New assortment

FIRECRACKER is another remarkable low‑growing orpine from the SUNSPARKLER series bred by Chris Hansen in Michigan, USA. In late summer it produces dense clusters of small pink flowers that create a soft yet striking contrast to the dark foliage. The flower heads are firm and abundant, attracting bees and bumblebees, so in high summer they appear like a gentle pink shimmer above a maroon carpet. The leaves are fleshy, deep purple to chocolate burgundy, and in spring they emerge olive green with only reddish margins. Its habit is low, compact and wide‑spreading, with no tendency to flop even in rain, which is the main difference from the original species. The name �Firecracker� refers to the sparkling effect of the dark leaves and pale pink flowers, which in midsummer truly resemble a small garden firework.

In the garden, the SUNSPARKLER� FIRECRACKER stonecrop works well as a low groundcover for sunny, dry sites, where it forms a dense carpet of colour with late summer flowering. It performs reliably in gravel borders and prairie plantings, where its dark foliage highlights lighter perennials such as catmint, yarrow, sage or ornamental grasses. It also combines well with other succulents, including sempervivums, delospermas or low thymes, which appreciate the same soil conditions. Next to plants with silvery foliage, such as wormwood, helichrysum or senecio, it acts as a strong contrasting element. In containers it keeps its shape and colour throughout summer and forms an attractive spill, making it suitable for terraces and balconies. Thanks to its late flowering it provides bees and bumblebees with a valuable source of nectar at the end of the season. The cultivar is protected by patents no. 43679 (EU, 2016) and PP26595 (USA, 2016).

American plant breeder Christopher M. Hansen is the kind of person who can ignite not just a spark but a whole firework of enthusiasm for plants even in people who previously thought that �succulents are just pebbles with leaves�. That�s why his friends and colleagues call him Sparky. His passion began at the age of five, when he collected his first houseleeks, and he hasn�t stopped since: he went through the Missouri Botanical Garden, Longwood Gardens, and Wayside Gardens, where he learned the craft in depth. Today he leads his own company and team at Garden Solutions and introduces series that carry exactly his kind of energy � SunSparkler� sedums, Chick Charms� sempervivums, Gnome Domes� orostachys, and even the Winter Thriller� hellebores, which were in fact his first major success. Sparky is a breeder who tests plants under extreme conditions, loves colour, contrast, and playfulness, and aims to bring joy back into gardens. His projects are not just about genetics � they are about helping people fall in love with plants as spontaneously as he once did, and that resonates with me deeply.

Last update 09-09-2026

SOMBRERO� SANDY YELLOW coneflower wins you over with its understated elegance, which may at first seem almost reserved. But after two to three years, when the clump in the border thickens and begins to flower truly abundantly, you realise that this reserve was only a lure for shyer suitors, much like in courtship. Only in a larger clump does its original beauty fully appear: soft pastel yellow blooms that rightly bear the name SANDY YELLOW. And that sand is certainly not meant as building material, but as sunlit sand on an enchanting beach. You fall for this coneflower just as you fall for that beach you want to return to again and again.

The flowers are single, lightly scented, about 8 cm across, and their centre is adorned with the typical raised, bristly cone offering plenty of nectar for bumblebees and honeybees. They appear from July to September and although their colour softens as they mature, each bloom remains attractive for a good 10�14 days. The leaves are dark green, firm, ovate‑lanceolate, slightly rough to the touch, with pronounced veining that keeps the clump fresh and healthy throughout the growing season. They form a dense basal rosette that gives rise to sturdy stems reaching about 60 cm. The whole clump is dense and fairly compact. The variety is protected by these patents: PP23104 (USA, 2012) and EU 37680 (Europe, 2014).

Early Pink Lady knotweed will delight those who do not like waiting for summer perennials. It is one of the few exceptional cultivars that can start blooming as early as mid-July if the season starts well. Its slender, spike‑like inflorescences carry deep pink to rosy red buds and soft pink flowers, giving the flowering clump an elegant colour without looking pale. The spikes are usually 12�14 cm long, sometimes a little more, and the flowering stems reach around 70 cm. They remain straight and narrow even in rain, so the plant never looks tousled, even in a dense planting. The clump is compact, firm and quick to knit into the border. The leaves are medium‑sized, usually 10�15 cm long, dark green with a purplish flush when emerging and on the uppermost leaves in full sun. They are matte, which contrasts well with the pink spikes. The shape is broadly lanceolate, with a clearly clasping base that curves gently around the stem, the feature that gives the species its name amplexicaulis = embracing. In the border they soon create and even, attractive surface. It spreads as a tight clump and is not invasive.

