Zoo's Best

Plants from the Pollinator Series

This year we have partnered with The Cincinnati Zoo to supply a local garden brand called Zoo’s Best, based on the plants that have performed well in the Zoo’s trial gardens over the past years. Their first program, the Pollinator Series, focuses on plants that gardeners can use to build a supporting ecosystem for wild pollinators.

Burgundy undersides provide striking contrast

Unique foliage is why we turn to rex begonias as opposed to the common variety and ‘Dark Mambo’ is a prime example. These dark, velvety leaves are striking, and if you look closely you’ll notice that the undersides are actually burgundy for a little unexpected contrast. It’s ruffled appearance works well with its smoky color, and like many a handsome, shadowy figure in the movies ‘Dark Mambo’ is a bit rough around the edges. 

To add to the intrigue, pretty pink flowers appear in winter—but this stunning plant is all about the foliage. We use it often in large containers, for instant drama up close in combinations for shade. It pairs nicely with brighter foliage plants and ferns.

‘Dark Mambo’ is tough and vigorous, so it’s popular for infusing texture into shady landscape beds as well. Since it’s a foliage selection we can count on the color lasting all season.

Dramatic foliage adds color that lasts all season

We grow this variety in the 4.5-inch pot.

‘Cora^® Cascade Lilac’

For a tough, trailing carpet of color go with Cora^® Cascade vincas. These plants survive 100 degree plus temperatures and stand up to drought as well as driving rain. They spread about 24–36 inches and are very disease-resistant.

Cora^® Cascade varieties grow lower to the ground than Titan vincas; they’re more spread out and less upright and bushy. As a result you’ll often see them trailing and spilling out of containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, in addition to filling large landscape beds with color. 

We have two brilliant new Cora^® Cascade selections for spring: ‘Lilac’ is intense with bright purple flowers, and ‘Strawberry’ has eye-catching light pink flowers with darker pink eyes. Both are available in the 6-inch pot.