Coleus 'Crimson Magic' was one of the most unique foliage plants I saw at Kientzler. The deeply lobed leaves, strong variegation, and rich, red stems gave it a bold, high-contrast look that immediately stood out. I was especially drawn to the yellow coloring, since that is not a shade you see all that often in coleus. The foliage had a lot of detail and movement, which made the plant feel dynamic rather than flat. It struck me as a strong choice for mixed containers, but it also has enough personality to make an impact on its own. Overall, this one stood out because of its unusual color palette and distinct foliage shape.

SuperCal^® Premium Pink Star was the one that stood out most to me at Sakata. The flower color immediately caught my eye, and the blooms looked bright, uniform, and well finished across the plants. I also liked the habit, which was strong, mounded, and vigorous without feeling loose or uneven. It came across as the kind of variety that would make an impact at retail while also offering good performance through changing weather. For me, this one was a standout because both the color and habit felt especially strong.

This was one of the Summer Bees additions that really caught my eye at Dümmen Orange. I loved the yellow-and-red bicolor because it gave the flowers a bright, energetic look that felt especially eye-catching in the display. The large, single blooms made the color pattern easy to see, and the upright habit gave the plant a nice, clean presentation. It felt like a variety with strong retail appeal, but also one that would be useful in patio pots and summer programs. Overall, this was a standout for me because the color combination felt fun, bold, and easy to love.

La Diva Garnet Rouge, a French lavender type, caught my attention because it offered something very different from the lavender look most people expect. The deep garnet-burgundy bloom color gave it a much richer appearance, and the flower shape only made it feel more distinctive. It had a polished, decorative look that felt especially suited for retail, gifting, and patio programs. I also liked that it still carried the familiar lavender identity, but in a way that felt fresh and updated.

Flame Purple caught my attention because of its vivid, bright color and the way the flower clusters really lit up the display. It had a bold look, but the habit still felt clean and well balanced. The upright form gives it a nice garden presence, and it seems like a good fit for combinations as well as summer programs. With first-year flowering and strong garden performance, this felt like a variety that offers more than just color alone.