New Guinea Strike Series

‘Strike Orchid’ has the strongest variegated foliage of the series

Striking would also be a fitting name for this new series that features unique variegation on the foliage. Take a look at these long, lance-shaped leaves—they’re banded dark green and yellow. If you zoom in more closely you’ll even see a slim red vein in the center.

One reason we turn to New Guineas, in addition to their resistance to powdery mildew, is for brilliant color that thrives in shade. Strike delivers from mid spring to early fall, with bright bold flowers atop the mound of showy foliage. While we use it to brighten shade areas, Strike can also be planted in full sun but expect the growth to be more compact. In the shade these plants tend to grow a bit taller.

Red blooms pop against a chartreuse background

We have a fresh take on Winged Begonias in our new ‘Canary Wings’. Ruby red blooms pop against a background of bright chartreuse foliage. Leaves emerge yellow and gradually change to chartreuse as the season progresses. If you turn them over you’ll see pink marbling on the undersides.  The name refers to the almost yellow wings that appear when the foliage first appears on the tip. They slowly turn charteuse, then a light green, as the leaves mature.

‘Canary Wings’ is similar to the Dragon Wing type, forming a spreading mound of foliage and cranking out an abundance of blooms all summer. Unlike the Dragon Wing, however, it cannot tolerate a whole day of full sun so we use this plant in part sun to shade areas.

A spreading mound of foliage with abundant blooms all summer

Other than that ‘Canary Wings’ can go anywhere—it spreads about 12–18 inches and works nicely as a bedding plant or in containers. It’s a great choice for window boxes since hummingbirds buzz by frequently.

‘Canary Wings’ is available in the 4.5 and 8-inch pot sizes.

Mistral Winged Begonias add a tropical touch

We’ve added a hot new color to our line of Mistral Winged Begonias. ‘Mistral Yellow’ is covered with bright lemon yellow blooms from spring right on through summer. 

Arching, trailing stems overflow with bright yellow flowers

Winged Begonias are always popular, and the Mistral series adds an extra tropical touch with arching, trailing stems and radiant flowers. Vigorous branching means overflowing baskets of exotic, eye-catching blooms that brighten shady spots in the landscape and lead to lots of impulse sales.

‘Mistral Yellow’ is available in the 10-inch hanging basket.