Begonia rex Jurassic Series

‘Jurassic Green Streak’

With large leaves in bold patterns, interesting shapes, and striking colors Rex begonias hardly seem like begonias at all—they’re all about the foliage with nary a bloom in sight. These are plants we keep in the design tool box as vibrant, low-maintenance options for deep shade.

Our new selections from the Jurassic series are truly unique, with unusual veining and puckering that creates an abundance of texture in addition to the wild configurations of color. We like to use one as a starting point and build a design around its intriguing palette:

‘Green Streak’ is elegant and edgy—silver-green leaves have a rosy-pink blush and are veined in dark green.

Border of  ‘Amazon Neon Purple’

How do you like this twist on the classic dianthus? ‘Amazon Neon Purple’ is an interspecific hybrid: a cross between the chinensis and barbatus types. It’s much more durable than the typical chinensis, or pinks. Amazon series dianthus have strong stems and very dark green, glossy foliage to show off some eye-catching blooms.

‘Neon Purple’ is just that—it pops right out of that dark green background like a sign for an all-night florist, if there is such a thing. Plant it with other bright flowers that can hold their own next to the vibrant purple, such as gold, burgundy, or darker purple varieties. If you want to tone it down, pair it with blue, pink, silver, or white.

Great for cutting

We use this dianthus to punch up the color in landscape beds and containers. Plants are both heat and frost tolerant, and reach about 18–24 inches tall. ‘Amazon Neon Purple’ is very low-maintenance, but clients and customers should keep in mind: it’s great for cutting and the more you cut, the more blooms you’ll get. Flowers last about two weeks in a vase. 

This selection is available in the 6-inch pot.

Marigold Durango Outback Mix

Our new French marigold mix for spring is an assortment of shades from the Durango series. We like these vigorous plants—they bloom early and are both heat and drought tolerant so they’re around for a long time. Stems are strong and we get lots of fragrant blooms. 

Colors in the mix include Red, Tangerine, Yellow, and Bolero (bright yellow with spatters of red). Plant it en masse for some low-maintenance, season-long color. Bees are attracted to the sunny, scented flowers and foliage as well.

This variety comes in the 1203 flats.