Dr. Allan Armitage Highlights His Favorite Varieties From Dümmen Orange At California Spring Trials

From the explosive color of a new verbena, to the vigor of an upright veronica, there’s a lot to like from Dümmen’s new introductions this year. Here are some of my favorites:

 

Advertisement
[blackoutgallery id=”129712″]

Geranium Brocade series

I have always been impressed with Dümmen’s geranium breeding, but the Brocade series simply stands out. I particularly like ‘Salmon Night’ and ‘Cherry Night.’ The Brocades produce great flowers, but the selling point is the foliage. With thin green margins around deep-purple centers, outstanding displays at retail and excellent performance can be expected.

Verbena Wicked series

Top Articles
Why This Hydrangea From Green Fuse Botanicals Is a Gamechanger (Video)

Here is another eye-catching group of spectacular plants from Dümmen Orange. I am enamored with ‘Wicked Red’ and ‘Wicked Mad Magenta,’ but the other colors in the series may be more popular. The flower patterns allow explosive color, but they also can play well with others in mixed containers. I did not see many people walking past the Wickeds without a second look.

Impatiens Sun Standing series

This series was  introduced last year, but it should be a worthy addition to the sun-loving New Guinea impatiens stable. It includes a good number of colors and some marketing support, as well. The sun-loving impatiens have done very well in the marketplace;, this series should do the same.

Veronica ‘First Choice’

I am a sucker for a good upright veronica, and while there have been a few good blues and whites in recent years, I have not been impressed with the pinks. ‘First Choice’ really caught my eye because of its compact but vigorous habit and upright, beautifully formed flowers. I am recommending this one to any and all perennial growers who ask me what looks good.

Perennial Combinations

A few companies have picked up the perennial combo challenge. The success of annual and even veggie combos are legion, but perennial combos require a different book of plant knowledge and creativity. Zoltan Kovacs at Dümmen Orange has put together some excellent combinations using simple but effective plants like salvia, coreopsis, shasta daisies, and gaillardia. Using this relatively small group, a number of arresting combinations were on display. The color is there, the habit is excellent, and consumers are ready.

0