City Lights Compact Sunny Yellow caught my attention right away because the contrast was so strong. The rich yellow blooms stood out beautifully against the dark leaves, and the overall look felt bold, clean, and easy to notice. I also liked that the series seems well suited for containers, with a more compact, well-branched habit and added pollinator appeal. Sunny Yellow was the color that stood out most to me, but the series also includes Magenta and Scarlet, which gives it even more flexibility as a program. Overall, this felt like a very marketable dahlia series with strong color and strong presentation. All photos: Robin Siktberg

My eyes darted right to this one as soon as I walked into the display room. It was easily one of the most striking foliage plants I saw, and honestly one of the prettiest coleus varieties I’ve seen in a long time. The chartreuse and deep burgundy patterning gave it an almost electric look, and the large foliage made the contrast even more dramatic. It feels like the kind of plant that could instantly elevate large pots, beds, and landscape plantings. Overall, this one stood out to me because it was bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore.

This was an easy favorite for me. The ivory fruit immediately stood out, and that unusual color made it feel fresh compared to the typical pepper lineup. As the fruit matures, it turns bright yellow and sweetens, which only adds to its appeal. I also liked that it is not just about looks. With early maturity, high yields, and added disease resistance, it feels like a useful introduction for gardeners dealing with late-season issues in peppers and other solanaceous crops. As someone who loves growing vegetables, this was one I could instantly appreciate for both its novelty and its practicality.

Yellow Leopard caught my attention right away because the bloom pattern was so wild and eye-catching. The spotted yellow flowers gave it a really fun look, and it felt like the kind of plant shoppers would pick up on impulse because it is so different. It also looked full and well finished, which adds to its appeal as a premium potted item for early-season sales. Yellow Leopard was my favorite, but the Calynopsis series also includes Ruby+Eye and Red+Yellow Eye 27, giving the line a few different color directions with the same strong novelty appeal.

I really loved this one. The blooms were perfectly rounded and full, with that classic puffball marigold shape, but the pale-yellow color made it feel fresh and unexpected. It had a softer, creamier look than the marigolds you typically see, which gave it a more unique and almost premium feel. The compact size also makes it easy to picture in containers, mixed programs, or garden beds. Overall, this was a standout for me because it offered something familiar in a color I do not see very often.