Last update 29-08-2026

The Tibetan cherry is an exceptionally beautiful deciduous tree with a subtle, almost understated aesthetic. Unlike most flowering cherries, it does not offer a mass of blossom in spring, but draws attention through its bark, whose detail is so compelling that one naturally steps closer to appreciate both sight and touch. It is strikingly glossy, mahogany to deep amber brown, and on young trees it peels horizontally in thin ribbons like delicate shavings. Over time it develops irregular pale markings that resemble the striping of an okapi, the African relative of the giraffe. This highly attractive bark earned the species considerable recognition in horticulture, and in 1944 it received the Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The leaves are deciduous, narrowly lanceolate, long and finely pointed, with regular, delicate serration along the margin. They measure 5 to 10 cm in length and 1.5 to 3 cm in width and do not resemble typical cherry leaves; because they are slightly pendulous, they are often compared to willow leaves. The flowers are white, about 1.5 to 2 cm across, usually produced in twos or threes, sometimes singly or in fours, and appear in April without creating a dramatic display. The fruits are small, oval, about 1.2 cm long, red and glossy, and ripen in summer. They are edible but not palatable and are not eaten.

The Tibetan cherry is a medium-sized tree reaching 10 to 15 metres in height with a moderate growth rate of 30 to 40 cm per year. Young shoots are softly downy and grow upright, giving the tree a distinctly ascending crown. In gardens it is used mainly as a specimen tree, because its winter effect is strongest when it has enough space and direct winter light. In parks it performs well in small groups, where the repeated pattern of trunks becomes a strong compositional element. It is often combined with spring bulbs, which benefit from the stable structure, and later with Japanese anemones, which in dense single-species plantings create long-flowering clumps in late summer and autumn. The tree looks best where its bark can be fully appreciated, such as in winter sun, near paths, terraces, water features or light-coloured walls that reflect light.

Last revision 26�08�2026

The first thing you notice about New York ironweed is its unusually strong and tall structure: the stems feel as if they were made of flexible metal, and the plant keeps its upright shape even after heavy rain or wind. The main show, however, arrives from early to mid‑August � small purple flowers in a shade so vivid it almost dazzles the eye. They glow from a distance, and because ironweed is still relatively unknown, many plant lovers wonder what those bright flowers, unlike anything familiar, actually belong to. Their structure reflects the plant�s membership in the Asteraceae family: they resemble tiny asters, only smaller, denser and arranged in generous, open clusters. Flowering lasts almost two months, depending on the age of the plant, atop strong stems that reach up to 2 metres in good conditions. The habit is tall, slender and naturally architectural, with 10�20 cm long, lanceolate, mid‑green leaves with a finely serrated margin, forming a firm, continuous column of healthy foliage even at a time when other perennials may show signs of late‑season fatigue. It is hardy to abt. -34 �C (USDA zone 4).

New York ironweed is a quintessential late‑summer plant that brings the atmosphere of American wetlands and mid‑Atlantic wet meadows into garden borders, where it grows among tall grasses, Eupatorium, Eutrochium, Hibiscus moscheutos and other moisture‑loving species � and it is with these plants that it creates the most natural compositions in gardens. Its upright, architectural form works beautifully in modern naturalistic plantings, and it is no surprise that it has become popular in Great Britain, where gardeners traditionally love tall perennials that give borders dramatic height and late‑season impact. It pairs well with plants that share a similar rhythm: Eutrochium maculatum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Thalictrum rochebrunianum, Veronicastrum virginicum and dark‑leaved Actaea simplex, while the front of the border can be filled with lighter species such as Gillenia trifoliata, Helenium autumnale, Persicaria amplexicaulis or Eutrochium dubium, which complement its height and create a layered, natural picture. 

Last revision 25‑08‑2026

�John Proffitt� TABLE MOUNTAIN belongs to the Cooper�s ice plant group and, in this case, boasts a mass of bright purple flowers with a pale-yellow centre that glow like tiny glass lenses in full sun. The plant forms low, firm mats about 10 to 12 cm high and 45 to 60 cm wide, capable of extending by 20 to 25 cm in a single season. The leaves are grey‑green, fleshy and filled with a characteristic gel‑like substance which, when punctured, produces tiny sparkling droplets � the very feature that gave ice plants their English name. The flowers, 3.5 to 5 cm across, appear from late May and continue in abundant bloom until mid or late July, after which the plant produces occasional flowers into autumn, a markedly longer season than that of the original species, D. cooperi.

