It takes a lot for editors of gardening magazines to get excited about a new plant. Perhaps it’s because we see so many offerings crash and burn within the first year of hitting garden center shelves, never to be seen or heard from again. That’s why we take the business of reviewing new plants for this yearly feature so seriously. In many cases, we’ve been able to test these introductions in our own beds and borders for at least a year (or often longer). If the plant did well, we added it to the pages that follow. For other plants that we did not get to test ourselves, we took great pains to interview as many folks involved in the breeding of the perennial, shrub, or annual as possible, to dig deeper into what makes it special (thereby making our list of the “best”) or not (entries that you won’t see here). Typically, new varieties can be tricky to find right away, so like many of you, we often wait a year or two before seriously searching for them. However, with these particular standouts, we couldn’t wait to share—and after reading about them, you might feel the search will be well worth the effort.
Perennials
A native with a striking blend of brightly colored foliage
‘Stars and Stripes’ bulrush (Scirpus pendula ‘Stars and Stripes’)
Zones: 4–8
Size: 18 to 24 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; wet or boggy soil
Native range: North America
What’s not to love about ‘Stars and Stripes’? This eye-catching bulrush features green-and-white/light-yellow-striped blades that provide a vertical accent in water gardens, ponds, and boggy areas. Its bold foliage adds texture and architectural interest, while its low-maintenance nature ensures effortless beauty.
Introduced by: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
Purple-tinged stems and vibrant late-summer blooms—this plant is a pollinator’s dream
‘Summer’s End’ ironweed (Vernonia ‘Summer’s End’)
Zones: 4–9
Size: 42 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil
Native range: North America
‘Summer’s End’ ironweed is a late-blooming perennial known for its deep-purple flowers that attract butterflies and pollinators in early fall. It has an upright, vase-like habit, with soft green leaves that provide a striking contrast to its vibrant blooms. This hardy native plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making it a great choice for meadow gardens and naturalized landscapes. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions.
Introduced by: Plants Nouveau
The variegation on these hosta leaves is surreal
‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ hosta (Hosta ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’)
Zones: 3–9
Size: 21 inches tall and 36 to 42 inches wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; rich, moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Northeast Asia
A regal addition to shady gardens, ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ boasts rippled, creamy-white leaves with thin green margins that create a luminous effect in low light. This is a sport of ‘Empress Wu’ but stays far more compact than the former. Pale whitish-lavender flowers appear on tall scapes in summer, providing an extra touch of elegance. We’ve never seen a hosta like this before, which is truly saying something.
Introduced by: Walters Gardens
Contrasting white blooms and dark stems make this a standout perennial
‘Darklight’ baptisia (Baptisia ‘Darklight’)
Zones: 4–9
Size: 36 to 42 inches tall and 36 to 48 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; average to dry, well-drained soil
Native range: North America
If you’re looking to make a bold statement, try this tougher-than-it-looks option. ‘Darklight’ baptisia is a striking perennial featuring deep near-black flower stems adorned with bright white blooms. The tall candles of blossoms rise above a lush mound of blue-green foliage in late spring to early summer and are long-lasting. ‘Darklight’ attracts bees and butterflies, while the plant’s shrub-like habit is super sturdy (no flopping!). Highly drought tolerant and low-maintenance, ‘Darklight’ is perfect for sunny borders.
Introduced by: Plant Delights Nursery
There’s no better complement to sizzling summer than this hot-hued coneflower
Sombrero® Mandarin Mambo coneflower (Echinacea ‘Balsomambo’)
Zones: 4b–9
Size: 18 to 22 inches tall and 22 to 24 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Central and eastern United States
Bring a fiesta of color to your garden with Sombrero® Mandarin Mambo. This vibrant coneflower flaunts rich orange petals surrounding a coppery-brown central cone, creating a striking display from midsummer into fall. Its compact, sturdy habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or pollinator gardens. Sombrero® Mandarin Mambo thrives in sunny locations and attracts scores of bees and butterflies, and is highly drought tolerant and low-maintenance.
