Day Three of California Spring Trials 2026 kept the momentum going with another packed day in Santa Barbara, CA. After starting at Benary, we continued on to displays from PlantHaven, Global Plant Source, Suntory Flowers, Plant Development Services, Inc., Pacific Plug & Liner, and Walters Gardens. The mix offered plenty of noteworthy introductions, with everything from strong foliage and unique textures to colorful varieties with solid market appeal. Check out the slideshow to learn more about a few of the plants that stood out to me most on day three of CAST.
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Hemerocallis DayScape™ Daylily series (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
This series stood out because it paired bold flower color with the kind of toughness that really matters in the garden. One of the biggest selling points is its rust resistance, which immediately makes it feel like a more dependable option for growers, retailers, and gardeners alike. The flowers also had strong visual appeal, with rich colors, patterned eyes, and ruffled edges that gave the series a more decorative look than a standard daylily. Overall, this felt like a strong series because it balanced beauty and performance really well.
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Isolepis cernua ‘Iggy’ (Benary)
This was one of the more subtle plants that caught my attention at Benary, but that is exactly what made it interesting. Instead of relying on big blooms or bright color, ‘Iggy’ stood out for its texture and movement. The fine green stems and tiny beige-white spikelets gave it a soft, airy look with an almost fountain-like effect. Even in a simple container, it had presence. For me, this was a nice reminder that not every standout at CAST has to be flower-driven.
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Lewisia ‘Sunset Glow’ (Pacific Plug & Liner)
This was another plant that caught my attention right away because of the color. The blooms had a vivid coral-red tone that felt bright and cheerful, and the clusters made the plant look full and well finished. What I liked most is that it feels especially well suited for tabletop use. It has a compact, giftable look that makes it easy to picture in small decorative pots, spring displays, or impulse-purchase programs. Even though it is small in scale, the flower color gives it a lot of impact. For me, this one stood out because it paired strong color with a neat, polished habit that feels perfect for a cute tabletop plant.
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Carex ‘Lunar Falls’ (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
This one stood out to me because the foliage had such a cool, cascading look. The mostly white leaf color with the narrow green center stripe gave it a bright, clean appearance, and the arching habit made it feel soft and flowing rather than stiff. It struck me as the kind of plant that could bring a lot of texture and contrast to combinations, baskets, or shaded container programs, while still looking polished on its own. Even without flowers, it had real presence. For me, this was a standout because it showed how strong foliage alone can be when the form and color are this distinctive.
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Cercis canadensis Garden Gems® Amethyst Redbud (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
This was a strong final standout for me because it takes the familiar appeal of a redbud and makes it work for smaller spaces. The vivid spring flowers gave it plenty of color, but the compact habit is what really makes it feel practical for today’s gardens and patio containers. I also liked that it keeps the interest going with burgundy foliage after bloom, so it does not feel like a one-season plant. Overall, it struck me as a very marketable tree with both ornamental appeal and a more manageable size.
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Hemerocallis DayScape™ Daylily series (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
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Isolepis cernua ‘Iggy’ (Benary)
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Lewisia ‘Sunset Glow’ (Pacific Plug & Liner)
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Carex ‘Lunar Falls’ (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
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Cercis canadensis Garden Gems® Amethyst Redbud (Plant Development Services/Southern Living Plant Collection)
