In the Pipeline -- New Plants for 2011 and Beyond

So most of us are at least somewhat interested in trying a new plant or two this spring or summer... my last four posts here have highlighted several new varieties that will be available in 2010. But what about the new plants that are in the pipeline to be released in 2011 and beyond? Here's a few sneak peaks to whet your appetite.

One of my favourite stops while visiting Holland, was the nursery of Marco van Noort, an incredible plantsman, and breeder of the popular Geranium 'Jolly Bee'. The genus Geranium is a specialty of his, but it appears as though he is branching into Echinacea as well. Here are some seedlings pictured on his website:








Also check out this video of plants that he is releasing in 2010-11.



I am very impressed with these, and knowing his standards in breeding and selection, they are bound to be good varieties. My best guess is that they will likely make it North American in 2011-12.

I can recall my last visit to his nursery and seeing a very small batch of near-red Geranium cinereum -- it looks like 'Memories' or 'Signal' are the result of that work -- beautiful!

Here's one that he describes as the largest-flower ever. The variety 'Dragon Heart' (also a superb plant) is on the left for comparison.


Spring is just around the corner! A few more weeks my friends.

Here's to, at least dreaming of, dirt under your nails.

MPD, coolplantsguy

All Those New Echinacea (Coneflowers)

I know they've been all the rage for the last few years, ever since the Chicagoland Grows breeding program came out with Orange Meadowbrite. And then some Dutchman discovered the interesting double form eventually named 'Razzmatazz'. Since then, we've got the Big Sky(TM) series, the Conefections(TM) series, a couple more in the Meadowbrite series, and several more from Terra Nova.

Desipte all the hubris, my favourites remain 'Kim's Knee High', an outstanding relatively dwarf form with excellent branching, flower production and petal colour. Introduced by Niche Gardens and named for its founder Kim Hawks.













Also a favourite of mine, is the relativley new 'Green Envy', with unique green petals that eventually fade to a light pink. Some propagators have said this detracts from the plant, and have therefore been promoting another called 'Green Jewel' as one than has petals that remain green all the time. I disagree, and feel that the green petals of 'Green Envy' turning to pink are actually more unique and interesting than those that remain green.

In any case, all Echinacea (Coneflowers) are easy to grow in full sun and relatively drought tolerant once established. They do tend to self-seed a little bit, which makes the introduction of all these new hybrids into the garden, somewhat interesting.

For what's it worth, here's an interesting semi-double I found in our nursery the other day.












Here's to dirt under your nails.

MPD