At California Spring Trials 2026, Plant Development Services will debut a new slate of introductions in which moody blooms meet metallic-tinged foliage, redefining color for the modern garden. Rich, saturated flowers bring new interest to proven landscape performers, while luminous silvers and radiant golden tones add light, contrast, and dimension to foundation plantings.
"Strong color stops shoppers in their tracks," says Kip McConnell, VP of Business Development for Plant Development Services, Inc. "These introductions deliver bold, seldom-seen colors that drive impulse purchases, while maintaining the performance, reliability, and consistency growers and retailers depend on."
This year's introductions include:
Available through Encore Azalea: Autumn Velvet – With flushes of unprecedented dark magenta blooms from spring through fall, Autumn Velvet expands the rainbow of possibilities for reblooming azaleas. Its compact, dense evergreen habit (4' x 4') creates a sophisticated and moody presence in containers, mass plantings, or garden beds. Hardy in Zones 6–10 for full sun to part shade. 
© Plant Development Services
Available through the Butterfly Candy Buddleia Collection: Li'l Magenta – Adding vibrant energy to pollinator gardens, Li'l Magenta produces voluminous panicles filled with striking magenta blooms from late spring through the first frost. Its compact size (2–3' tall and wide) and floriferous habit make it an ideal choice for containers, borders, and small spaces, to add visual appeal while supporting pollinators throughout the season. Li'l Magenta joins five color variations in the Butterfly Candy Collection, presented with engaging point-of-purchase materials, creating an irresistible display that drives sales. Hardy to Zone 5.
© Plant Development Services
Available through Southern Living Plant Collection: Early Surprise Camellia – For bright color with a head start on the season, the new Early Surprise Camellia bursts into radiant coral red blooms as early as late summer, well ahead of traditional camellia varieties. Glossy, dark green foliage in a tidy, upright form creates an elegant, evergreen backdrop, reaching 6–8' tall by 4–6' wide. Hardy in Zones 7–9 and adaptable from full sun to partial shade. 
© Plant Development Services
Available through Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections: Mahonia Silver Caress – Elevate shaded nooks and corners with the silvery, bamboo-like foliage of Silver Caress. A graceful, compact habit of 3.5' tall by 3' wide and feathery evergreen leaves brings delicate movement to the landscape, contrasted by sweet yellow blooms in winter. Reliable heat tolerance and drought resilience in Zones 7–9.
© Plant Development Services
Available through Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections: Ilex Golden Sky – A beacon of golden foliage, Golden Sky delivers bold color in a naturally slender, upright form (8' x 3'). Ideal for narrow spaces, mixed containers, or as a radiant screening hedge, this holly thrives in full sun to part shade in Zones 5–9.
© Plant Development Services
Stop information: 3300 Via Real, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Tues, March 24: 8 AM - 5 PM
Wed, March 25: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thurs, March 26: 8 AM - 5 PM
Fri, March 27: 8 AM - 5 PM
For more information:
Plant Development Services
Email: [email protected]
www.plantdevelopment.com
