2024 California Spring Trials preview: Hishtil

2024 California Spring Trials (CAST) stop includes Cohen Propagation Nurseries, Hishtil, Jaldety Nursery, Prudac and Nir Nursery. Suncrest Nurseries, 400 Casserly Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. To register, email Susan Liou at Susan.Liou@globalplantsource.com.

For more information: hishtil.com

Lavandula angustifolia BeeZee: A new hardy, compact and exciting series with similar characteristics and masses of flowers that will attract and keep the bees busy during the long flowering season. (Includes Dark Blue, Light Blue, Pink and White.)

Scabiosa incisa 'Kudo Blue': A magnet for bees and butterflies and ideal for beds, patio containers and borders, this hardy perennial offers a long season of color, with delicate lavender blue blooms adorning the plant from June to October. Its beauty doesn't end with summer — ‘Kudo Blue’ transitions into lovely seedheads for added winter interest as autumn arrives.

Ziziphora clinopodioides 'High Mountain Mint': Native to high mountain regions stretching from northern Israel to Mongolia, this plant is a valuable addition to the Durabelo series, known for its resilience against dry conditions and extreme cold. During the summer months, High Mountain Mint features delicate white and pink blossoms. Hishtil says that its medicinal properties include natural antibacterial effects, making it a valuable tool for extending the shelf life of products and preventing mold growth. In Turkey and Iran, it has a rich tradition of being used for its aromatic qualities and as a flavor enhancer for yogurt.

Thymus mastichina Compact 'PomPom': Native to Spain and Portugal, this plant boasts broad and distinctive leaves. During the summer, it bursts into elegant white pom-pom shaped flowers. 'PomPom' is part of the Double Marvel Series, suitable for both ornamental display and culinary uses. The Compact 'PomPom' enjoys immense popularity among a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Roman Beauty': Gently arching stems are adorned with fragrant foliage, creating a gracefully cascading mound of lush greenery. In spring and early summer, it surprises with rich blue flowers. This rosemary is an excellent choice to enrich any border or herb garden. Its easily harvested foliage will enhance the flavors of various dishes.

Double Marvel Series: Innovative dual-use ornamental herbs that enhance outdoor spaces while tantalizing the senses and maximizing well-being. Eye-catching blossoms and foliage, such as Thymus spp. 'Ruby Glow' and Salvia officinalis 'Snowflake'. Diverse cultivars like Hishtil's GrowFlow line for fences, walls and hanging baskets, along with structured herbs like Rosmarinus officinalis 'Barbecue'. Focuses on the role of ornamental herbs in attracting pollinators and the importance of environmental guardianship.