"At Monrovia, new plant introductions are a combination of art and science. Our plant hunters travel across the globe, working with world-class breeders, choosing unique and beautiful plant varieties. These new plants are then trialed and tested in varied growing conditions at our nurseries in California, Oregon, Connecticut, and Georgia. The trials are years in the making and allow our Craftsmen to choose only the best of the best – varieties that provide more beauty, longer-lasting blooms, and outstanding performance. We look for plants that provide new solutions in the garden, including perfectly-sized varieties that fit smaller spaces, plants that offer more disease resistance, or selections that can be used in new and exciting ways. Only a select few make the cut," the Monrovia team stated.
The 2022 new plant introductions reflect a focus on diversity in the garden, meeting a variety of climate-appropriate needs. They also address key consumer trends such as attracting pollinators, dark foliage paired with bright blooms, and creating an inviting outdoor space to relax and recharge. Below is a selection of the new varieties.
Burgundy Queen Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea 'Monhar' PPAF
The new growth leaves are deep wine-red, while the flower-like bracts are a burgundy hue. Discovered by Craftsman Tracy Harrison at Monrovia’s Georgia nursery, Burgundy Queen grows up to 30 feet long, making it fit for weaving through trellises and fences, or large patio pots. Evergreen in warmer climates, Burgundy Queen is also a great container or hanging basket annual in cooler regions. Hardy in Zones 10-11, it will grow 20 to 30 feet.
Jurassic Ferns
If you are looking for big impact in a shade garden, you could consider Monrovia’s Jurassic Ferns. Each of the six ferns in this collection, discovered by Dan Hinkley throughout Asia, offers something different, from foliage to location problem solvers. These varieties provide more than just a green backdrop.
Ruby Colonnade Holly
Ilex x crenata 'RutHol5' PPAF
Ruby Colonnade Holly emerges a deep red before transitioning to a bright, glossy green. This University of Georgia specimen stays narrow, creating a pyramid of dense texture. Ruby Colonnade is a front-entry container evergreen and because it takes well to shearing, can be shaped for spirals and other topiary. Available only from Monrovia, this holly is hardy in Zones 7-9 and reaches 10 to 12 feet tall and up to 8 feet wide.
Purple Potion Agapanthus
Agapanthus inapertus ‘HinGrkop’ PPAF
Purple Potion was chosen for its true-violet blooms. The color makes this Agapanthus a standout in the landscape with nearly black buds that open to a deep purple. Purple Potion is a Monrovia exclusive from Dan Hinkley that grows to about 26 inches tall and 20 inches wide and thrives in partial to full sun. Zones: 7-10.
Orangena Vaccinium
Vaccinium brevipedicellatum ‘HINOGV’
This evergreen shrub is a Dan Hinkley discovery that brings bright shades of fresh orange new growth early spring, holding through summer. In the fall, cooler temperatures bring tinges of red to the foliage. Orangena is a Vaccinium, but it is not grown for its berries, and it could be used as an alternative to boxwood. Orangena grows to 4 feet tall and wide and is recommended for Zones 7-10.
Butterscotch Baby Spirea
Spiraea japonica ‘MINSPIZ02’ PPAF
Butterscotch Baby Spirea is a chameleon in its color transformations: new growth emerges a warm, caramel-butterscotch that transitions to a bright chartreuse green in summer. Bright pink flowers sit atop the green backdrop. In the fall, the caramel red color returns. Butterscotch Baby keeps a very compact, mushroom-cap like habit growing only 1.5 feet high and 2 feet wide. Full sun, Zones 4-9.
Sunvilla Mandevilla
Monrovia’s Sunvilla Mandevilla collection provides tropical color in the garden. These climbers were chosen because their blooms are slower to fade, adding long-lasting enjoyment and interest to an arbor, trellis, or hanging basket. Clear, bright colors with yellow throats are backed by glossy green foliage. Choose from Red, White, Pink, and Giant Red with extra-large blooms. Sunvilla are considered perennials in Zones 9-11 and annual in every other area of the country. Their twining stems reach 15 to 20 feet.
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