Tithonia 'Red Torch'

Tithonia—a rare specimen in our neck of the woods

It’s rare to come across a Tithonia plant in Cincinnati—you’re more likely to find one in the desert Southwest or some place else that’s hot and dry. Suppliers like Baker’s Rare Seeds and Johnny’s Seeds carry this Mexican Sunflower, as it is commonly known, so you know it’s a plant you don’t see very often. In addition to being a great heat-lover for landscaping, home gardeners find it a great variety for cutting.

Big, bold blooms are great for cutting

Broad silver-white leaves on a smaller plant

If you liked Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ from last week but want a similar look in a smaller version, ‘Cirrus’ is the answer. This Dusty Miller is from the same family with broad, silver-white leaves on a compact plant—it only grows about 8 inches tall. For a solid gray border this is a good way to go.

‘Cirrus’—for a bold alternative to the delicate ‘Silverdust’

Usually ‘Silverdust’  comes to mind at the mention of Dusty Miller but ‘Cirrus’ is a bolder alternative to that delicate, finely cut foliage. Its velvety, silvery appearance contrasts easily with almost every other plant so it’s great as an accent or for filling out beds and containers. ‘Cirrus’ is also known for its strong resistance to rain and frost so we even use it as groundcover.

Dusty Miller ‘Cirrus’ is available in the 6-inch pot.

‘Landmark Red’ for a full canopy of brilliant color

We have a new Lantana to add some tropical flair for the season—‘Landmark Red’. Landmark is the standard-bearer among Lantanas, with vigorous mounds of dark green foliage topped by vibrant flower clusters all summer long. Red is a significant color expansion for this series that we’ve come to rely on for a full canopy of color when we need to fill a space quickly. Like all Lantanas, ‘Landmark Red’ thrives in extreme heat, humidity, and drought.

This variety comes in the 4.5-inch pot.