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No Sympathy for Symphyotrichum - Aster novae-angliae ‘Grape Crush’ & ‘Purple Dome’

No Sympathy for Symphyotrichum - Aster novae-angliae ‘Grape Crush’ & ‘Purple Dome’

Posted by John Friel on Nov 10th 2022

The “aster disaster” rocked the perennial world over 20 years ago when that venerable genus was torn asunder.Those darned taxonomists shipped all “New World” asters off to tongue-twisting new genera like Eurybia, Doellingeria and, in the case of our two favorites, Symphiotrichum.Many professionals snubbed the neologisms and kept right on calling them “asters.” That’s where you’ll find them in our catalog, with Symphiotrichum second. Because that’s where our customers look for them. By any name,
Delosperma Ocean Sunset™ Ever watch the sun set over the sea?

Delosperma Ocean Sunset™ Ever watch the sun set over the sea?

Posted by John Friel on Oct 18th 2022

Remember how huge it looked as it slowly sank, closer and closer to the water? Didn’t it seem twice as big as when it was high overhead?That’s Ocean Sunset™ for you. This series was bred for brilliant blooms that open wide, significantly larger than any other on the market. We’ve grown them all, and they’re all good, but oh, these flowers! They’re not just bigger, the colors are hot hot hot! Orange Glow PPAF Unusual bicolor blooms are pumpkin orange with purple tips.Orange Vibe PPA
Salvia nemorosa May Night (‘Mainacht’) Flashback!

Salvia nemorosa May Night (‘Mainacht’) Flashback!

Posted by John Friel on Oct 6th 2022

Back in 1997, Emerald Coast Growers was just six years old. Bill Clinton was in the White House. A new Honda Civic cost $10,000. The Marlins beat the Indians in the World Series, and the Packers whupped the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.But the big news that year? The Perennial Plant Association chose Salvia May Night as its Perennial Plant of the Year. All other phenomena were just fighting for silver.May Night is a classic best-seller thanks to its long-lasting violet-purple flower spikes in lat
Let’s Cover Some More Ground! (Hypericum calycinum)

Let’s Cover Some More Ground! (Hypericum calycinum)

Posted by John Friel on Sep 7th 2022

What comes to mind when someone says “groundcover?” First, you picture the two or three species you see everywhere. Next, you yawn. Right?Wake up and smell the coffee! Groundcovers don’t have to be the same old ho-hum stuff. There are fantastic choices in our perennial and grass lineup. Look out, here comes another one! Hypericum calycinum “One of the finest groundcovers available,” says Dr. Allan Armitage. This tidy grower, taller than most groundcovers, features green foliage neatly arranged
STARS OF THE PERENNIAL BORDER A Galaxy of Nifty Natives, Chapter 1

STARS OF THE PERENNIAL BORDER A Galaxy of Nifty Natives, Chapter 1

Posted by John Friel on Sep 2nd 2022

Looking to add some stellar selections to your perennial lineup? You’re in the right place. These proven all-stars always come shining through. Echinacea purpurea Ruby Star A superior, classic, large-flowered selection. Carmine-red petals remain horizontal, not reflexed, for a more colorful show than the straight species. “Purple coneflower” is beloved by birds, bees and butterflies. Goldfinches especially love to perch and dine on the spiky central seed cones after the petals drop. Hei

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