New Varieties Guide 2009: Skagit Gardens

Skagit Gardens

This was Skagit Gardens' second year exhibiting at the scenic Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Based in Mt. Vernon, Wash., Skagit produces specialty annuals and perennials. The company also breeds and selects innovative varieties, including Big Bang coreopsis bred by Darell Probst, Cone-fection double echinaceas by Arie Blom and Commotion gaillardias bred by John Dixon. Skagit Gardens is a partner propagator for many of PlantHaven's introductions, too.

The company has added more than 100 new perennials to its catalog. The dianthus Scent First series produces large, double and semi-double carnation flowers with fragrant perfume.

Tender grasses, like Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise,' is another category generating interest. New annuals include fuchsias and Ecke Ranch's Flower Fields. Specialty seedling varieties include acalypha, centradenia, solenopsis and talinum. Hot new cupheas include 'Magenta Border' and 'Southern Border.'

INTRODUCTIONS
- Brunnera 'Mr. Morse'
- Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise'
- Caryopteris 'Hint of Gold'
- Centaurea 'Amethyst Dream'
- Chasmanthum 'River Mist'
- Coreopsis 'Sienna Sunset,' 'Cosmic Eye' and 'Galaxy'
- Cupheas 'Magenta Border' and 'Southern Border'
- Echinaceas 'Hot Papaya' and 'Milkshake'
- Euphorbias 'Ruby Glow' and 'Ascot Rainbow'
- Flame phlox series
- Scent First dianthus series
- Sensation salvia series