�John Proffitt� TABLE MOUNTAIN is an excellent choice for a long season of colour with minimal maintenance. It performs best in rock gardens, gravel plantings, among stones or in the crevices of dry walls, where its trailing growth quickly forms a continuous, low carpet up to 60 cm wide. Its vivid flower colour combines well with perennials of similar requirements but different structure � such as sempervivums, sedums, lewisias or low fescues, which add contrast in both colour and texture. To extend the flowering season, low pinks or creeping thymes can be added to fill the brief pauses when the ice plant rests. Thanks to its tolerance of heat, drought and wind, it is an excellent choice for xeric plantings and exposed sites where other perennials fail to thrive.

The cultivar was developed through a collaborative project between Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado State University, aiming to produce a markedly cold‑hardy form capable of withstanding the extreme temperature fluctuations of high‑altitude Colorado. It entered the market in 2002, and the original cultivar name �John Proffitt� honours a former director of Denver Botanic Gardens. The later commercial name TABLE MOUNTAIN refers to the Table Mountain of Cape Town, a smaller yet iconic landmark of South Africa with its almost perfectly level summit plateau. By the way, did you know that beneath Table Mountain meet 2 oceans? The Atlantic and the Indian Oceans create a fascinating view because of their different temperatures, salinity and currents, their waters often maintain a surprisingly sharp boundary that can even be seen in the colour. This ice plant doesn�t give a damn though. What matters is that compared with the original species, it has a more compact habit, a longer flowering period, greater tolerance of winter moisture and a more stable performance in temperate climates far from the Table Mountain itself. As a member of the Plant Select� programme, it ranks among the most reliable hardy ice plants available, with a proven cold tolerance of �28 to �30 �C (USDA zone 5) when good drainage is ensured.

Last update 15-02-2026

Sundella Red ice plant stands out with its unusually deep, almost ruby‑coloured flowers that shine like small pieces of glass in full sun. The plant forms low, firm cushions with dense, fleshy leaves slightly broader than those of wild species, creating a compact base for a generous display of blooms. Its habit is even and stable, with no tendency to split apart, suggesting the influence of species with naturally tight growth such as D. congestum. The flowers measure about 2.5 to 3 cm across, with narrow, highly glossy petals that open only in full sun and create a striking colour effect even on a small area. Flowering begins in late May and is at its strongest until mid‑July, after which the plant continues to produce occasional blooms until September.

Ice plants are most often grown in rock gardens and similar plantings � among stones, in ornamental gravel or in the crevices of dry walls � and combine well with perennials that share the same requirements but flower at different times, extending the interest of the whole composition. They look particularly good among sempervivums and lewisias, and can be paired with low, compact grasses such as fescues. Sedums offer a contrasting palette of foliage colours, while low pinks provide a different flower form. For herb lovers, the smallest species such as thyme, wild thyme or savoury make excellent companions.

Last revised 15‑08‑2026

Cup plant is one of those prairie species you notice immediately. It is a very tall perennial that reaches between 2 and 2 metres in height, flowers included, depending on conditions, and it never disappears in the background. You recognise it by its massive, four‑angled stems wrapped in large, coarse leaves 30 to 40 cm long, clasping the stem so tightly that they form the characteristic little cups. These leaf �cups� are not just a curiosity. They catch water running down the stem and provide moisture for the plant and for birds and small animals in locations where water is scarce.

The flowers are typical for the Asteraceae family, like oversized bright yellow daisies 5 to 6 cm across, occasionally up to 8 cm, arranged in terminal panicles. A single panicle usually carries around 15 flower heads, but in fertile soil and a long summer it can produce up to 50, so the whole structure bends slightly under their weight like a heavy raceme. Flowering begins in early or mid-August and continues until the end of September.

Cup plant is a substantial perennial, whether in tall or shorter cultivars and species. It performs best when planted in groups, where it creates a visible mass of foliage and later a long season of bright flowers. As a moisture‑loving perennial it pairs well with heleniums, joe‑pye weeds and swamp mallows. Dark‑leaved bugbanes provide contrast in colour and texture, ligularias offer a different flower form and leaf shape, trollius brings earlier flowering and the front of the border can be filled with astilbes, marsh marigolds or heucheras.

