Bulbs for the New Year

New, Unusual and Unique Bulb-like Plant Varieties for 2008 Gardens

Jan 5, 2008

Assaut Canna Lily: Dramatic Red Heirloom Canna, Old House Gardens Heirlooms

These bulbs, corms and runner grown plants represent new varieties recently bred, and heirloom plants rediscovered and reintroduced for all gardeners to enjoy.

Some of the plants highlighted in this article are heirloom varieties recently reintroduced commercially for gardeners and so, while not exactly new, they are newly available for purchase. The heirloom bulbs are clearly designated.

Canna Lily 'Assaut' – A rare but stunning red heirloom variety that first appeared in catalogs in 1920, the Assaut Canna is available through Old House Gardens Heirlooms. The canna leaves are a bronze color that adds interest to the garden, contrasting against the green leaves of other perennials and plants. The flowers of the 'Assaut' are a rich crimson color that is very dramatic and the plant will bloom a long time if provided plenty of water, rich soil and sunlight. Gardeners can expect this Canna to grow about 5' tall and to be hardy to Zone 8.

'Something Magic' Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum 'Something Magic') – Hardy zones 5-9. Cyclamens are tuberous perennials that grow well under shade trees as they typically go dormant in the summer after the branches leaf out. Plant cyclamens in containers and window boxes or under trees and enjoy the spring blooms. 'Something Magic' has beautiful, rose-pink flowers that are set off by the grey-green leaves with wide silver edges and grows about 6” tall and 10” wide. This new cyclamen is introduced by Terra Nova Nurseries and should be available in select garden centers.

Dalina Grande Colima (Dahlia hybrid) – Zones 9-10. This tender dahlia is a Proven Winners variety and part of the Dalina Grande series. These Dahlias produce masses of flowers late in the spring through frost and repeat bloom especially well when deadheaded. The Colima dahlia flowers are variegated pink in color and the plant will grow about 18” tall and wide. Add these dahlias to any garden area where you want to attract butterflies and include in your deer resistant gardens as well. To preserve your Dahlias over winter simply lift and store before they freeze.

Asiatic Lily 'Netty's Pride ' (Lilium 'Netty's Pride') – Zones 3-9. The Asiatic Lily is a hardy perennial for northern gardeners and this new introduction by Dutch Gardens is a stunning addition to any garden. Netty's Pride Lily has dark maroon or deep crimson petals with pure white tips making the flowers true stand-outs in any garden. Add this lily to a gothic themed garden or cutting garden and expect a lot of blooms throughout the early to midsummer. Like most lilies, the Netty's Pride Asiatic Lily appreciates full sun but will tolerate part shade nicely but needs well-drained soil to survive year after year.

Caladium 'Jiao Ying' – An amazing new caladium available from Asiatica Nursery, the 'Jiao Ying' has flaming red leaves that are beautifully veined with a deeper red color. This caladium is not as garish as some caladiums and would blend well with any perennial border or container planting. The bulbs are smaller than other caladiums and the plants are hardy only through zone 9 and would need to be lifted and stored in colder climate zones. Since the 'Jiao Ying' is part of the group of caladiums known as Thai caladiums, it is more sun tolerant than traditional caladiums but will still need well-drained soil.

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