at 2' tall, topped with the same fuzzy purple flowers that gardeners have grown to adore. Hardy in Zones 7-10. Available from Plant Delights Nursery.

* PERENNIALS

9. `Magician's Magic' is suited for outdoor growing in Zones 6-10. A lavender purple color with an intricate white line pattern dominates this beautiful flower. Blooming from January through April with a height of 5-6", this plant is a winter bloomer. Available from Nicholls Gardens.

10. Hosta `Ivory Coast' is hardy to Zone 3 and is perfect for outdoor garden growing or in pots. Bloom color is pale lavender and the height is 24-26". Available from Savory's Gardens, Inc.

11. Hosta `Zuzu's Petals' blooms mid summer with a height of 15-18". The leaf achieves a light green color with wide yellow margins while the bloom color is medium lavender. Hardy to Zone 3. Available from Savory's Gardens, Inc.

12. Hosta `Rock and Roll' is deeply cupped and corrugated. Blooms begin to show in mid-June with a height of 30". Hardy in Zones 3-8. Available from Kuk's Forest Nursery.

13. Hosta `Last Dance' features an uneven streaky yellow margin, which surrounds a dark green leaf interior. The leaves have an excellent substance, which provides durability to withstand the elements. Combines nicely with ferns and grasses when used as a specimen or focal point in the garden. Available from Shady Oaks Nursery.

14. Hosta `Spring Fling' is a new hybrid from Roy Herold's breeding program in Massachusetts. H. `Spring Fling' makes a 3' wide clump of long pointed leaves that are edged with a heavily rippled wide border of white. Hardy in Zones 3-8. Available from Plant Delights Nursery.

15. Eryngium `Sapphire Blue' has large intense-steel blue colored flowers, stems and leaves. While blooming in summer it grows to a height of 28" high to 18" wide. Suitable for outdoor planting or in containers. Hardy in Zones 5-9. Available from Blooms of Bressingham NA.

16. Heliopsis `Bressingham Doubloon' has large semi-double daisy flowers. Bloom times range from midsummer to fall. Suitable for containers or outdoors in the garden. Hardy in Zones 3-9. Available from Blooms of Bressingham NA.

17. `Andrea' is a beautiful two-tone decorative that can extend the garden mum season right up until late October. Rich mahogany centers surrounded by warm bronze outer petals highlight this flower. Available from Yoder Brothers.