Last update: 14-08-2026

Blind dates � we�ve all been there. Anyone who has ever tried one knows how much you rely on the agreed sign of recognition. A flower on the table, a book in your hand, anything that helps the other person spot you. And then you sit, order a glass of wine, then another, and when it becomes clear that your date either never showed up or got cold feet, you read the most hopeless text excuse of all: �I didn�t see anyone with a flower.� With the coneflower IMAGINATION, that would never happen. Its blooms are so large and vivid that even the most oblivious person in the caf� would find you � and be charmed by both you and the flower. Win win!

The MOOODZ IMAGINATION coneflower carries enormous blooms up to 13 cm across (yes, I measured them!) in colours so vivid and bright in their purplish‑wine tones that they almost overwhelm the eye. The colour is deep, but not velvety or muted � quite the opposite. It feels like an invitation to dance, one you simply cannot refuse: it pulls you into samba, flamenco or rumba, and you follow its intoxicating scent completely swept up in its rhythm. The flowers are single and, in their simplicity, resemble the botanical species, but the plants form much lower and more compact clumps, producing new stems and fresh blooms repeatedly from July to September. The leaves are dark green, slightly downy and gently glossy, which highlights the contrast with the flowers and gives the whole plant a neat, polished look. It was introduced to the market in 2021 as part of a collection of coneflowers bred for rapid flowering and stable colour, and the name Imagination refers to its bold, almost dramatic colour intensity within the series.

Echinacea MOOODZ� is a modern series from the Dutch company HilverdaFlorist and breeder Diony de Bont, created for rapid flowering, compact growth, and a long, colourful blooming season. These plants stand out for their abundant branching, strong stems, large flower heads (8�10 cm), and an attractive palette ranging from white, yellow, pink, and purple to unusual green tones. The series was developed to produce plants that bloom without the need for vernalization, ready for sale and planting much earlier than other cultivars, ensuring fully flowering plants at the very start of the summer season.

Last update 02-08-2026

The rose MENDOZA is a fully double floribunda from the Castle� Collection, bred by Mogens Nyegaard Olesen for Poulsen Roser in 2010. Its name refers to the Argentine city of Mendoza beneath the Andes, renowned for its wine tradition and striking landscape, which makes the name of the variety easy to remember. The blooms are fully double, around 8 cm across, usually with 35�40 petals and display a fantastic colour in a rich purple‑mauve shade, with a high centre and slightly reflexed petals. They form large, generous clusters and appear repeatedly throughout the season. The fragrance is strong, sweet and clearly noticeable. The shrub grows upright, with a firm structure, carrying semi‑glossy, medium green foliage with five leaflets. The variety is protected by US Plant Patent PP32,346.

• Fragrance � ★★★★☆ strong
• Disease resistance � ★★★★☆ good to very good
• Care � undemanding; requires only regular removal of spent clusters
• Flowering � repeat‑flowering; main flush June�July, then smaller waves until autumn
• Hardiness � approx. �23 �C
• Pruning � maintenance pruning in spring; remove entire spent clusters during the season
• Size � height up to 95 cm, width up to 85 cm
• Breeder � Poulsen Roser A/S, Denmark

Shrub roses form self-supporting bushes that do not require staking and naturally maintain a balanced shape. In spring they are pruned to three to five buds according to the strength of each stem, which encourages vigorous young growth and prevents congestion. During flowering, regular deadheading is essential: individual faded blooms are removed just below the flower stalk, and once an entire cluster has finished, the whole truss is cut back to the first five‑leaflet leaf; feeding afterwards stimulates a rapid flush of new shoots and buds. Shrub roses need enough space around them for even growth and good air circulation, which keeps foliage healthy and flowering steady. In mass plantings, however, they tolerate close spacing according to the recommendation for each cultivar (three to five plants per square metre).

Last update 31-07-2026

The rose CORAL LIONS ROSE is a coral‑coloured sport of the famous Lions Rose bred by Kordes, bringing a soft coral‑pink shade with orange undertones that shifts subtly through the season depending on temperature and light. The blooms are semi‑double, 6�8 cm across, forming large, generous clusters that appear lively thanks to the gentle transitions of colour within each inflorescence. The fragrance is weak, almost imperceptible, but the plant compensates with exceptional health and vigour, producing dark green, glossy foliage that forms a dense, compact floribunda shrub. It flowers repeatedly and very abundantly throughout the season, and its stable colouring and high disease resistance earned it the prestigious ADR award. It was bred by Kordes in Germany in 2013 as a colour mutation of the original Lions Rose.

