While Pantone has identified muted white, or "Cloud Dancer," as a color trend for 2026, Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI) is introducing a range of new consumer plant varieties that emphasize stronger color presence in the landscape. This year's releases feature saturated magenta, coral, and pastel tones rather than neutral palettes. The introductions are designed to pair ornamental color with performance traits such as reblooming habits, compact growth, heat tolerance, and pollinator support.
According to Vice President of Business Development Kip McConnell, the 2026 introductions focus on color while maintaining traits valued by growers and gardeners, including water efficiency, extended bloom periods, and adaptability across regions.
The following new varieties will be available to the trade in 2026 through PDSI's brand partners:
Autumn Velvet Encore Azalea is a reblooming azalea with magenta flowers that appear from spring through fall. Plants mature at approximately 4 feet tall and wide, with evergreen foliage that provides year-round structure. The variety is suited for containers, landscapes, and mass plantings in Zones 6–10. It will be available through Encore Azalea.
© Plant Development Services IncAutumn Velvet Encore Azalea
Some Like it Hot is a leucothoe variety noted for heat tolerance and fast growth, maintaining evergreen foliage in full sun to part shade. New growth emerges reddish-bronze, transitioning to green and then rosy-pink tones in fall. White flowers appear in spring. Plants mature at 2–3 feet tall and wide and are suitable for Zones 6–9. It will be available through the Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections.
© Plant Development Services IncLeucothoe Some Like it Hot
Li'l Magenta produces magenta flower spikes from late spring through frost and attracts pollinators throughout the season. Plants maintain a compact 2–3 foot habit and are suitable for containers, borders, and small landscapes. The variety is hardy to Zone 5 and will be available through the Butterfly Candy Buddleia collection.
© Plant Development Services Inc
Li'l Magenta
Butterfly Candy Lil Cerise features soft pink flower spikes with light fragrance and dense foliage. Blooming continues through summer, providing nectar for pollinators. Plants mature at 2–3 feet tall and wide and are hardy to Zone 5. This variety will also be available through the Butterfly Candy Buddleia collection.
© Plant Development Services IncButterfly Candy Lil Cerise
Blast From The Pastel is a hydrangea that produces panicles of white, star-shaped flowers with soft yellow and pastel pink or blue tones. Plants reach approximately 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide and perform in full sun to part shade in Zones 5–9. It will be available through the Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections.
© Plant Development Services IncBlast From the Pastel
Purple Charm Loropetalum is a compact loropetalum with deep purple foliage and red, fringe-like flowers. Plants mature at 3–4 feet tall and wide and are suited for borders, containers, and mass plantings. The variety is evergreen in Zones 7–10 and will be available through the Southern Living Plant Collection.
© Plant Development Services IncPurple Charm
Early Surprise Camelia produces coral-colored flowers beginning in September, earlier than most camellia varieties. Plants form an upright, evergreen structure, maturing at 6–8 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide. Suitable for foundation plantings, hedges, and containers, the variety grows in Zones 7–9 and tolerates full sun to partial shade. It will be available through the Southern Living Plant Collection.
© Plant Development Services Inc
Early Surprise Camelia
Interested growers can catch these colorful new releases at PDSI's MANTS Booths #33 and 34, and find out what's new with Better Boxwood in the PDSI & Everde Booth 142.
For more information:
Plant Development Services
Email: [email protected]
www.plantdevelopment.com
