Introductions

Iberis Absolutely Amethyst
Iberis Absolutely Amethyst from Proven Winners is a completely new color. Plants flower in late April to May. It grows 10-12 inches tall and 10-14 inches wide. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4.

For more: Proven Winners, (877) 865-5818; www.provenwinners.com

Ipomoea 'Persian Star'
Ipomoea purpurea 'Persian Star' from Thompson & Morgan is a vigorous climber reaching 6½ feet. It produces large 4-inch-diameter, faint blue blush flowers with a distinct darker blue star.

For more: Thompson & Morgan, telephone 011 (44) 1473-695200; www.thompson-morgan.com.

Excoecaria 'Jungle Fire'
Excoecaria 'Jungle Fire' from ForemostCo Inc. has a striking glossy leaf color with cream/green on the upper side and deep purple on the underside. Plants have a strong spreading structure and tight growth habit. This moderately aggressive growing plant can be used in baskets, combination planters or as a garden annual. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 10.

For more: ForemostCo. Inc., (800) 421-8986; www.foremostco.com

Centradenia 'Blushing Cascade'
Centradenia × inaequalateralis 'Blushing Cascade' from Athena Brazil has shell-pink flowers that contrast with its bronze-green foliage. The foliage turns red under high light. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for baskets or as a replacement for ipomoea and vinca in combo pots.

For more: Athena Brazil, (941) 650-1155; www.athenabrazil.com

Phlox Early Start
Plants in the Early Start series from Pacific Plug & Liner are most notable for their ability to flower four to six weeks earlier than traditional paniculata type phlox. Bred by Bartels Stek, varieties include Pink, Light Pink and Velvet. The series offers a compact plant with flowers that reach 8-12 inches tall while in the container. Early Start plants look similar to other paniculata phlox, but with smaller and more abundant blooms. The plants are densely branched and put on an impressive show of color April through July.

For more: Pacific Plug & Liner, (831) 722-5396; www.ppandl.com

Begonia Beaucoup Red
As its name implies, Beaucoup Red begonia from Green Fuse Botanicals is very free flowering. Its flexible stems make shipping a breeze. Red flowers abound on this plant. It can be used in containers and baskets to provide abundant color all summer long.

For more: Green Fuse Botanicals, (800) 422-4678; www.green-fuse.com