• Fragrance � ★☆☆☆☆ very weak
• Disease resistance � ★★★★★ exceptionally healthy, ADR
• Care � undemanding; requires only regular removal of spent clusters
• Flowering � repeat‑flowering; main flush June�July, then smaller waves until autumn
• Hardiness � approx. �23 �C
• Pruning � maintenance pruning in spring; remove entire spent clusters during the season
• Size � height approx. 0.7�0.9 m, width approx. 0.6�0.8 m
• Breeder � Kordes, Germany, 2013
• Awards / labels � ADR

Shrub roses form self-supporting bushes that do not require staking and naturally maintain a balanced shape. In spring they are pruned to three to five buds according to the strength of each stem, which encourages vigorous young growth and prevents congestion. During flowering, regular deadheading is essential: individual faded blooms are removed just below the flower stalk, and once an entire cluster has finished, the whole truss is cut back to the first five‑leaflet leaf; feeding afterwards stimulates a rapid flush of new shoots and buds. Shrub roses need enough space around them for even growth and good air circulation, which keeps foliage healthy and flowering steady. In mass plantings, however, they tolerate close spacing according to the recommendation for each cultivar (three to five plants per square metre).

Last update 31-07-2026

The rose ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS takes its name from the hugely successful British TV sitcom of the same title, because that is exactly what this rose is: absolutely fabulous. It produces a profusion of rich yellow, semi‑double blooms 8�10 cm across (usually 26�40 petals), with distinctly ruffled petal edges that gradually fade as they age, creating a natural two‑tone effect within each cluster without any hint of tiredness. The flowers have a strong, sweet and intoxicating fragrance and appear in large, generous clusters throughout the season. The plant forms a compact, well‑built floribunda shrub with dense branching and very healthy, glossy green foliage that provides a perfect backdrop for its striking blooms.

• Fragrance � ★★★★★ strong, sweet, intoxicating
• Disease resistance � ★★★★★ exceptionally healthy, high resistance to fungal diseases
• Care � undemanding; requires only regular removal of spent clusters
• Flowering � repeat‑flowering; main flush June�July, then smaller waves until autumn
• Hardiness � approx. �23 �C
• Pruning � maintenance pruning in spring; remove entire spent clusters during the season
• Size � height approx. 1.0�1.2 m, width approx. 0.8�1.0 m
• Breeder � Weeks Roses, USA, 2004

Shrub roses form self-supporting bushes that do not require staking and naturally maintain a balanced shape. In spring they are pruned to three to five buds according to the strength of each stem, which encourages vigorous young growth and prevents congestion. During flowering, regular deadheading is essential: individual faded blooms are removed just below the flower stalk, and once an entire cluster has finished, the whole truss is cut back to the first five‑leaflet leaf; feeding afterwards stimulates a rapid flush of new shoots and buds. Shrub roses need enough space around them for even growth and good air circulation, which keeps foliage healthy and flowering steady. In mass plantings, however, they tolerate close spacing according to the recommendation for each cultivar (three to five plants per square metre).

Last update 31-07-2026

Diane is a Culver�s root cultivar with white flowers that look exceptionally fresh and elegant. It reaches about 120�150 cm, making it smaller and more delicate than the older sister cultivar �Album�. Its structure is typical of the genus: upright, firm stems carry several tiers of narrowly lanceolate leaves in opposite whorls, forming regular, attractive layers appreciated by lovers of orderly forms. The upper leaves show a light mahogany to coppery-red tint just before the inflorescence develops; this colour is in fact that of the young petioles rather than the leaf blades themselves, but it gives the top tier a subtle and charming accent.

The inflorescence consists of one long terminal spike accompanied by several shorter lateral ones that appear gradually and extend the flowering period. Very young flowers may show a faint, barely noticeable smoky lavender tint that disappears quickly as they open, but before it fades it gives the buds an interesting hue. Fully open flowers are pure white without any pink or blue tones. They are unscented but contain plenty of nectar for pollinating insects, which visit them until the very last flower on the spike has finished. �Diane� flowers from early July and is a reliable, long-flowering cultivar that maintains a firm structure throughout the season.

Last update 30-06-2026

The charm of this bugloss lies in the neat interplay of its origin, its name and its appearance. Naming a large‑leaved perennial discovered in Belarus after Alexander the Great is a stroke of botanical humour � or rather a stroke of botanical largeness. Alexander�s Great is undeniably a mammoth among the older cultivars, even though some of the newer introductions are beginning to catch up. Its leaves resemble silver shields � huge, heart‑shaped, firm and covered with a dense white‑silver veil that still allows the rather prominent dark green veins to show through. The effect is much more solid and uniform than in �Jack Frost�, where the veining creates a fine lacework; and compared with �Sea Heart� or �Silver Heart�, Alexander�s Great has a stronger, more contrasting pattern. It behaves almost like a hosta disguised as bugloss, and within the familiar group of brunneras it is probably the most expansive, dominant and visually bold.

