Monrovia is working with noted plant breeders Charles and Martha Oliver on introducing new varieties of coral bells, and their expertise shows in this new collection for 2008. Heuchera x 'Moonlight' (left) has purple foliage frosted with silver, and pale green individual blooms that are said to be the largest of any Heuchera now in trade.
The Olivers own the Primrose Path Nursery in Scottdale, PA, near Pittsburgh, and have introduced more than 80 new perennials in all, including heuchera, heucherella, primrose, phlox, tiarella, and others. They are the authors of Heuchera, Tiarella and Heucherella: A Gardener's Guide (Batsford, 2006).
I also particularly liked the image of Heuchera x 'Rose Majestic,' which has large deep pink flowers on 26-inch stems. It blooms from late spring to early summer, and would certainly be striking with dark green companions.
Two other new heucheras are 'Crystal Spires' with purple-green leaves and creamy white blooms -- and 'Caroline,' a medium-sized perennial with silver and purple foliage and creamy white flowers that emerge from purple buds.
According to Monrovia, the Olivers collect native coral bells in the wild and then cross breed them to get specific traits. The latest four look like they'll be very useful in planting designs.
(images: Monrovia)
Monrovia is also introducing three new cold-hardy Hibiscus that will withstand temperatures down to minus 30 degrees F, suitable for zones 4-9.
Hibiscus moscheutos 'David Fleming,' (left) has ruby-red flowers and anthers of bright yellow, strong upright stems and a rounded habit. It is one of the so-called 'Flemings Hybrids' with more disease resistance than others, and able to tolerate drought, wind, and floodingl. The blooms are large -- 10 to 12 inches, but the shrub itself has a compact growth habit, reaching approximately four feet high.
The new 'Stardust' hibiscus (not shown) has bright pink blooms, large flowers, and the foliage is green with purple accents. It also has upright stems and a rounded habit.
Finally, 'Strawberries and Cream'
This hibiscus has bi-colored flowers, brilliant pink with a red center, and the pink fades through the season to a very light color. The four-inch shiny leaves are lance-shaped and lay flat on the plant, giving it a somewhat unusual appearance.
These three new hibiscus will allow gardeners farther north to try out the species and perhaps prompt others to try them again, since these may look less ratty if they can withstand disease and harsh conditions.
(images: Monrovia)
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