Exciting new plants for your garden

If walking back from the mailbox has been a little more difficult the past few weeks, you're probably getting your winter dose of gardening catalogs.

While the pictures are wonderful, I cannot help being a little skeptical. After all, pictures don't grow, seeds do. Before I shell out hard-earned cash, I want some assurance that these seeds are going to produce what's in the pictures.

While there are many sources of information, one of the oldest and most reliable is the All-America Selections. Since 1932, skilled and impartial judges have assessed flower and vegetable varieties. These seed trials accept only new, previously unsold varieties, and judges select winners based on significant achievements that prove them to be superior to others on the market.

As always, there are some exciting new colors, tastes and textures for your gardens. There are new plants that perform well even under difficult weather conditions. Because there are many new introductions, we will cover them over the next couple of weeks.

Dianthus F1 "Supra Purple" is a cross between various species; the result is a strong plant that flowers under hot summer growing conditions. This is important as it fills a niche in our local gardens.

The plants grow less than a foot in height, but they are vigorous and continue flowering through the growing season. "Supra Purple" adapts well to different conditions and is recommended for containers and rock gardens. "Supra Purple" was tested as an annual and won the award based on the first year's performance. But like other dianthus, it may overwinter and flower the next spring.

Diascia is native to South Africa, and as such, some varieties are popular in low-water-use gardens.

Diascia F1 "Diamonte Coral Rose" is an improved variety in a class of plants that was relatively unknown five years ago.

This plant has many outstanding qualities, including an early bloom time with a free bloom habit. In addition, the hybrid vigor gives the plant a long blooming season. What makes this plant appealing is that this frost-tolerant annual grows well under cool conditions and performs well during the hot summer.

The tubular flowers have backward-pointing spurs with five lobes. The plants have a spreading growth habit that makes them a great choice for containers. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

Nicotiana, named for Jean Nicot, who introduced tobacco to the French court, is also known as flowering tobacco. It has long been a great performer in Utah gardens.

Nicotiana F1 "Perfume Deep Purple" has a rich deep-purple flower that is distinct from other nicotianas. The beautiful star-shaped flowers cover the plant throughout the season.