The flowers are just as important a feature as the foliage. They appear in early spring (April) on slender stems reaching about 30�40 cm, topped with delicate terminal panicles of sky‑blue blooms intense enough to make the heart flutter. Flowering lasts a long time, often six to eight weeks, and once the display is over it is best to remove the spent stems so that the drying remnants do not spoil the clump. The habit is low but broad, typically around 15 to 20 cm tall and 35 to 40 cm wide, and it increases slowly, as brunneras generally add new leaves and clumps only very gradually.

Alexander Zuikevich discovered the plant in a private garden near Minsk in Belarus, which makes the reference to Alexander the Great all the more amusing. It was a chance seedling of unknown parentage that was later brought to Canby, Oregon, where it was stabilised and propagated. And that is no coincidence, because Canby is home to one of the most renowned breeding stations, Terra Nova Nurseries � my personal favourite � which quite literally states: �After viewing the photo from Belarus of Alexander holding his arms around this big Brunnera, we were sold!� They set out to help him stabilise it, multiply it and introduce it to the world. Patent no. PP25789 was granted in 2015. The plant went on to receive the �Too Good to Wait Performer� award at the 2015 Colorado State University trials, the �Top Performer� title for the 2016 season, and the �Top Performer Perennial 2016� award from the same university.

Last update 30-08-2026

The most striking feature of the French crepe myrtle cultivar FUCHSIA D��T� is its exceptionally vivid fuchsia‑pink colour, which shines across the garden in summer and brings a sense of joy and freshness. The flower panicles are large, long and dense, usually around twenty centimetres, and their weight and fullness give them the appearance of brightly coloured clusters. The epithet d��t� means �summer� in French and refers to this cultivar�s ability to flower early � a crucial distinction, because the typical L. indica often fails to reach full bloom in mid‑summer in continental Europe, coming into flower only towards the end of the season, whereas cultivars of the d��t� series manage to flower early even under these cooler conditions. In temperate climates, the flowers most often begin to open in the final ten days of July, then persist for a long time and appear in one continuous wave, which is characteristic of the species L. indica. The foliage is deciduous and distinctly glossy; in spring the young shoots emerge bright red, then turn to fresh green with a bronze tint, and in autumn they colour into attractive shades of red, wine and orange. The habit is upright, firm, compact and well‑branched, suitable both as a multi‑stemmed shrub and as a small tree. The cultivar belongs to the French INDIYA CHARMS� series, developed through long‑term selection for early flowering, extremely vivid colours, compact growth, pronounced autumn colour and confirmed resistance to powdery mildew. FUCHSIA D��T� is protected under European PBR 30173 (2011), and the breeder reports very good wood hardiness down to �18 �C (USDA zone 7).

Crape myrtles naturally grow as funnel‑shaped shrubs and look best if allowed to develop freely at first, and only once they reach a height of around two metres should you begin shaping them into a multi‑stem form. Older plants develop very attractive bark that peels in thin plates, leaving a smooth and intriguingly mottled mosaic reminiscent of plane trees. This pattern varies in colour, with earthy tones of brown, khaki green and beige in different intensities and contrasts. It shows best outside the growing season when the shrub is bare. Crape myrtles are also grown as standard trees, but in this case you should always ask about the rootstock, because the tree is only as hardy as the stem on which the crown is grafted, even if the crown itself is exceptionally hardy.

The cultivar was developed by Lagerstroemia S.A.R.L., a French breeding company specialising exclusively in lagerstroemias � a unique focus within the European horticultural world. Their INDIYA CHARMS� programme is designed for European climates and combines aesthetic and practical aims: early and prolonged flowering, exceptionally strong colours, compact habit, pronounced autumn foliage and demonstrable resistance to powdery mildew, a highly valuable trait in pure L. indica. Cultivars such as Braise d��t�, Camaïeu d��t�, Fuchsia d��t�, Violet d��t� were obtained through careful selection of the most resilient clones rather than interspecific hybridisation, which explains their stable performance even in cooler summers. The breeder continues the tradition of French ornamental nurseries known for their focus on plants with strong visual impact, while extending the cultivation of L. indica into climatic regions where it was previously difficult to grow.

