Dr. A: Plants that Caught My Eye on the Last Day of California Spring Trials
April 7, 2023 
Dahlia ‘Lubega Power Rose Bicolor’
It is hard to believe that we have been on the road for four days at California Spring Trials, seen a ton of fabulous plants, and lived to tell the tales. The vistas, the people, and the plants all came together for an educational week of what’s new, and so many introductions are well worth a second look from all of us.
Begonia Stonehedge Series (Benary)
We have seen many beautiful begonias in our travels, and each one seems better than the last. I have to tell you that this very large (think Begonia hedge) introduction is stunning. With the large chocolate foliage complementing the light pink or rose flowers, these plants make a statement.
Wax Flower (NIR Nursery)
We see a number of off-the-trodden-path type plants, but perhaps Asif and Nitzan Nir from Israel bring some of the most unusual. NIR deals with introduction of Southern hemisphere (mostly Australian) plants, so we seldom see wax flower (Chamelaucium) at trade shows. However, as a cut flower and as a gift plant for the house or patio, wax flower makes a brilliant statement. The flowers persist in the vase and on the plant for weeks and with the ability to obtain clean material, perhaps wax flower is worth a try.
Dahlia ‘Lubega Power Rose Bicolor’ (Benary)
The eye-catching flowers are rose and white bicolored. This plant is the newest in the Lubega series and we were pleased to see it fit so well with the rest of this popular series. With so many plants in the Benary greenhouse this year, this is one that stood out. But really, what in the world is a Lubega; it is hard to imagine a less appealing name for such a beautiful plant.
Erysimum Erysistible Series (Syngenta Flowers)
It is hard not to stay awhile when you come across handsome wall flowers. At Syngenta, I stopped twice. My first stop confirmed that the series called Erysistible were truly beautiful – but so what? We have seen wall flowers below and their lack of landscape performance has been disappointing. However, Har Stemkeens, the breeder, showed me the species involved and vowed they had significantly better heat and cold tolerance than other flashy wall flowers before. When Har speaks, we all listen. Time will tell if Har’s predictions are satisfied, but I, for one, am ready to recommend them to those who are looking for a superior series of wall flowers.
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