Introduced by: Darwin Perennials
A giant new addition to the bluestar lineup
‘Wild Blue Yonder’ bluestar (Amsonia ‘Wild Blue Yonder’)
Zones: 5–9
Size: 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Native range: North America
This might be the beefiest bluestar we’ve ever come across! ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ brings an air of effortless beauty to gardens with its delicate star-shaped periwinkle-blue flowers that bloom in late spring. Its finely textured, feathery green foliage adds interest throughout the growing season, turning vibrant shades of gold in fall. This low-maintenance perennial is deer resistant, tolerant of a variety of soils, and ideal for pollinator gardens or naturalistic plantings.
Introduced by: Plant Delights Nursery
Top Pick: Add a dazzling burst of purple fireworks to a sunny spot
‘Lavender Glowsticks’ blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya ‘Lavender Glowsticks’)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 4 feet tall and 1½ to 2 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; average to moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Central and eastern United States
This stunning new nativar features tall, slender spikes of lavender-pink flowers that bloom from the bottom up, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The stems seem to shoot out of the clumping foliage at all conceivable angles—talk about whimsical! The feathery upright foliage provides an elegant contrast to the vibrant flowers. This plant is certainly a striking vertical element. It’s drought tolerant and deer resistant, too.
Introduced by: Walters Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails ground cover, look no further
‘Shamrock’ stonecrop sedum (Sedum cauticola ‘Shamrock’)
Zones: 3–9
Size: 2 to 4 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; average to dry, well-drained soil
Native range: Japan
You can never have too many sedums. So it should be easy to add charm and texture to your garden with the compact beauty of ‘Shamrock’ stonecrop sedum. Its rounded succulent leaves display a distinctive smoky blue-green hue with a subtle purple tint, forming dense mounding foliage. In late summer to early fall, clusters of soft-pink, star-shaped flowers emerge, creating a delightful contrast. Perfect for any sunny, dry spot that tends to be neglected.
Introduced by: Darwin Perennials
This plant would still be gorgeous even if it never bloomed
‘Touch of Blush’ false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides ’Touch of Blush’)
Zones: 4–9
Size: 16 to 20 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Native range: Eastern and central North America
My goodness, the variegation on the leaves of this plant is second to none. The cultivar name ‘Touch of Blush’ refers to the pink tinge that the new white-and-green leaves get early in the season. Come summer, the compact plants are covered in bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Don’t be surprised to see a slew of native pollinators drawn to the blooms on a regular basis.
Introduced by: Walters Gardens and Proven Winners®
Trees & Shrubs
The birds will love this columnar shrub almost as much as you do
Yardline® viburnum (Viburnum ‘NCVX5’)
Zones: 7–9
Size: 6 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Hybrid
Yardline® viburnum is the perfect choice for a low-maintenance privacy screen or standout focal point. This fast-growing shrub features dense, glossy green foliage that turns shades of red and burgundy in fall. In spring, clusters of creamy-white flowers attract pollinators, followed by ornamental red berries that provide food for birds. Its adaptable nature and resistance to disease make it a solid choice for spots that need a hardworking plant with presence.
Introduced by: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
Top Pick: Blooms, shade tolerance… and it’s a native? Sign us up.
Paisley Pup® leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Paisley Pup’)
Zones: 5–8
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Southeastern United States
It feels like this shrub may truly have it all. This compact evergreen boasts striking variegated foliage, with splashes of cream, pink, and green that intensify in cooler weather. Its arching stems create an elegant, cascading effect, while the spring flush of small urn-shaped white flowers adds seasonal interest. Deer resistant and adaptable, Paisley Pup® would make the ultimate shady foundation plant.
Introduced by: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
Delicate, disease resistant, and ready for the gardening debutante ball
New Age™ Pink Flush lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘G13110’)
Zones: 4–7
Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Hybrid
Can’t you see a bouquet of these blossoms adorning a table on the set of Bridgerton? This cultivar sports a classic lilac fragrance on a shrub with a more compact form. New Age™ Pink Flush lilac is surprisingly resistent to powdery mildew and bursts into bloom in spring with clusters of soft-pink flowers streaked with deeper pink hues. This combo creates a delicate two-toned effect. Its dense, rounded habit makes it perfect for smaller gardens or foundation plantings.