Last revision: 30-07-2026

This natural dolomitic product is made by granulating magnesium-rich dust and milling limestone, resulting in uniform granules with high reactivity. It contains a minimum of 42.5 % calcium carbonate and 29 % magnesium carbonate, two essential minerals that work together in the soil: calcium strengthens cell walls and supports proper leaf and fruit formation, while magnesium � the central atom of chlorophyll � boosts photosynthesis and directly contributes to sweeter, better‑flavoured fruits.

With a moisture content of only 3.5 % (� 2 %), the product reacts quickly and breaks down within roughly two months, making it particularly suitable for autumn application. Magnesium also helps maintain a crumbly, well‑aerated soil structure, prevents surface sealing during heavy rain, improves water infiltration and acts as a natural soil detoxifier.

Suitable for:

• lettuce, strawberries, apples, cherries, melons and other sweet‑fruited crops
• increasing fruit sweetness thanks to high magnesium content
• strengthening plant tissues and preventing calcium‑related disorders
• improving soil structure and resistance to compaction
• fast intervention and preventive care due to high reactivity

Not suitable for:

• acid‑loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas
• situations requiring an immediate, strong pH increase using alkaline lime products

Application rates per 100 m²:

• 3�4 kg for slightly acidic soils
• 4�5 kg for moderately acidic soils
• 5�6 kg for strongly acidic soils

Example:  
Approximately 90 tomato plants can be treated with 1.5 kg of the product.

Correct levels of available calcium and magnesium improve photosynthesis efficiency, support proper leaf and fruit shape, increase resistance to fungal diseases and significantly enhance yield across plant types and cultivars.

This natural calcium product is made from genuine chalk and offers a reactivity of at least 95 %, ensuring rapid action after application. With a moisture content of only 4�8 % and a granule size of 3�6 mm, it spreads evenly and works efficiently in both garden beds and larger plantings. The bulk density of 1.25 kg/dm³ (�5 %) corresponds to high‑quality chalk‑based soil conditioners.

It decomposes within roughly two months, making it ideal for spring and autumn use. By increasing the level of available calcium, it supports proper leaf and fruit formation, strengthens plant tissues, improves photosynthesis efficiency and enhances resistance to fungal diseases. It is suitable for vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and brassicas, as well as for fruit trees including cherries and apples, and for strawberries.

Suitable for:

• raising the level of plant‑available calcium
• stabilising soil pH in acidic soils
• strengthening plant tissues and preventing physiological disorders
• rapid intervention thanks to high reactivity

Not suitable for:

• acid‑loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas
• situations requiring an immediate, strong increase in pH using alkaline lime products

Application rates per 100 m²:

• 3�4 kg for slightly acidic soils
• 4�5 kg for moderately acidic soils
• 5�6 kg for strongly acidic soils

Practical example:  
Approximately 90 tomato plants can be treated with 1.5 kg of the product.

Correct calcium levels improve photosynthesis, support proper leaf and fruit shape, increase resistance to fungal diseases and ultimately enhance yield across plant types and cultivars.

Introduced in 2026, the coneflower MOOODZ� FLIRTY leaves me wondering which of its qualities stands out the most � its colour or its fragrance, because both are remarkably strong. Let us begin with the colour: the deep ruby‑red blooms look as if they were cut from royal velvet, inspiring a sense of almost reverent admiration. They are single, 6�8 cm across, and carry an intensely strong, sweet honey scent. Unlike most other coneflowers, which stop releasing fragrance after mid‑afternoon, MOOODZ� FLIRTY continues to perfume the air well into the early evening, offering its heady aroma even when you come home tired from work and long for a moment in another dimension. It reaches 40�50 cm in height, flowers from early summer, and attracts bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbird hawk‑moths. Thanks to its unusual colouring it feels both exotic and modern, making it an excellent choice for stylish containers of hyper‑modern, minimalist design. Yet it performs just as well in a mixed perennial border, placed among plants whose colours will complement it. The leaves are deciduous, broadly lanceolate, dark green and arranged upwards along the stems.

Echinacea MOOODZ� is a modern series from the Dutch company HilverdaFlorist and breeder Diony de Bont, created for rapid flowering, compact growth, and a long, colourful blooming season. These plants stand out for their abundant branching, strong stems, large flower heads (8�10 cm), and an attractive palette ranging from white, yellow, pink, and purple to unusual green tones. The series was developed to produce plants that bloom without the need for vernalization, ready for sale and planting much earlier than other cultivars, ensuring fully flowering plants at the very start of the summer season.

