Calendula flowers have many herbal uses, and are an excellent choice for flowerbeds. Thompson & Morgan has introduced Calendula 'Citrus Cocktail' for 2004. This free-flowering variety blooms throughout the growing season, producing an abundance of eye-catching, sunny-toned blooms. The compact, bushy plants are suitable for containers.
New to the Proven Winners line is 'Heather Queen' anise-hyssop. This alluring plant has an attractive spreading growth habit. Throughout the summer, it produces masses of rose-pink blooms. Even when it isn't in bloom, you'll still enjoy the wonderfully fragrant foliage. A little over a foot tall, it is hardy in zones 6 through ll. This perennial is quite heat-tolerant.
Another plant you should see at local nurseries in 2004 is 'Lois Woodhull plectranthus." Unlike most plectranthus, this one is noted for its fabulous sage-like flowers that are produced in spikes atop the velvety green leaves. Truly weather-resistant, it blooms throughout the spring and summer months. About a foot in height, it is winter hardy in zones 9-11. This plant was discovered by June Croon in South Africa. She named it for her sister, a noted plantswoman in Long Island, NY.
For 2004, the Klehm's Song Sparrow catalog lists 'Orange Meadowbrite' purple coneflower. This fine perennial was released by the Chicagoland Grows program. This one features tangerine-orange petals and a dark center. The blooms have an intriguing spicy orange tea scent. The flowers are displayed beautifully above the deep green foliage. Once they're established, these plants are tolerant of drought. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, this variety grows 2 to 3 feet in height.
2004 is a banner year for the purple coneflowers. 'Doubledecker' is another outstanding variety. The twin flowers have two layers of petals, one atop the dark center and the second surrounding the cone. Be aware that this double layered effect may not show up completely until the second year. In some instances, a bloom may even be fully double. What a treat! The upright plants have a clumping growth habit. Reaching about 2 to 3 feet tall, it is drought tolerant.
For 2004 Renee's Garden ((http://www.reneesgarden.com)) is offering several new herb varieties, including 'Creamsicle' nasturtiums. Held well above the foliage, these soft orange blossoms add gentle color to containers They're such a wonderful addition to the color palette, for most nasturtiums are best-suited to hot color gardens The deep crimson throats add a hint of accent.
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