Virginia program focuses on sustainable plants

In 2009 the Va. Nurserymen’s Assoc. Horticulture Research Foundation Inc. implemented its own plant introduction program, Beautiful Gardens. Since implementation, the program has selected plants sustainable to Virginia’s landscape as well as its economy. With funding from the Va. Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, Beautiful Gardens is a project designed to develop new and promote underused varieties of ornamental plants that adapt well to a wide range of planting zones. The program focuses on Plants of Distinction, plants that have been tested across varied climatic zones in the state.
Plants of Distinction for 2010 include: Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ (Autumn fern), Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ (purple pineapple lily), Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ (sweet coneflower), Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ (blue bluestem), Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, Corylopsis pauciflora (goldleaf buttercup winterhazel), Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ (Eastern redbud) and Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ (American boxwood).