INDUSTRY ISSUES What’s New?
Plant Material to Try in 2022
By Jill Odom
“NEW VARIETIES CAN HELP solve some landscape challenges, such as needing something that fits into a space without needing a lot of maintenance pruning,” says Jane Beggs-Joles, landscape market coordinator for Proven Winners. “They also help to set you apart from the competition. Being up on the newest varieties is one more way to elevate your own brand and not be competing on price.”
Beggs-Joles adds that if you don’t get in the habit of evaluating new plants, you’ll struggle to find a new go-to when your old one is unavailable. Also, every year there are new pests and diseases an older variety many not have a resistance to. “Trying new plant material also tells your clients that you’re a professional and that you invest in learning new things,” she says.
It may seem unnecessary to add new varieties to a dependable plant palette, but new introductions can elevate a good plant to a great one. “Whether that means better disease resistance, right-sizing plants to place, better flower color, longer-lasting flow- ers, or multiple-season interest, tried and tested new varieties can set you apart as a designer with long-lasting landscape success,” says Ryan McE- naney, marketing and communications manager for Bailey Nurseries. “While not all new introductions live up to expectations, aligning with companies and brands that put in the hard work upfront will set you up for long-term success.”
McEnaney says Bailey Nurseries puts a strong emphasis on trialing plants across the country at their pro- duction sites and external trial sites. “Any plant that is accepted into the
14 The Edge //January/February 2022 Pinktini™ Lilac
((Left) Little Lime Punch™ (Below) Little Ho ® Panicle Hydrangea
e Hottie
Vanilla Brandy™ Abelia
First Editions Shrubs & Trees brand undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it lives up to its unique attributes,” McEnaney says. “Similarly, we set an expectation that each plant selected for the First Editions brand is better than or provides a unique attribute that doesn’t already exist on the market. We are methodical and intentional with each new introduction and take our time to choose only the best.”
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