Gardeners are looking for new plants every year. Here are new flowers and
vegetables that will be featured in 2005 mail order seed catalogs, seed packets or as
bedding plants at garden centers. The varieties are listed alphabetically
by class, with the seed source listed in parentheses after the
description. The designation "R" means a retail seed company from which
gardeners may purchase seed directly by mail order or also in stores that
carry the variety in seed packets. A "W" designation indicates a wholesale
seed company which does not sell directly to home gardeners, but these
varieties should be available in catalogs or as bedding plants at garden
centers next spring. Information on seed companies may be found on the NGB
website
www.ngb.org by clicking on Membership Directory.
FLOWERS
Begonia F1 ‘Braveheart™ Rose Bicolor’ *Begonia
hybrida
It’s "Color that conquers!" This new begonia saturates the garden with
beautiful rose and white blooms in sun or shade. Fills containers and beds
quickly, sets flowers early and keeps flowering all summer long. (S&G
Flowers) W
Begonia F1 ‘Nonstop® Deep Red’ *
Begonia tuberhybrida
The ‘Nonstop’ series goes one color better with the addition of ‘Nonstop
Deep Red.’ It has large 4-inch fully double, deep red flowers on 8- to
10-inch dark green foliage. Ideal for baskets, pots, and garden. (Benary)
W
Begonia F1 ‘Sun Devil Deep Rose’ *
Begonia hybrida
New green-leaf series boasting incredible landscape performance.
Impressive in containers and baskets. Big, bushy plants. Blooms all summer
long! Excellent heat tolerance. Available in 5 colors. (Henry F. Michell
Co.) W
Calendula ‘Radio’ *
Calendula officinalis
Reintroduced heirloom calendula (circa 1930) with quilled petals of pure
shining orange. The 2-foot tall upright plant is an ideal annual for sun
to part-sun gardens and containers or for use as a cut flower. (Select
Seeds) R
Calendula ‘Sunshine Flashback’ *
Calendula officinalis
Long bright yellow petals have a flashy red underside. Blooms are single
and semi-double. The upright plants reach 12-18 inches tall in a sunny
garden. Perfect as a cut flower and in mass plantings. (Nichols Garden
Nursery) R
Campanula ‘Heavenly Blue’ * Campanula rapunculus
Annual flowering campanula with gorgeous light blue star-shaped blooms.
Plants grow 30-36 inches tall with multiple basal branching. Not only
beautiful, it is a great cut flower with a long vase life. (Sakata Seed
America, Inc.) W
Chocolate Flower Berlandiera lyrata
This drought resistant yellow daisy-like flower exudes a rich chocolate
aroma in the morning hours! This native southwest wildflower grows 10-20
inches tall. Full-sun garden, container or basket. (Botanical Interests,
Inc.) R
Chocolate Flower Berlandiera lyrata
An everblooming xeriscape plant native to the Southwest. Its flowers exude
a rich chocolate aroma in the early morning. Dark-eyed yellow daisies
bloom continuously. Prefers full sun, dry conditions and poor soil. (Lake
Valley Seed Co. Inc.) R
Coleus ‘Kong™ Rose’ * Coleus x hybridus
Exciting, huge-leaved coleus series boasts 5 unique colors. ‘Rose’ has a
striking light green leaf with a vibrant rose center. ‘Kong’ keeps a
controlled look in combination plantings. Well-branched and mounded, 14-16
inches tall. (Ball Seed Co.) W
Cosmos ‘Psyche White’ * Cosmos bipinnatus
Lovely semi-double 3-inch blooms of pure white. The 4-foot plants spread 3
feet and require staking. The long stems provide a great cut flower. This
heat tolerant annual prefers full sun. (Select Seeds) R
Dianthus F1 ‘Grace Salmon’ *
Dianthus
chinensis
Double flowered dwarf dianthus combines a compact and branching plant