Introduced by: Star Roses® and Plants
Hot sun and lean soil are no match for this bee magnet
Violet Mist® chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus ‘Bailtexfour’)
Zones: 5–9
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Condtions: Full sun; average to dry, well-drained soil
Native range: Mediterranean region and western Asia
This is the perfect shrub for creating a soft, ethereal look in your garden. ‘Violet Mist’ chastetree is a graceful multistemmed shrub or small tree with a more compact habit than its predecessors. It dazzles in summer with airy clusters of pale lavender flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its fragrant, silvery-green foliage adds texture and movement, while its drought tolerance and deer resistance make it a good low-maintenance choice for hellstrips and other tough spots.
Introduced by: First Editions® Shrubs & Trees
Fragrance, a compact habit, and gorgeous fall fruit make this shrub a beautiful choice
Seaside Swirl™ Blush rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa* ‘Boruiwhiva’)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 3 feet tall and wide
Condtions: Full sun; average to sandy, well-drained soil
Native range: Eastern Asia
Rugosa roses can be invaluable for erosion control in areas with sandy, lean soil. But they often get too big for smaller gardens. Enter Seaside Swirl™ Blush, a compact and fragrant selection perfect for coastal and cottage landscapes. This resilient shrub produces an abundance of soft-pink semidouble blooms from late spring through fall, attracting bees and butterflies with its sweet fragrance. Glossy deep-green foliage turns golden in autumn, while bright red hips provide winter interest and food for birds. Salt tolerance and disease resistance are a bonus.
Introduced by: Monrovia®
Use this plant to create the best-looking hedge imaginable
Green Wall Spire™ crabapple (Malus × adstringens ‘Jefwall’)
Zones: 2–8
Size: 18 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Hybrid
Goodbye boring green hedge, hello multiseason stunner! Green Wall Spire™ crabapple is a narrow, upright tree featuring dense, dark green foliage that provides a lush columnar screen throughout the growing season. In spring, soft-pink buds open to delicate white flowers, attracting pollinators before giving way to small, persistent fruit that adds seasonal interest and provides food for wildlife. Bred to be extremely disease resistant, Green Wall Spire™ is ideal for tight spaces, privacy screens, or as a striking specimen in modern landscapes.
Introduced by: First Editions® Shrubs & Trees
Forget about disease-prone boxwoods and grab this all-purpose evergreen instead
Mini Touch™ Japanese holly (Ilex crenata ‘BLHO2’)
Zones: 6–9b
Size: 2 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Japan, Korea, China, and eastern Russia
Boxwood blight is taking North America by storm, and as such, we all need to be looking for alternative plants. Mini Touch™ Japanese holly is a tight-mounding evergreen with dense, finely textured foliage quite similar to boxwood (but without the disease issues). Its small glossy green leaves offer a soft, lush appearance perfect for low hedges, foundation plantings, or container gardens. This versatile shrub is heat tolerant, deer resistant, and easy to maintain.
Introduced by: Southern Living Plant Collection
Annuals
This fragrant beauty may not be brand-new, but it’s now readily available
‘High Scent’ sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus ‘High Scent’)
Zones: Annual
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, rich soil
Native range: Mediterranean region
It sometimes takes a few years for a plant to pick up steam and find its way into garden centers. Such is the case with ‘High Scent’ sweet pea. This climbing annual features large, ruffled blossoms in softpink and lavender hues, emitting a powerful sweet fragrance that will transport you to an overflowing English cottage garden with just one sniff. Its vigorous growth habit makes it ideal for trellises and fences, or as an attractive vertical accent in garden beds.
Introduced by: Park Seed
Top Pick: Never fear! This edible flower won’t take over your beds and borders
‘Baby Yellow’ nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus ‘Baby Yellow’)
Zones: Annual
Size: 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Native range: South America
The staff of Fine Gardening loves adding edible nasturtiums to our veggie gardens. But the vines can be overly rambunctious and choke out even the most sturdy tomato plant if not kept in check. Enter ‘Baby Yellow’ nasturtium, a compact and cheerful variety perfect for containers, borders, or hanging baskets. This petite plant produces an abundance of striking, buttery-yellow flowers and bright green leaves that offer a peppery flavor, perfect for salads and garnishes. This was a 2025 All-America Selections winner, so you know it’s worth buying!
