Each year gardens across the country become test sites for new plants by All-America Sections. The Triangle’s own JC Raulston Arboretum is one of these test sites for new plants before they are introduced to the consumer market.
Viola ‘Endurio Sky Martien’ / All-America Selections
Viola ‘Endurio Sky Blue Martien’ – This unique spreading/mounding viola may look delicate, but it’s tough-as-nails in the garden. In mild southern regions it flowers throughout the winter, too. Delicate small sky blue flowers cover the plant, which grows to 6 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. It will rapidly fill your window boxes and containers in the spring.
Zinnia ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ / All-America Selections
Zinnia ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ – This is sure to be a garden favorite with a stunning combination of bi-color rose and white flowers. Other new traits of this annual are resistance to leaf spot and mildew. It’s also heat and drought tolerant. The mature plants are 12-14 inches tall and wide, large enough to make a bold statement in containers or in the ground. This easy-to-grow plant is perfect for the novice gardener. Full Sun.
Gaillardia ‘Mesa Yellow’ / All-America Selections
Gaillardia ‘Mesa Yellow’ – The first hybrid blanket flower with prolific flowering of yellow 3-inch daisy like flowers throughout the summer. You can also cut the blooms for bouquets. The neat, mounded plants are adaptable to smaller space gardens or containers, where they will cascade over the sides. An added benefit – it doesn’t get tall and floppy. Full Sun.
Snapdragon ‘Twinny Peach’ / All-America Selections
Snapdragon ‘Twinny Peach’ – This new snapdragon without the snap is a double or butterfly form that does not have the jaws or joints needed to make a snap. No other snapdragon offers this range of colors in soft shades of peach, yellow and light orange. It’s easy to grow, flowers all season with little garden care and is heat tolerant. Full sun.
For complete details on the AAS winners and the competition, visit www.all-americaselections.org.