habit 10 inches tall in full or partial sun garden. Carnation-like flower
buds are early to flower and cover the plants with large flowers all
season. (Hem Zaden-Genetics) W
Dianthus F1 ‘Sundae’ Dianthus chinensis
Large 2-inch flowers with unique color patterns and combinations in their
early and long-lived blooms. This sun loving 8- to 10-inch tall annual has
strong garden performance. Series of 5 colors. (Grimes Seed & Plant Co.) W
Digitalis F1 ‘Camelot™ Rose’ and ‘Lavender’ *
Digitalis purpurea
This first F1 hybrid series offers superior performance in seed quality,
overall appearance, strength, more reliable first-year flowering and heavy
second-year bloom. Height of 3.5 to 4 feet. (Goldsmith Seeds) W
All-America Selections 2005 Flower Award Winner
Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ * Gaillardia aristata
Thriving in hot sun, this 12- to 14-inch tall plant shines in harshest of
locations, blooms early and continues into fall. Bright red centered
3-inch yellow tipped flowers. Will flower the first year. (Benary) W
Geranium F1 ‘Apache Glow’ *
Pelargonium x hortorum
Enjoy glowing violet blooms on vigorous plants 9-11 inches tall 80-90 days
from sowing seed. Performs all season long in sunny containers, garden
beds and mass plantings. (Hem Zaden-Genetics) W
Geranium F1 ‘Black Velvet Scarlet’ *
Pelargonium x hortorum
‘Scarlet’ has foliage as dark as AAS Winner ‘Black Velvet Rose.’ Flowers
May to October on plants 10 inches tall. Series colors include
Appleblossom, Red, Rose, Salmon, and Formula Mix. (K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.) W
Geranium ‘Bulls Eye Cherry’ *
Pelargonium x hortorum
Provides outstanding display - beautiful fully zoned dark foliage is edged
in light green. Stable, center zoning creates beautiful contrast to
stunning flower colors. Container or mass planting. 14-16 inches tall.
(Ball Seed Co.) W
Geum ‘Red Dragon’ * Geum chiloense
Fully double scarlet 1.5-inch flowers with wavy petals. Mature plant about
23 inches tall. Great improvement over ‘Mrs. Bradshaw.’ Cold and frost
tolerant. Perennial in zones 5-7. For your garden, mass planting and
containers. (K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.) W
Impatiens F1 ‘Advantage™ Mix’ *
Impatiens wallerana
Uniformly compact 8-inch tall plants brighten a shady garden, container,
basket, or mass planting. This heat and rain tolerant series includes 6
well-matched colors: Orange, Red, Blue, Pink, Rose and White. (Bodger
Seeds, Ltd.) W
Impatiens F1 ‘Xtreme™ Mix’* Impatiens wallerana
New series in 8 bold colors is a real performer in semi-shady garden or
patio. Plants 8-10 inches tall are covered with big bright flowers all
season. Lavender, Pink, Salmon, Red, Rose, Scarlet, Violet and White.
(Goldsmith Seeds) W
Larkspur ‘Parisian Pink’ * Delphinium consolida
Striking florist-quality spires packed with rich shades of rose-pink
blossoms with a hint of salmon hue. Strong plants have branching 3- to
5-foot stems. Mixes well with other spring flowers in garden or bouquet.
(Renee’s Garden) R
Lavatera ‘Twins Hot Pink’ *
Lavatera trimestris
The 20-inch height with 20-inch spread is the most compact of all
lavateras. Very large 3- to 4-inch hot-pink flowers bloom May until
September in container or garden. Also new is ‘Twins Cool White.’ (Kieft
Seeds Holland) W
Lavender ‘Spanish Eyes’ * Lavandula multifida
This sun loving annual with delightfully fragrant lavender spikes blooms
all summer. Heat tolerant plants 18-24 inches tall and wide are great in
garden or container. Flowers 10-12 weeks from sowing seed. (Kieft Seeds
Holland) W
Marigold F1 ‘Moonstruck™ Yellow’ *
Tagetes erecta
Semi-dwarf marigold variety with blooms so huge you’ll be "moonstruck!"
