Darwin Plants is introducing 'Vintage Wine,' another new purple coneflower. Almost three feet tall, these magnificent plants have large, purple-red blooms. The large flower heads feature non-drooping petals.
Also from Darwin Plants comes 'Cherry Helen' mullein. This features uniquely colored cherry-red blooms. 'Cherry Helen' can grow to be four feet in height. This is a mutant form of 'Helen Johnson,' which accounts for the name.
Pan American Seed Company introduced 'Southern Charm' mullein. The flower colors range from pastel white to strong purplish-reds. The flowering spikes of this and other mulleins are often used as cut flowers.
The lamb's ears and related species have long been favorite perennial herbs. Kieft is introducing 'Chinook' for 2004. This plant produces coral or red blooms. About 1½' feet in height, it has a sprawling growth habit. 'Chinook' would make a great ground cover for hot, dry spots.
There are various new varieties of anise-hyssop that will be of interest. These include the Acapulco series, released by Bodger Seed/Botanicals. The plants resemble the flowering sages. Overall, the series features compact plants with neat growth habits and beautifully colored blooms. The series includes 'Acapulco Salmon & Pink,' 'Acapulco Rose,' and 'Acapulco Orange.' Very quick to bloom, these are excellent bedding plants.
In 2004, 'Heather Queen' anise-hyssop will be introduced by Proven Selections to the U.S. It has been available in Australia for the last few years. This should be available at garden centers selling the Proven Winners line of premium plants. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, it is recommended as an annual pot plant or bedding plant for other areas. These upright, shapely plants are about 2½ feet in height. 'Heather Queen' has ten-inch-long flower spikes containing lovely mauve pink blooms. Flowers should continue to appear into the fall months. 'Heather Queen' is good for areas with short growing seasons, since it will tolerate cold, heat, wet, and dry conditions.
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