Introductions

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’
The Chicagoland Grows Plant Introduction program has released Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy.’ This delightful plant arose as an open-pollinated seedling found in 2003 among the betonies under evaluation by Richard Hawke at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The selection forms a tight foliar mound, 12 inches tall by 21 inches wide. The attractive bicolored light and dark pink flowers are prominently displayed on 12-inch upright inflorescences against the backdrop of deep olive-green foliage. The plant maintains good health and a quality habit all summer. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. This selection can be vegetatively propagated by cuttings or division year-around. It’s available this winter from Chicagoland Grows licensees.

For more: www.chicagobotanic.org.

Phlox paniculata ‘Party Punch’
‘Party Punch’ from Plants Nouveau is a sturdy, compact summer phlox, growing less than 3 feet tall. The pinkish-orange flowers keep coming from early June to late August. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. It grows best in full sun and a moist, well-drained soil. It’s resistant to powdery mildew.

For more: www.plantsnouveau.com.

Euphorbia × martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’
Skagit Gardens offers Euphorbia × martini ‘Ascot Rainbow,’ a selection with unique color during all seasons. Leaves are a bold blend of sage green, gold and lime, tinged with rose in cool weather. From March to May, gold and green tubular flowers held on reddish stems echo the foliage color. Compact, and slightly spreading, this evergreen is very heat and drought tolerant. It was introduced by PlantHaven. It grows to 20 inches high with an equal spread. ‘Ascot Rainbow’ grows best in well-drained soil in full sun. It’s eminently suitable for containers, borders and xeriscapes.

For more: www.skagitgardens.com.
 

Sedum × ‘Thundercloud’
Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Inc. has introduced Sedum × ‘Thundercloud’ PPAF. It’s a hybrid sedum with extremely pointed grey green foliage. Plants emerge in spring in tight dome-shaped mounds. In September, the plants bloom white. The short clumping plants only reach about 1 foot tall and wide. It prefers a well-drained soil in full sun. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and can be planted in spring, summer or fall.

For more: www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com.

Send your plant introductions to:
Kelli Rodda
Nursery Management & Production,
801 Cherry St., Suite 960, Unit 2
Fort Worth, TX 76102
E-MAIL: krodda@gie.net