The round, fully-double blooms are in great abundance on sturdy,
fully-branched plants 12-15 inches tall. Also new is ‘Moonstruck Orange.’
(S&G Flowers) W
Mimulus F1 ‘Maximus Mix’ * Mimulus x hybrida
Outstanding large-flowered variety. With flowers measuring up to 2.75
inches across, ‘Maximus’ can’t be beaten for color impact. Plants are 9.5
to 11.5 inches tall. Excellent stress tolerance. Selected to perform in
warmer conditions. (Floranova Ltd.) W
Pansy F1 ‘Atlas™ Needlepoint’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
‘Needlepoint’ is truly elegant! Dark threads of color and rose blushes of
varying degrees highlight pastel yellow shades for a distinctive look.
Early and large-flowered ‘Needlepoint’ grows 6-8 inches tall. Prefers sun
or partial shade. (Bodger Seeds, Ltd.) W
Pansy F1 ‘Chianti Terracotta’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
Never-before-seen colors, unusual patterns, and vigorous long-lasting 8-
to 10-inch plants just made for fall color. Color-drenched 2.5-to 3-inch
blooms have a striped pattern of violet, terracotta, wine-red, and black.
(Geo. W. Park Seed Co.) R
Pansy F1 ‘Magnum™ Yellow Blotch’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
Shorter flower stems on 7.5-inch tall plants resist stretching even at
higher temperatures. Vigorous but compact garden growth gives superb full
flower performance even in extreme conditions of heat, cold, or even low
light. (Floranova Ltd.) W
Pansy F1 ‘Majestic Giants II Sherry’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
Color variation like no other pansy on the market! ‘Sherry’ blooms vary
from light pink, yellow and dark pink. Early extra large 3.5-inch flowers
and a compact 6- to 8-inch tall habit. Free flowering fall through spring.
(Sakata Seed America, Inc.) W
Pansy F1 ‘Nature Blue and Yellow’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
‘Nature’ is a large-flowered pansy and viola cross giving it greater
floriferousness and cold hardiness as well as heat tolerance. The compact
8-inch plants spread 8 inches. Also new is ‘Nature Red and Yellow.’
(American Takii, Inc.) W
Pansy F1 ‘Sun Devil Beaconsfield’ *
Viola x wittrockiana
Great new series with large 3-inch flowers that flower early and resist
stretching. Compact plant habit and uniform color range. Height of 6-8
inches spreading 1 foot. Excellent heat tolerance. Series has 14 colors.
(Henry F. Michell Co.) W
Pentas F1 ‘Graffiti Bright Red’ *
Pentas lanceolata
Nothing outperforms ‘Graffiti’ in a hot sunny location. Bright and
beautiful, the large clusters of star shaped flowers abound above the
foliage. The 8-inch tall plants form mounds of flowers in the garden or
container. (Benary) W
Petunia F1 ‘Avalanche™ Grape’ *
Petunia x hybrida
‘Avalanche’ petunias are very early to flower and have a far superior
habit to other trailing seed petunias. The 6- to 8-inch tall plants spread
24 inches. Iridescent purple with dark eye ‘Grape’ is a unique color. (Bodger
Seeds, Ltd.) W
Petunia F1 ‘Dolce Flambe’ * Petunia x hybrida
A multiflora-type with masses of beautiful 3-inch flowers suffused with
rose, lemon and creamy white on compact 8- to 10-inch plants. Full sun
hanging basket, or mass planting. 56 days from sowing to bloom. (Geo. W.
