Variety Notebook

Arabesque penstemon
The new Arabesque penstemon series from Syngenta is ideal for premium programs and offers the look of a perennial with the ease of growing an annual. Superior quality, better branching, faster, more reliable crop timing and exceptional garden performance all make Arabesque a better choice than traditional penstemons. With a strong, compact branching habit, these plants are easier to grow, handle and ship without damage. Arabesque is great for high-value quart and gallon programs and is available in four colors: Appleblossom, Pink, Red and Violet.

For more: Syngenta, www.syngentaflowersinc.com
 

Saucy salvia
The new Saucy sterile series of S. splendens hybrids from Cultivaris is very early to flower and able to tolerate cooler production temperatures. It is superb in both sun and part shade. The series is vigorous, but it can be restrained in smaller pots with a pinch or single growth regulator treatment. A very fast crop, Saucy will fill a 5- to 6-inch pot in five to six weeks. Saucy Wine has luscious wine-red flower spikes from spring through fall and is best in 5-inch and larger pots.

For more: Cultivaris, www.cultivaris.com
 

Verbena Eye Candy
Verbena Eye Candy from Hort Couture is the ultimate cascading container verbena with exceptional flower power. The large individual florets and large flower clusters are prefect in container combinations. The bright white eye makes a great contrast and will stand out amongst other plants, and it is perfect in container combinations or mono pots. The juicy Eye Candy colors include Perky Pink, Divine Wine, Very Cherry and Purplicious.

For more: Hort Couture, www.hortcoutureplants.com

Insider Info: S. splendens was first described and named in 1822. At that time, it was given the common name “Lee’s scarlet sage.”

Photos courtesy of RESPECTIVE COMPANIES