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Known variously as creeping phlox or moss phlox, early flowering Phlox subulata is a familiar friend, a welcome harbinger of spring. Its cheerful five-petaled blooms blanket slopes and spill over walls.A crop of Phlox subulata planted in early fall has oceans of time to fill its containers with vigorous roots. Sooner than you think, cold nights and short days will shut down vegetative growth. That tough evergreen foliage will hunker down and wait patiently. Sleep tight! Come spring, this fa

Back in 1997, Emerald Coast Growers was just six years old. Bill Clinton was in the White House. A new Honda Civic sold for $10,000. The Marlins beat the Indians in the World Series, the Packers whupped the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, and Princess Diana went for her last car ride in Paris. Au revoir, England’s Rose.But the big news that year? The Perennial Plant Association chose Salvia May Night as its Perennial Plant of the Year. All other phenomena are just fighting for silver.May

Isn’t that an oxymoron? Not when it’s…Lobelia cardinalis ‘Black Truffle’ PP25687Truly red flowers are a rare commodity in the perennial market. Lobelia cardinalis is one of those rarities, with brilliant red, red blooms. And ‘Black Truffle’ brings a head-turning look to the species with rich, deep, dark foliage.New leaves emerge glossy black, maturing to shiny maroon. The beautiful bright red blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, contrast dazzlingly with the luscious foliage, and make a l

“Balloon Flower”Here’s a garden plant that’s fun for all ages. Growers and gardeners love the flower color, about as close to true blue as a perennial gets. And your customers’ customers’ kids will love popping the inflated buds of this cheerful sun/shade tolerant border beauty .Please, don’t stop ‘em from poppin’ ‘em! Having fun in the garden helps bring them back. A few burst buds is a small price to pay for new gardeners. Think of it as a tiny investment in the green industry’s future.Platyco

You’ve heard “cute as a button” and “cute as a bunny.” But which registers higher on the cuteness meter? We think it’s a tie, because both apply to one plant.  Pennisetum messiacum ‘Red Buttons’ is also known as ‘Red Bunny Tails’ thanks to its reddish-pink, soft, fluffy flower heads that just beg to be touched. Blooms soften to buff white as they mature.The flowers rise on 24” stems over neat, 18” clumps of rich green blades with burgundy highlights. The whole package is simply too cute fo