Benary has come out with a good-looking series of pentas, available in pink, red, white, and purple. Having said that, there are many other good-looking series out there already including Benary’s own Graffiti series. The reason I am impressed with this series is that it bucks the trend of the last 10 years: making everything short and compact! This group of plants makes no apologies for being taller and bolder growing than other series. Given its strong stems, the height should not be a maintenance issue at retail or in the ground. Not everything needs to be short and compact, and kudos to Benary for bringing this to the marketplace. All photos: Robin Siktberg

This is simply a cool, must-have collection. What is not to love about hens and chicks? They are quick to finish, especially in the pot size recommended for this program. They need little light but will tolerate full sun, and they require very little water. Hens and chicks have been with us forever, but the plant wrap really makes the program. At retail, they will be a wonderful impulse item and have the potential to fly off the shelf. As a plant for the kitchen window sill or the table on the deck, they are perfect. This is all about the program, not the plant, but the selection of Sempervivum is excellent. An eyecatcher and potential winner!

I have always enjoyed agapanthus and have come to view them as a marvelously tough crop for the landscape. They are always in shades of purple and white; I have never seen an agapanthus in any other color -- until today. If you are looking for a unique plant that is excellent in containers, this one may well fit the bill. It is only winter hardy to Zone 8, but it can be a free flowering plant all summer, regardless of its winter rating. A breakthrough color, this will do well.

The Whopper series of begonia has been a mainstay in begonias for many years. The flower and foliage combinations that Benary has provided has made landscapers and retailers happy for years. Yet this new introduction is as good as any of the Whoppers we have seen in the past. The large glossy chocolate-brown leaves simply glow, and the deep lipstick-red flowers complement the foliage. This is a good-looking plant, and I expect to see it do very well next season.