No matter how large or small a garden is, there’s nothing like a few new plants to make the gardener’s heart sing. We’ve looked over the introductions for 2024 and found some we think you’ll love as much as we do. From jaw-dropping flowers to fabulous foliage and a few tasty edibles, there’s sure to be a plant (or several) that will have friends asking, “Where did you get that?” The challenge with new introductions is that numbers are often limited the first year, so it can be a bit of a challenge to find them at garden centers or online nurseries. So shop early and don’t give up; these gorgeous new plants are sure to be around next year too.
Zones: 5–8
Size: 30 inches tall and 48 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range: North America
What’s not to love about our native smooth bluestars? They’re deer resistant, pollinator friendly, and low maintenance, and they look great from spring to frost. From wild seed collected in Hardin County, Texas, ‘Hardin’s Gem’ is all this and more. It has a dense habit; smooth, narrow green leaves; and, most exciting of all, even more flowering stems than all other smooth bluestars to keep your borders colorful (and pollinators happy) throughout spring.
Introduced by: Plant Delights Nursery
Zones: 3–9
Size: 22 to 26 inches tall and 30 to 32 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Native range: Hybrid
If you love easy-to-grow sedums, this new variety won’t disappoint. In fact, with its deep purple foliage and color-changing blooms, you’ll love it even more. ‘Midnight Velvet’ begins in spring with rosebud-like new growth that’s just as chocolaty as its mature foliage. Just be sure to grow it in full sun; with too much shade the leaves have
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