Tomato Roundup for 2017

Heirlooms: rich, old-time flavor and dramatic presentation 

Time to talk about tomatoes, the most important vegetable crop in the summer garden. You know, the tomato is actually a fruit—but that’s a conversation for a different day. It’s essential to offer several different types of tomatoes, and we have quite a diverse selection. I’d like to introduce you to a few of the interesting new varieties we have for the 2017 season.

Dark, dramatic ‘Purple Knight’ contrasts with brightly colored plants

Here’s a striking new tropical foliage plant that loves the heat. ‘Purple Knight’ has dark purple-ruby leaves that are almost black, and they become even darker in full sun. Remember to add this plant to the design tool box and file it under Plants that Thrive in Our Hot Cincinnati Summers.

‘Purple Knight’ is a vigorous, fast grower and spreads to about three feet. It’s a great tough plant that adds dramatic contrast to brightly colored flowers in landscape beds and mixed combinations. We like the way it arches out over the edge of a planter or hanging basket.

Spreading foliage becomes darker in full sun

There’s very little to be done once ‘Purple Knight’ is situated—keep the soil moist and pinch or clip it back occasionally to maintain the plant’s dense, compact form. Other than that it’s pretty much trouble-free.

We grow this variety in the 6-inch pot. 

Radiant ‘Serenity Bronze’

Our newest Serenity osteo radiates warmth: glowing bronze-orange petals with rose highlights surround a deep purple eye. It’s eye-catching as filler in hanging baskets and mixed containers or beds.

This vigorous African daisy prefers the cooler temperatures of spring and fall but it blooms throughout the summer also, in sun to part shade. Plants are drought tolerant and have a nicely mounded habit, reaching about 10–14 inches tall.

You’ll find that in addition to its good looks, this plant is frequented by butterflies and hummingbirds. They add to the show, and these days we are more conscious of choosing pollinator-friendly varieties whenever we can. 

‘Serenity Bronze’ is available in the 4.5-inch pot.