Park Seed Co.) R
Petunia F1 ‘Dreams Red Picotee’ *
Petunia x
hybrida
Vibrant red 3- to 4-inch blooms with a white picotee edge on
free-flowering, tightly branched plants 10-15 inches tall. Weather
tolerant plants bloom uniformly in sunny garden beds and containers. (PanAmerican
Seed) W
Petunia ‘Easy Wave® Red’ *Petunia
x hybrida
An exciting, important new color addition. The first true red Ride the
Wave® petunia! Flowers open dark red and mature to a soft red. The plant
reaches 8 to 10 inches and spreads 2.5 to 3 feet. (PanAmerican Seed) W
Petunia F1 ‘Sun Devil Mambo Mixture’ *
Petunia multiflora
First naturally dwarf multiflora petunia. Plants 6-8 inches tall with 8-
to 10-inch spread stay compact all season. Large 2- to 3.5-inch flowers
available in 6 colors. Excellent garden performance. (Hem Zaden-Genetics)
W
Phlox ‘Brilliant’ * Phlox drummondii
Reintroduced heirloom annual phlox from 1901 with white to pale pink
flowers with shades of darker pink in the starry centers. Full sun garden
or container. Cold and frost tolerant. 60 days from sowing to bloom.
(Select Seeds) R
Plectranthus ‘Silver Shield’ *
Plectranthus argentatus
Large, silvery-gray leaved plants 24 inches tall and wide offer great
texture for mixed containers and landscapes. Combines beautifully and does
not crowd other varieties. Stress-tolerant and vigorous. (PanAmerican
Seed) W
Rudbeckia ‘Becky Cinnamon Bicolor’ *
Rudbeckia
hirta
Large, 4- to 6-inch blooms on compact plants brighten a sunny garden or
container. ‘Becky’ is also offered in Yellow, Orange, and as a Formula
Mix. Heat and drought tolerant annual is 8-10 inches tall. (American Takii,
Inc.) W
Rudbeckia ‘Maya’ *
Rudbeckia hirta
World’s first dwarf double-flowering rudbeckia has plant height of 18-20
inches. Fully-double flowers abound on this durable summer garden
performer. Strong stems hold bright yellow 3.5- to 4.5-inch blooms
upright. (Benary) W
Salvia ‘Hot Trumpets’ * Salvia roemeriana
Bright red trumpet-shaped flowers on 12-inch spikes are great in a sunny
garden, mass planting and container. The compact plant is 15 inches tall
with a 12-inch spread. A tender perennial in zones 8-11. (Kieft Seeds
Holland) W
Stock ‘Hot Cakes Blue,’ ‘Rose,’ ‘Pink,’ ‘Red,’ ‘White’ *
Matthiola incana
The very fragrant new ‘Hot Cakes’ series of 5 colors is an early flowering
annual with a compact habit. It is suitable for spring and exceptional for
autumn gardens and containers. (K. Sahin, Zaden B.V.) W
Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice Ocean Foam’
Lathyrus odoratus
Navy, mid-blue, light-blue or frothy cream 1- to 2-inch flowers on 5- to
6-foot vines. Heat resistant. Full to part-sun container or basket. Very
fragrant cut flower. (Botanical Interests, Inc.) R
Sweet Pea ‘Villa Roma’
Lathryrus odoratus
The dwarf bushy plants grow about 30 inches high, flower abundantly, and
smell so sweet. Plant them in an old tub or faded window box. The red
color is so stunning nobody will notice the container. (Lake Valley Seed
Co., Inc.) R
Thyme, creeping Thymus serpyllum
This hardy evergreen sprawls in a low, dense green mat that spreads 12-24
inches a year. Produces mint fragrance as you walk on it. Tiny lilac
flowers in mid-summer. Edible herb. Perennial zones 4-9. (Lake Valley Seed
Co., Inc.) R
All-America Selections 2005 Flower Award Winner
Vinca ‘First Kiss Blueberry’ * Catharanthus roseus
The first vinca with violet-blue flowers. The large 2-inch single blooms
have a distinct dark violet eye. Mature plants will reach 11 inches tall
and spread about 16 inches. Heat and drought tolerant. (Benary) W
Vinca F1 ‘Sun Devil eXtreme Orchid with Eye’ *
Catharanthus roseus
Huge 2.5-inch flowers. Extraordinary disease tolerance. Great basal
branching creates full, lush plants 16 inches tall. Incredible garden
performance. Available in 8 colors. (Henry F. Michell Co.) W
Vinca F1 ‘Titan™ Lavender Blue Halo’ *Catharanthus
roseus
Very early flowering, disease tolerant and vigorous. Large, well-branched
plants 14-16 inches tall covered with huge, brightly colored blooms.
