Some of the exciting things in life are often what is "new". New release movies, new release technology in phones, smart TVs etc. The anticipation of something new can be quite strong, something to enthral, something that not many others will have yet, the excitement that something new will be better.
In the world of NEW Release plants there is often similar excitement. A plant with more fragrant flowers, a longer flowering period, a different growth habit, a reduced susceptibility to insect attack or juicier fruit at different time. The range of characteristics that can be achieved are as diverse as the range of plants available.
Many NEW Releases are the result of years of selective breeding where varieties with desirable traits are crossed with each other, the resulting seed collected and grown. For plant breeders it then may take a number of years before a plant flowers or fruits to show if the desired traits have been achieved. If they have not then the process starts all over again.
When a new variety is found it is then trialed in different locations and monitored to see how it responds in different climatic situations. If it proves to be a success it will be patented with a Plant Variety Right (PVR) which prohibits the propagation and sale of this plant without authorisation from the breeder. A royalty is often obtained from growers licensed to produce and distribute the new variety which helps pay for the years of development and trials.
There are many varieties of Coprosma with different shapes, forms and growth habits. They vary from ground covers such as 'coprosma hawera' or 'taiko' to large leafed trees such as 'coprosma robusta' and 'repens'. As a native of NZ they are hardy, wind-resistant, thrive in poor soils and difficult conditions. There are a range of coprosma varieties that have been the subjects of breeding programmes and some wonderful bright coloured shrubs have been developed. Some of the well known ones are 'Coprosma Evening Glow' and 'Coprosma Inferno'. This autumn five new eye catching varieties have entered the scene.
Coprosma Pacific Sunset™ is a striking evergreen plant growing to 1.5m high with a glossy wave shaped leaf consisting of a vivid red centre set against a burgundy/chocolate brown margin. Stunning for pots or the garden and works well in mass plantings with the colour most intense in spring and autumn. It grows best in a well drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. A true head turner.
Pacific Sunrise™ is a striking evergreen plant growing to 1.5m high with a glossy wave shaped leaf consisting of chocolate brown foliage with hot-pink highlights. Stunning for pots or the garden and works well in mass plantings with the colour most intense in spring and autumn. It grows best in a well drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Coprosma Pacific Sunrise.
Information for Coprosma Pacific Sunrise and Pacific Sunset courtesy of Anthony Tesslaar Plants.
The following three Coprosma varieties have been released in the 'Cocktail Coprosma Series' which already has varieties including 'Tequila Sunrise', 'Midnight Martini', 'Pina Colada' and 'Scarlet Ohara'.
Coprosma Margarita is selected for its gorgeous golden foliage which is accented by apricot tones. The foliage changes through the seasons from bold yellow to rich autumn tones in the cooler months. Easy care, prefers full sun. Protect from harsh frost. Grows to 1mx1m.
Coprosma Paradise Punch has bright orange foliage which changes tone seasonally for continual interest in the garden or pots. Slow growing, Paradise Punch is perfect for suburban gardens and pots and will add a vibrant splash of colour year round. Dry tolerant means Paradise Punch is perfect for full sun areas, under eaves or in pots. Protect from hard frost while young. Grows to 60cm x 50cm.
Coprosma Black Velvet features stunning almost black foliage with a contrasting strip of crimson around the margin. Like other Coprosma, cooler weather deepens the foliage colours. An easy care shrub with a very tidy habit - perfect for pots or in groups in the garden for effect. Protect from heavy frost. Grows to 1m x1m.
Coprosma Black Velvet.
Hitting the shop floors has also been three new callistemon. Commonly known as bottle brush these plants thrive in Wanganui, and are particularly well suited to garden situations of lighter soils. These plants are great in Gonville, Castlecliff and sandy parts of Springvale where many plants struggle from wind exposure and dry summers. If that describes your garden then these could be the plants for you. Check them out instore now including; Red Alert, Better John and Green John.
They have been bred in Australia by Ozbreed which describes itself as "the home of no fuss, functional, drought-tolerant plants".
Daphne Perfume Princess: There is an old saying that goes, 'every home must have a daphne and a lemon tree'. These two plants remain as some of the top plant gifts for house warming presents. Daphne Perfume Princess is a new release bred by well-known Taranaki plant breeder and nurseryman Mark Jury. It is a cross between the well known pink daphne 'odora leucanthe' and daphne bholua.
Daphnes are grown for the nose full of scent that passerbys will derive from this outstanding plant. Perfume princess boasts the largest flower size of all the Daphnes, as well as the longest flowering period, being both the first and last to bloom.
When not in flower daphne is rather unobtrusive and will merge into the background and can go quite unnoticed. But as those flower buds start to open and the scent starts to waft, one cannot but help admire and enjoy the daphne.
A shade lover through and through, they thrive in a situation with protection from hot sun, and prefer a well-drained but rich, fertile soil to perform to their best. They are an acid lover so ideally mixing peat into the soil when planting will give the best results. In addition a twice yearly feed (spring and autumn) of acid fertiliser will work wonders for strong flowering, growth and a healthy plant.
As long as the above is met in regards to a shady position, daphne will thrive in a pot - a great way to add some delight to a shady back door area or courtyard.
So if you are looking for something different then check out these new plants.
Have a good week
Gareth Carter is General Manager of Springvale Garden Centre
