Backyard escapes trending as plants and flowers tweaked for climate change

When featuring indoor living, designers used tropical plants that had taken a turn toward the unusual. Traditional tropicals had given way to crazy colours. Any plant with an unusual leaf form or variegation was front and centre. Speckled, splashed or spotted foliage was definitely in. Many of today’s sophisticated millennials are experienced indoor gardeners, and they have an eye for plants that connect to their lifestyles. They love discovering new, unique plants and having the bragging rights of being the first to own one of these new, amazing varieties. This is a good thing.

Proven Winners has developed a new line of plants that can be sold in unique glass containers filled with just water for a more contemporary look. They have captured the essence of this trend and are trying to create a distribution system across the U.S., and Canada is on their radar. I also noticed that many plant suppliers, mostly from Florida, are now able to provide more of these newbies.

Thanks to new breeding techniques, traditional heat-lovers, like SuperCal, petunias, scaevolas and vinca major, have been given an expanded colour range, blossom size and plant forms. They are also now versatile enough to be used in containers and hanging baskets, as well as ground plantings. Until now, Soiree, one of the superstars, had never garnered the attention it deserved, but that has changed. Improved blossom size, colour range and plant habits are making a big difference. Now growers, retailers, landscapers and park and garden designers need to showcase all these spectacular new varieties.

Cupheas, which have mainly been used to attract hummingbirds, are now creating that wow factor when used as great focal points. Mandevilleas, too, have exploded in plant forms, blossom size and colour range, thanks to new breeding programs. They need heat to thrive, and they really deliver when it comes to easy care and great beauty.

Keep watching for these many new and improved varieties next year. Incorporate them into your garden plantings — I think you will be surprised and delighted.

After the severe cold of last winter, we are all on the lookout for hardier plants, especially perennials. It was great to find a new source of echeverias at the show. European breeders have developed an echeveria series that is Zone 5 hardy, which means it is one zone hardier than traditional varieties, and it will overwinter far more successfully the very first year. Perhaps they don’t have the widest colour range, but they still offer great beauty and resilience.

There’s also a continuing love affair with hydrangeas. I’m not sure why this one plant family has created such interest, but the breeding involved is producing some truly great plants. The macrophyllas, in particular, are now hardier and more heat and drought tolerant. Some spectacular new colours and standout bicolours have been developed, and there are even some new hydrangeas available in designer colours and pastel shades blended with green. Monrovia Nursery in California and Oregon have some of the newest and most beautiful varieties, such as the Seaside Series which repeat blooms for a much longer season.

Lots of new grass varieties have been developed as well. A nursery in Washington has introduced a white and green variegated Japanese forest grass which will make a nice addition to the mostly gold and green selections.

Technological innovations for more efficient propagation, better ways to both heat and cool greenhouses, robotics and mechanization have always been part of this horticultural show, and they are the key to this industry’s success now and in the future.

Several local B.C. nurseries were at the show and were also featuring the introduction of many new plants. It was great to see that our young industry leaders are among the best in North America.

The horticultural industry is moving in so many good directions, and it is also wonderful to see a new generation of gardeners join our ranks, ready to tackle climate change and invest in an environment that needs lots of attention.