The Rise of the Mixes

Pansy Matrix Amber Mix shows the modern trend of “restricted palette” mixes 

Over the past five years we’ve noticed more mixes climbing into our Top Ten rankings. It used to be we’d see one here and there, but now they show up regularly, across different genera like Vinca, Pansy, Impatiens, Calibrachoa, Coleus, and Viola. We don’t think this reflects a dumbing down of people’s taste, but rather an increased sophistication of both suppliers and buyers. 

Our Rieger Begonias shipping in their 10-inch baskets

Rieger Begonias present us with better color choices, including some flowers that are graduated, in sophisticated blends and bicolors. With so many unusual varieties appearing we decided to expand our Rieger program to encompass more of these fancy Begonias. Some of our new selections for 2018 include:

• ‘Brigitte Orange’ — large, brilliant orange double flowers
• ‘Carneval’ — large, double red and yellow bicolor flowers; the contrast of colors is beautiful
• ‘Nadine Yellow’ — double dark yellow flowers
• ‘Netja Dark’ — double dark pink flowers
• ‘Red Baron Red’ — dark red frilly flowers

We like to use Riegers in baskets because they sit up straight as they spread out from their container. With the flowers perched above and away from the dark green foliage the interesting colors and bloom styles are easier to see. All of the above varieties come in the 10-inch hanging basket. They are also available in the 4.5-inch pot.

This close-up shows the subtle colors and rose-like blossoms of the Riegers

Gerbera ‘Royal Prince Neon Violet’

Gerberas in the Royal series have the most vivid flowers, and we especially like the intense, immense glowing purple blooms of ‘Royal Prince Neon Violet’. Like its fellow Royals, this selection is an early bloomer with a tidy, compact habit and impeccable manners.

Plants in the Royal line have been bred for short stems, keeping the blooms just above the dark green foliage and maximizing the brilliant contrast. We find that the resulting bold look works especially well in window boxes and containers. What they lack in height, Royals make up for by blooming continuously all season.

‘Royal Prince Neon Violet’ is available in the 4.5-inch pot.