Strike Up the Band: The New Plants Are Coming (Part 2)
June 25, 2025 Last month, I encouraged everyone to try a few standout plants from the 2025 California Spring Trials (CAST). Naturally, what catches my eye might not have the same effect on you, however, we’re usually on the same page especially when it comes to plants — so I’ve put together another short list of Armitage-approved favorites.
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Begonia iCandy Series (Syngenta Flowers)
Begonia iCandy Series (Syngenta Flowers). | Dr. Allan Armitage
If every breeder seems to have a petunia on display, every other breeder is also concentrating on bringing new begonias to the market. The begonia market just keeps getting stronger, and this year’s offerings at CAST were no exception.
At Syngenta Flowers, people were agog at their new iCandy series; a collection that’s poised to solidify the company’s position in the large-flowered begonia space. The colors are striking across the board, but I was especially drawn to iCandy Inferno. As always, the products at Syngenta were outstanding, but none more than this series.
Dahlia Summer Bees Series (Dümmen Orange)
Dahlia Summer Bees Series (Dümmen Orange). | Dr. Allan Armitage
Dahlias, dahlias, and more dahlias, each one seemingly more beautiful than the one before. When we first arrived at the Dümmen Orange facility at 2025 CAST, crowds of people were ogling over these new plant introductions.
The double-flowered forms have been front and center in many programs; however, in the last few years, we have seen more singles. This series includes extraordinary color combinations, such as ‘Purple Bicolor’ and ‘Pink Bicolor’ whose bright yellow centers and vibrant colors are sure to stand out on the bench and in the garden.
Lavandula ‘La Diva Berry Rose’ (Dümmen Orange)
Lavandula ‘La Diva Berry Rose’ (Dümmen Orange). | Dr. Allan Armitage
Interest in herbs continues to grow each year, especially for new and improved lavenders. English, French, and common lavender are all on the menu, but the most popular of all has become the Spanish lavender. They are the most ornamental, if not the most weather tolerant – and they surely capture the imagination.
Of the many we saw, I kept returning to ‘La Diva Berry Rose’ with its soft pink color and noticeably “rabbit ears”. It may not be the boldest lavender in color, but its distinctive appearance is enough to carve out a niche in the ever-expanding lavender market.
Pentas ‘Graffiti Falls’ (Benary)
Pentas ‘Graffiti Falls’ (Benary). | Dr. Allan Armitage
Pentas has captured a significant piece of the hot, humid xeriscape market. These upright, vibrant, and durable plants thrive where others struggle, making them a go-to choice for tough conditions.
But as I passed by ‘Graffiti Falls’, I noticed something quite different compared to others I had seen. It was not the flower color but rather the flower stems. They literally grew downwards — they did not fall or drop down like most other pendulous plants; the stems bent over the container.
Whether the plant is flashy enough to catch the imagination of retailers and consumers is to be seen, but I loved the genetic breakthrough that ensures the plant will be a standout candidate for containers and hanging baskets alike.
Petunia ‘Amazonas Plum Cockatoo’ (Danziger)
Petunia ‘Amazonas Plum Cockatoo’ (Danziger). | Dr. Allan Armitage
It goes without saying that there are copious numbers of petunias on display at CAST. Most companies breed, grow, and bring new colors or forms every year. Given that scenario, it is difficult to imagine that I would want to write about a petunia, marvelous as its story may be.
However, there we were wandering about the Danziger displays of colorful and outstanding varieties of annuals when I stopped, walked back, and found myself staring at a petunia! When you look at the photo, you will agree that ‘Amazonas Plum Cockatoo’ is unique, and on a bench full of petunias, will be able to stand out.
Phlox Candy Cloud Series (Darwin Perennials)
Phlox Candy Cloud Series (Darwin Perennials). | Dr. Allan Armitage
The genus Phlox has something for everyone — whether it’s low-growing sun lovers like moss phlox (P. subulata) or shade-tolerant natives such as woodland phlox (P. divaricata). So, when I see a new phlox being displayed, I pay close attention. The Candy Cloud Series appears to have several species in its bloodline, and woodland phlox is obviously one of them. Candy Cloud brings together bright color, vigorous growth, and shade tolerance — all excellent traits for marketing to landscapers and home gardeners.
I managed to snag a few plants for my garden, and so far, they’re performing well. I have high hopes that this will be a mainstay for the garden center and landscape trade.
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