Superior performance in hot and dry conditions. Series of 8 colors. (Ball
Seed Co.) W
Vinca F1 ‘Viper Pink’ *
Catharanthus roseus
‘Viper’ has unbeatable landscaping performance, stretching the boundaries
of vinca growing with excellent heat and cold tolerance, extraordinary
disease resistance and a free-branching habit. Plants are 11.5 inches
tall. (Floranova Ltd.) W
Viola F1 ‘Gem Ice Blue’ *
Viola x
hybrida
Three new colors, Ice Blue, White and Purple have been added to the eight
existing colors in the ‘Gem’ series. ‘Gems’ stretch less and provide great
masses of flowers. Plants reach 8 inches tall with 6-inch spread.
(American Takii, Inc.) W
Viola F1 ‘Rocky™ Blue with Purple Wing’ *Viola
hybrida
Bushy habit performs well in hot, humid climates and is also very cold
tolerant. Versatile for use in pots and landscape. The 4- to 6-inch plants
spread 8-10 inches. Also new ‘Lavender Blush’ and ‘Cream w/Yellow Lip.’
(S&G Flowers) W
Xeriscape Extreme
A very diverse group of 21 drought tolerant varieties, not just bachelor
buttons and California poppies as you see in many mixes! Beautiful full
sun mass planting or as a ground cover. Mix includes annuals, biennials
and perennials. (Botanical Interests, Inc.) R
All-America Selections 2005 Flower Award Winner
Zinnia F1 ‘Magellan™ Coral’ *
Zinnia elegans
Superior coral color and flower quality, earliness to bloom, and
consistent flower production make this zinnia a standout. Beautiful, large
5- to 6-inch blooms are radiant on plants 15-19 inches tall. (Goldsmith
Seeds, Inc.) W
Zinnia F1 ‘Magellan™ Pink’ ‘Scarlet’ ‘Orange’ ‘Yellow’ ‘Coral’
‘Ivory’ *
Zinnia elegans
Fully double blooms are a "knock-out" in the garden! Exceptional
performing new series also available in Cherry and Salmon. A multitude of
flowers that top nice, beefy plants. (Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.) W
Zinnia ‘Profusion Fire’ *
Zinnia
elegans
Hot new scarlet-orange flower offers a striking contrast against dark
green foliage on plants 18 inches tall. Expect the same excellent garden
performance as other colors of ‘Profusion.’ Also new is ‘Apricot.’ (Sakata
Seed America. Inc.) W
VEGETABLES
Carrot ‘Cosmic Purple’ * Daucus carota var. sativus
Purple exterior with an orange interior and a yellow core. This colored
carrot has a very sweet flavor raw or cooked. Danver shaped carrot 6-8
inches long. A great addition to any garden. Harvest in 65-70 days. (Seeds
by Design) W
Corn, Sweet F1 ‘Avalon’ * Zea mays rugosa
White triplesweet corn designed for home gardens. An excellent variety
where eating quality is crucial. Harvest delicious 8-inch ears of creamy
tender corn 82 days from sowing. (Syngenta Seeds, Inc.) W
Cucumber F1 ‘Eureka’ * Cucumis sativus
Eureka’s dark green color and crisp texture make it great for salads and
perfect for pickles when 1.5 to 4.5 inches long. Grow this white spined
variety on a fence or trellis. Multiple disease resistances. Harvest in 57
days. (Seminis) W
All-America Selections 2005 Vegetable Award Winner
Eggplant F1 ‘Fairy Tale’* Solanum melongena
Dwarf 18- to 24-inch plants yield abundantly in containers, ornamental
landscapes, or in vegetable gardens. Light green plants produce purple
fruit with white stripes. Harvest when 4 inches long, about 49-51 days
from transplanting. (Seminis) W
Lettuce ‘Fireball’ * Lactuca sativa
Large, full, brilliant red lettuce with a creamy, yellow interior. Good
heat tolerance. Flavor is mild and stays bitter-free longer. Excellent
tenderness and taste. Harvest in 51 days. (Johnny’s Selected Seeds) R
Lettuce ‘Marveille de Quatre Saisons’ *
Lactuca sativa
Centuries-old French heirloom bibb lettuce has big, heavy flavorful heads
of radiant ruby-red leaves surrounding tightly folded, crispy green
hearts. Wonderfully ornamental with lovely color. Harvest in 60 days.
