It's time to unleash your inner gardener and start planning those container gardens! February might seem early, but trust me, the gardening world is already buzzing with excitement. While you might be tempted to wait until spring, garden centers across Manitoba are already brimming with pre-rooted seedlings and seeds, gearing up for the upcoming season. And here's the surprising part: retailers are placing orders for spring plants as early as July to meet the growing demand for unique and exciting varieties. But before you get swept away by the vibrant displays, take a moment to reflect on last year's successes and failures. Which plants thrived in your garden, especially during those scorching summer days? This reflection will be your secret weapon for making informed choices this season.
Duayne Friesen, a sales representative for Ball Seed, North America’s leading wholesale horticultural distributor, has the inside scoop on the hottest new annuals hitting garden centers this spring. Friesen, who also trials new plants in his Winnipeg garden, shared some truly remarkable finds with me. Get ready to be inspired!
New Pansies Steal the Show: Say goodbye to the Cool Wave Pansy and hello to the Top Wave Pansy Series from PanAmerican Seed. These pansies boast 25% larger flowers that cascade all the way down to the crown, creating a stunning display. Imagine vibrant pink shades ranging from delicate pastels to deep blushes, all with a striking dark center blotch. While not ideal for landscapes, these pansies are perfect for containers and baskets, adding a burst of color to your outdoor space. Friesen assures us that once acclimatized, they can withstand the outdoors from April onwards, continuously blooming throughout the season.
Coleus Sweet Paprika: A Sun-Kissed Beauty: Prepare to be captivated by the Coleus Sweet Paprika from PanAmerican Seed's Premium Sun Coleus Collection. This sun-loving plant boasts deep red-wine leaves with a hint of orange, but only if it gets its fair share of sunshine. Its compact form, reaching around 46 centimeters tall, makes it perfect for smaller spaces. And the best part? It's one of the latest flowering varieties in the collection, ensuring a long-lasting display of its stunning foliage.
Dahlias Made Easy: Dahlias are undeniably popular, but starting them from tubers can be daunting. Enter Dahlia Venti PinkBurst and Dahlia Venti FireBurst, early-flowering dahlias ready for spring planting in containers. These double-flowered anemone-type dahlias from Selecta boast showy centers and are powdery mildew-resistant, making them a low-maintenance choice. PinkBurst, a Retailer’s Choice award winner, features delicate pink petals, while FireBurst steals the show with its vibrant red petals and a dominant yellow crest. Both varieties grow to a manageable 46 cm, making them perfect for containers.
Angelonia: The Heat-Loving Hero: Remember last summer's scorching temperatures? While some annuals wilted under the heat, Angelonia thrived. This 20-year-old plant is gaining popularity for its ability to withstand hot, dry conditions with minimal care. The Guardian Angel series, the newest and tallest variety, features stunning pink blooms with glossy dark-green leaves on 46-cm-tall stems. It's the perfect centerpiece for your planter, adding height and drama.
Petunias Galore: Petunia lovers, rejoice! This year brings exciting new varieties like the Easy Wave Pink Pearl from PanAmerican Seed. Its soft pink flowers with violet-rose veining are simply breathtaking. For a more mounded, trailing option, consider the Headliner Crystal Pink, a top seller known for its abundance of flowers and season-long performance.
Mystical Salvias and Zinnia Elegance: For something truly unique, explore the Mystical Salvia series. These salvias feature narrow flower spikes in blue or white, with stems reaching 30-46 cm tall. While Salvia Mystical Blue is lovely, Salvia Mystical White steals the show with its crisp, clean white flowers that stand out from the typical 'dirty white' salvias. And who can resist the charm of zinnias? The Zinnia Elegant Hot Mixture from PanAmerican Seed offers a dwarf variety with big, double-crested flowers in a vibrant blend of pink, orange, scarlet, and rose. Easy to grow and stunning in containers or directly in the ground, these zinnias are sure to impress.
Calibrachoa and Sweet Potato Vine: Proven Winners' Superbells Magic Double Grapefruit calibrachoa is a must-have for baskets or containers. Its trailing habit and abundance of flowers that change from lemon-yellow to pink make it a showstopper. And for a truly unique touch, consider the Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Shadowstorm sweet potato vine. Its heart-shaped, nearly black leaves speckled with green add a touch of drama without taking over your container.
But here's where it gets controversial: With so many new and exciting varieties available, it's easy to get carried away. But remember, sustainability is key. Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions, and consider the environmental impact of your choices. Should we prioritize native plants over exotic varieties, even if they're less showy? Let's discuss in the comments below!
