Ever Red Sunset™ Fringe Flower
(Loropetalum chinense 'Chang Nian Hong)
I've never grown a loropetalum, one reason being I never really liked the size and the often rangy habit. However, here's a new one from Monrovia that I would definitely consider. Deep, true red flowers that are said to bloom profusely late winter to early spring, with occasional re-blooms throughout the year. The chocolate foliage is a wonderful contrast, and bests of all, it only gets six feet tall and wide. Zone 7-9, evergreen, moderate growth rate. And hey, if Dr. Michael Dirr likes it, shouldn't we all?
Lavender Twist™ Redbud
(Cercis canadensis 'Covey')
There's always room for another redbud, and this one is unique because of its slightly twisted weeping branches. Rosy pink flowers, slow growing, and perfect for small gardens and probably containers, too. This redbud is a small one, 5 to 6 feet tall, 6 to 8 feet wide. Full sun, zones 5-9. This tree was discovered by nurseryman Tim Brotzman, who noticed it in a friend's garden in northern Ohio. (And don't we all wish we'd have the same luck?)
Magical® Green Fountain Smoke Bush
(Cotinus coggygria 'Kolcot')
This is another small garden candidate ... a compact smokebush from the Netherlands just 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Flowers are dramatic, extra long blooming brownish-pink,and the green foliage has a slightly purple tinge. Leaves are golden yellow in fall. Touted as a great accent plant or specimen, great for patio containers, too. Zone 4-8, full sun.
And last but not least, the two brilliant red crape myrtles you read about here (Pushing the Crape Myrtle Envelope) back in 2005 are now in production and will be available this coming spring in a nursery near you.
More on other new Monrovia plants soon. And check their website for nurseries that carry these plants.
(images: Monrovia)
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