(Renee’s Garden) R
Mache ‘Gala’ *
Valerianella locusta
Mild, nutty-flavored greens form fist-sized rosettes with tender,
melt-in-your mouth texture. Cold-hardy European treat sown in summer for a
fall or early spring harvest. Mildew resistant. Harvest in 90 days.
(Renee’s Garden) R
Perilla ‘Shiso, Britton * Perilla frutescens
Eye-catching green leaves with red undersides. Mild mint/basil aroma.
Lovely in containers for ornamental use. Young leaves are wonderful in
salads, larger leaves as sushi wraps. (Johnny’s Selected Seeds) R
Pumpkin F1 ‘Schooltime’ * Cucurbita pepo
Compact vines, classic shape that kids love, beautiful bright orange skin,
slight ribbing and strong handles, 8-10 pound weight and early maturity
(87-95 days) make it a perfect choice for fall decorating and cooking. (Seminis)
W
Spinach F1 ‘Choho Mustard’ Brassica campestris narinosa
Very easy to grow. Heat and cold tolerant. This mild flavored garden green
matures quickly and can be cut several times for repeat harvests. Use for
stirfrys or salads. Harvest in 30 days. (Nichols Garden Nursery) R
All-America Selections 2005 Vegetable Award Winner
Squash, Winter F1 ‘Bonbon’ * Curcurbita maxima
Delicious new buttercup-type squash with improved taste, uniformity and
yield. ‘Bonbon’ has smooth textured, deep green skin and orange flesh.
Harvest 4- to 5-pound fruit 95 days from sowing seed. (Johnny’s Selected
Seeds) R
Squash, Winter F1 ‘Festival’ *
Cucurbita pepo
A new carnival type squash is the ideal size for 2 servings. Flesh is
delightfully sweet. Its pale yellow background with green and orange
mottled splashes make it excellent for ornamental use. Harvest in 100
days. (Seeds by Design) W
Tomato F1 ‘Marcellino’ * Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Upright determinate cherry tomato that sets an enormous harvest all at
once. Dozens upon dozens of clusters of 20-25 tomatoes each. Incredible
holding power – fruit stays fresh and tasty up to a month after ripening.
(Geo. W. Park Seed Co.) R
Tomato F1 ‘MiRoma’ * Lycopersicon esculentum
Large fruited blocky, saladette tomato has firm, thick walls and a deep
red color. Vigorous determinate plant. Early to mid-season and high
yielding. Great for home gardens. Nematode resistant. Harvest 76-80 days
from sowing seed. (Syngenta Seeds, Inc.) W
Tomato F1 ‘Momotaro’ * Lycopersicon esculentum
Japan’s most popular tomato. Outstanding flavor. The 6- to 8-ounce fruits
are pink, juicy and hold their quality after picking. Indeterminate vines
are highly productive and should be staked. (Nichols Garden Nursery) R
All-America Selections 2005 Vegetable Award Winner
Tomato F1 ‘Sugary’ *
Lycopersicon esculentum
Very sweet cherry-size tomato is oval shaped with a pointed blossom end.
The reddish-pink fruit is produced in clusters like grapes on high
yielding semi-indeterminate vines. Harvest 60 days from transplant.
(Known-You) W
Tomato F1 ‘Tomande’ * Lycopersicon esculentum
Outstanding flavor, somewhat oblate fruit, and semi-ribbed dark green
shoulders make it a stand out. Sweet, great textured fruit reach 6.5
inches. Small indeterminate plants yield like crazy, just 68 days after
transplant. (Seminis) W