Introduced by: Park Seed
Even folks who don’t like petunias will be lured in by this dark stranger
Easy Wave™ Navy Velour petunia (Petunia ‘PAS1499779’)
Zones: Annual
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 30 to 40 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Native range: South America
If there were a dress made out of these petals, it would be fit for a queen. Easy Wave™ Navy Velour petunia sports deep–navy blue blooms that have a luxurious, almost iridescent quality. Flowering continuously from spring to frost, this “super-tunia” thrives in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers, creating a lush trailing display. Heat tolerant, low-maintenance, and self-cleaning, Easy Wave™ Navy Velour is perfect for adding long-lasting drama and beauty to any sunny space.
Introduced by: Wave® Petunias
Electrify your pots and shady nooks with this easy-care annual
Flamethrower™ Adobo Pink coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Balflamobin’)
Zones: 11
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and 16 to 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil
Native range: Hybrid
Add some tropical flair to your garden with Flamethrower™ Adobo Pink coleus. This stunning annual has an almost shrub-like habit, featuring serrated dark purple leaves with a bold pink center. Just imagine the dramatic pop of color this plant would bring shady spots and pots throughout the summer. The naturally compact growth of this coleus means you’ll be pinching less to keep it shapely, which means more time for sipping sweet tea on a hot July day.
Introduced by: Ball FloraPlant®
Vegetables
Get ready for one of the sweetest— and most attractive—squashes you’ll ever grow
‘Green Lightning’ squash
Days to maturity: 40 to 50
No, this is not your average squash. ‘Green Lightning’ is a pattypan variety, which are known for their sweet flesh and low seed count. This striking new selection produces vibrant lime-green striped fruits with a UFO shape and smooth, tender skin. The plant’s compact, bushy habit makes it perfect for small garden spaces or containers. Known for its high yield and fast-growing nature, ‘Green Lightning’ offers a sweet, mild flavor that shines in stir-fries and salads, or simply when sliced in half and thrown on the grill.
Introduced by: PanAmerican Seed®
It looks weird but tastes oh-so-good
‘Woodstock Organic’ tomato
Days to maturity: 75
Why not give this oddball a try? ‘Woodstock Organic’ tomato is a disease-resistant and high-yielding variety known for its unique appearance. According to the breeder, it “hits all the tomato flavor notes: sugary and rich, with plenty of acid. It’s green when fully ripe, with a psychedelic swirling interior.” Aside from being a fun fruit to look at, this largesized tomato would be ideal for fresh eating and for adding into sauces. Johnny’s Selected Seeds always excels at breeding new and exciting tomatoes, so we’re sure this latest selection will be a champ.
Introduced by: Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Top Pick: Break out the cocktail shaker—this veggie is going to elevate those drinks!
‘Mojito’ cucumber
Days to maturity: 50
We like our summer cocktails around here, almost as much as we like our new plants. So you can understand why we were excited to see this new cucumber variety seemingly built for mojitos and margaritas. ‘Mojito’ cucumber is a high-yielding specialty variety prized for its crisp texture and sweet, citrusy flavor. These smooth light green cucumbers grow to perfection on vigorous, disease-resistant vines, producing uniform, slender fruits ideal for fresh eating, slicing, salads, and of course all those summer cocktails and mocktails. With excellent resistance to powdery mildew and adaptability to various growing conditions, ‘Mojito’ thrives in both garden beds and trellised containers, ensuring a steady harvest of refreshing cucumbers all season long. Their light color may even make them easier to spot for picking!
Introduced by: Johnny’s Selected Seeds
*Invasive alert: Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa)
This plant is considered invasive in CT, ME, NH, and NJ.
Please visit invasiveplantatlas.org for more information.
The editors of Fine Gardening have several decades of combined experience trialing new plants.
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