2018 new varieties: UpShoot, LLC

Editor's note: While we're preparing the 2019 New Plant Pavilion, let's revisit some of the plants from the 2018 edition. Check out the whole list here.

Carpinus caroliniana ‘JN Select A’ PPAF Fire King™

Fire King™ is a fast growing, small to medium sized selected native tree that provides multiple seasons of beauty and supports pollinators and wildlife. It will mature to approximately 20’ x 20’ in height and width with a rounded shape. It was selected for its consistent orange-red fall color, fast growth rate, excellent form and branching, superior hardiness (Zone 4, testing in Zone 3) and production capabilities. Selected by Mike Yanny of JN Plant Selections from a crop of 563 seedling whips, most of which were damaged by a severe snowless winter with frozen roots. It was an open winter and frost penetration was extremely deep. 

Gardenia jasminoides ‘Prince Charles’ PPAF

A new gardenia from the breeder of Crown Jewel. Prince Charles is a seedling selection from the open pollination of ‘Chuck Hayes.’ It produces white double flowers which have a typical sweet fragrance along dark green evergreen leaves. It has a globular shape with a compact and mounding growth habit reaching 4’ tall and 5’ wide at full maturity. Unlike other gardenias, it does not abort flower buds to heat stress so it is floriferous, providing recurrent blooms from spring until dormancy. Hardy to Zone 7. 

Ilex x meservae Mademoiselle™ ‘Madez’ PPAF

Ilex is one of those ‘go-to’ foundation or hedge plants. While Mademoiselle also fills that niche in the landscape, it brings with it the extra added benefit of an eye-catching chocolate-merlot new growth which provides another dimension from this workhorse genus. Its flowers support pollinators and berries will provide winter interest and attract and provide food for birds. Additionally, branches can be cut and used for natural holiday decoration. Its upright shape will reach 12-15’ in height and 8-10’ in width but can take ready to shearing in to a variety of shapes. Hardy to Zone 5, prefers full sun. 

For more: upshoothort.com