Last update 26-07-2026

You know that moment when you are quietly getting on with something and someone suddenly calls out with urgency in their voice, �come here, hurry, you have to see this�? And not everything they want to show you truly deserves the rush. But this time it does � have a look at this beauty. BOLERO PINK coneflower genuinely earns the excitement and will take your breath away. If you are fond of coneflowers, you will certainly know the 2018 megahit SUNSEEKERS SALMON, the first semi‑double coneflower with blooms reminiscent of gerberas. Introduced in 2025, the BOLERO series is even fuller, with slightly narrower and gently cupped petals that give the flower a sculpted look � almost like a small dahlia. The blooms measure 7�9 cm across and carry a soft, sweet fragrance reminiscent of roses. The cultivar BOLERO PINK bears rich pink flowers that are almost white towards the centre when freshly opened, making the whole bloom shine like a neon light. Flowering begins in July and continues into September. The leaves are firm, slightly downy, mid‑green and matte.

Last update 26-07-2026

Watzmann is another attractive selection of the alpine star (edelweiss), valued for its remarkably faithful resemblance to the true wild species. Its flowers are slightly smaller than those of the well‑known cultivars �Matterhorn� and �Mont Blanc�, giving it a more natural, less �garden‑bred� appearance. It forms low, firm cushions about 15 to 20 cm tall, which in summer become covered with white, densely felted bracts and small flower heads measuring roughly 3 to 5 cm across. The leaves are narrow, silvery white to grey‑green, strongly hairy and provide a gentle contrast to the brighter star‑shaped blooms. According to long‑term observations by growers, it flowers for a shorter period than �Matterhorn� and �Mont Blanc�, yet definitely longer and more generously than the botanical species. It is also more stable in garden soil and copes better with summer moisture. The name refers to the Watzmann massif in the Berchtesgaden Alps, whose sharp triple summit has become a symbol of the rugged but beautiful alpine landscape.

Thanks to its compact habit it is ideal for rock gardens, alpine plantings or as a symbolic feature in high‑mountain themed borders. Its silvery surface gives it a subtle, almost magical quality that stands out especially in full sun. When the light catches it, the fine hairs create a soft, velvety sheen that feels like a piece of natural sculpture. It combines beautifully with Gentiana acaulis, Dryas octopetala or Saxifraga paniculata, which share similar requirements and add contrasting colour. The name of the cultivar gains an extra layer of meaning here � just as the Watzmann massif represents a pure, rugged alpine aesthetic, this edelweiss brings exactly that gentle yet striking mountain atmosphere into temperate gardens, the kind one remembers from high‑altitude hikes.

Last update 16-07-2026

Dark Chocolate is a Baptisia variety from the Decadence� series bred by the American perennial guru Hans Hansen. It is an improved version of the earlier cultivar Dutch Chocolate and offers exceptionally dark inflorescences around 30-35 cm long, composed of pea‑like flowers that open from deeply purplish‑brown buds as rich as the moment you break a bar of good dark chocolate � with a little imagination, of course. Once open, the colour lightens only slightly into a deep brownish‑purple tone, given contrast and a touch of playfulness by a hint of yellow along the lower part of the raceme. Because the flowers sit close together, they create the impression of a single, dark chocolate‑coloured candle. Dark Chocolate flowers in June and the blooms last for a long time, often up to three weeks. After flowering it produces conspicuous pods whose ripe seeds rattle like a child�s toy, giving rise to its American folk name rattleweed. The plant forms a firm, almost shrub‑like habit around 1.2 to 1.4 metres tall and slightly less wide, creating a compact and perfectly balanced clump. The leaves have the classic Baptisia shape of an oversized clover: trifoliate, broadly elliptic to obovate, with a matte, bluish‑green surface. The cultivar is protected by US patent PP30959 from 2019.

Chocolate is a concept in itself. Its intoxicating flavour and effects were first experienced by Europeans, more precisely by Columbus�s men, when they tasted the bitter, frothy cacao drink during their voyages along the coasts of present‑day Honduras and Nicaragua at the very end of the fifteenth century. But it was not until the Dutch, specifically Coenraad Johannes van Houten in 1828 who invented a special press that removed most of the cocoa butter from the cacao mass and allowed its  alkalization. This created so‑called Dutch cocoa, dark, smooth and in the form of an easily dissolvable powder far better suited as a raw material for countless delicacies. Cocoa became not only a valuable commodity but also an icon of flavour and colour. It is no wonder that the name of its most famous product, chocolate, still appears in many marketing names � including the name of this Baptisia. Most likely to make you just a little more tempted to get the product bearing its name 😊.

Last update 12-07-2026