Introductions

Hydrangea quercifolia
‘Ruby Slippers’ and ‘Munchkin’ are the latest cultivars released by ARS geneticist Sandy Reed with the U.S. National Arboretum’s Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit’s worksite in McMinnville, Tenn. Flowers on ‘Ruby Slippers’ open white but quickly turn pale pink and deepen into rose, while those on ‘Munchkin’ open white and gradually turn medium pink. For more: Sandy Reed, Sandra.Reed@ars.usda.gov; www.usna.usda.gov

Aloe hybrid ‘Sunset’
‘Sunset’ is from renowned breeder Kelly Griffin and available from Rancho Tissue Technologies. It boasts bright red leaf margins that offset deep-green foliage. Works well in outdoor containers. Plants grow to about 1 foot tall and are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. Growers should produce them in high light levels. Water requirements are dry to moderate. For more: www.ranchotissue.com

Fairy Magnolia Blush
Blush is a good choice for hedging, screening, espaliering, topiary and massed plantings. Blush features a compact and bushy growth habit. For more: www.tesselaar.com