Today I will describe four of the 10 new flowers that have received awards from All-America Selections, the nonprofit testing organization with test gardens throughout North America. The others will be described next week. All four are hardy enough to be planted by early April since they are tolerant to temperatures down to about 26 degrees.
Perhaps the most outstanding is a new hybrid between two different species of dianthus. Dianthus Capitan Magnifico is a two-tone pink and white beauty which blooms from spring until late fall with a minimum of deadheading. Two inch double petaled dianthus flowers resemble mini carnations. Plants grow about 18 inches tall with stems suitable for cutting. Once the blossoms start to fade, simply shear them off for a repeat bloom. Vigorous plants are full and dense, producing a ton of flowers repeatedly throughout hot summer weather. Capitan Magnifico survives the winter in our climate. Available to purchase as plants only, not from seed.
Snapdragon Double Shot Yellow Red Heart is a bicolor light yellow with deep red at the base of the petals. Quite a striking combination. It grows about 18 inches high with spikes suitable for cutting. Vigorous hybrid plants bloom repeatedly throughout summer heat and into the fall. Flowers have a sweet candy-like fragrance. It grows in full to partial sun. Available from plants or seed.
Two new petunias have received awards. Petunia Shake Raspberry has the coloration of a blended raspberry milkshake swirled with lemon-lime green sorbet. Quite a unique combination of colors. Two inch flowers on 5 to 8 inch mounded plants are notably shorter than most petunias. Suitable for hanging baskets and other containers as well as landscape plantings. Blooms continuously from spring until fall with no need for dead-heading spent blooms. Available from seed or started plants.
Petunia Dekko Maxx Pink has delicate but vibrant clear light pink, nonfading flowers. Fast, compact spreading plant growth is literally covered with flowers. Plants hold up extremely well to heavy rains and inclement weather throughout the season. Dekko’s versatile habit works well in garden beds, borders and landscape installations. Also suitable for hanging baskets and other containers. Blooms continuously from spring until fall with no need for dead-heading spent blooms. Available from plants only, not seed.
New award winners are usually only available from internet and mail order sources in the first year.
