Calathea roseopicta Prayer Plant

Leaves curling for a good night's rest

Easter is this weekend and that got us to thinking about the prayer plant we’re growing this year. It’s not an Easter plant—the name comes from a unique characteristic of some plants in the Marantaceae family. At night the leaves fold up slightly, resembling hands put together in prayer. In the morning they return to their normal position so that we can continue to enjoy this striking foliage.

Winged begonias continue to remain popular, as much for their strong garden performance as for that extra measure of fanciness their trailing habit brings to a design. We’ve added several new varieties to our lineup for spring:

‘Bossa Nova® Red’ in the 10-inch hanging basket

We had great success with ‘Bossa Nova® Orange’ last season so we’ve added ‘Red’ to our production this year. Bossa Nova® begonias have big bright blooms and flower continuously from late spring until frost. They look impressive cascading out of hanging baskets and thrive in high heat. If you’re looking for nonstop, season-long color, here it is.

‘Dragon Wing® Pink & Red Mix’ is available in the 10-inch hanging basket

Dragon Wing® is another popular heat-tolerant series with abundant flowers all summer. We like Dragon Wings® for their nice mounded habit, and because we never need to deadhead them. Our vivid new ‘Pink & Red Mix’ combines two favorite begonia colors—we use it to brighten shaded areas of the landscape. 

Mistral™ Red available in the 4.5-inch pot

Tropical-looking Mistral™ begonias are new to our line this year—notice all the arching, trailing stems covered in brilliant blooms. These plants look great in baskets or mixed containers for sun to part shade. We’re growing Mistrals™ in the hot ‘Red’ and ‘Orange’ shades that are always in demand.

Spring is officially here and we say: welcome. Our greenhouses are full of prime material, freshly grown and ready to go for the season.

Easter lilies in clay pots

Just a reminder: Easter is on Sunday, March 27th—it’s early this year. We still have quality Easter lilies in clay pots, for discerning customers who prefer a premium holiday plant over one they can pick up at the box stores.

Tulips are available also in a wide range of colors, as well as fancy daffodils, hyacinth, and azalea. Our unique Cottage Garden Bowl combinations are ready, too—they’ll stand up to these chilly nights of early spring.

Who wouldn’t like a gorgeous plant as a holiday gift to kick off this season of color?