New Plants

For insight into landscape trends for 2026, we are exploring plants that merit consideration for in your landscapes this year.

MONROVIA: WILD MEETS REFINED

Monrovia Nursery showcased “wild meets refined” as one of the top design trends to watch in 2026. This trend combines native plants with cultivars ensuring a natural beauty with blooms you can count on. The design also creates a freeform look with less maintenance. Plant choices in both categories bring in pollinators and offer a flowing, relaxed look that includes grasses and perennials with rocks and nature-inspired pathways. Here’s a look at the top plants for the 2026 wild meets refined trend:

Sole Giatto Oxeye Sunflower
Heliopsis ‘Sole Giatto’
LIGHT: Full sun
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Reaches 12 to 18 in. tall, 16 to 20 in. wide.
DESCRIPTION: A compact variety with abundant blooms, this extra-hardy perennial provides prolific late-season, canary-yellow flowers, with double the petals. The long-lasting blooms stand on sturdy stems. Excellent performance in the landscape and containers. Perennial.
BLOOM TIME: Summer through fall
SPECIAL FEATURES: Attracts pollinators; compact form
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
LANDSCAPE USE: Border; container
FLOWER COLOR: Yellow
HISTORY: A 2025 All-American Selections award winner.

Pink Pearl Agastache
Agastache ‘Pink Pearl’ PPAF
PRONUNCIATION: ah-gas-TAH-kee
LIGHT: Full sun
WATER: Allow soil to dry slightly before watering.
SIZE: Quickly reaches 16 in. tall and wide.
DESCRIPTION:Spikes of light pink flowers pair with darker buds for a lovely two-tone effect from late spring to frost. Unique among Agastache for its shorter, compact growth habit and dense blooms that cover the entire plant. Agastache is the ultimate pollinator perennial, adored by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
BLOOM TIME:Late spring to frost
SPECIAL FEATURES: Attracts butterflies, pollinators and hummingbirds; easy care; compact form
GROWTH RATE: Fast
GROWTH HABIT: Upright
FLOWER ATTRIBUTES: Flowers for cutting, showy flowers
LANDSCAPE USE: Border; container
FLOWER COLOR: Pink

Picture Purrfect Catmint
Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ PPAF
PRONUNCIATION:NEP-eh-tuh
LIGHT: Full sun
WATER: Allow soil to dry slightly before watering.
SIZE: Reaches only 10 to 12 in. tall, 22 to 24 in. wide.
DESCRIPTION:A fantastic compact variety that bursts with bigger blooms earlier in the summer. The vibrant color is a magnet for pollinators. With its short stature, it is an excellent choice for the front of borders or in containers. Herbaceous perennial.
BLOOM TIME: Early summer into fall
SPECIAL FEATURES: Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
GROWTH RATE: Moderate

Fine China Sedge
Carex ‘Fine China’
LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Keep soil evenly moist.
SIZE: Reaches 8 to 12 in. tall, 24 in. wide.
DESCRIPTION:A fabulous evergreen grass that never has a bad day. Quickly grows into a mounding waterfall of fine, arching leaves. Performs wonderfully in meadow gardens, or looks lovely spilling over the edge of raised beds or walls. Blooms but does not seed.
BLOOM TIME: Summer
SPECIAL FEATURES: Easy care; multi-season interest
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
GROWTH HABIT: Clumping
LANDSCAPE USE: Border; ground cover

Stars and Stripes Bulrush
Scirpus pendula ‘Stars and Stripes’ PP #37,140LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Keep soil moist to wet
SIZE: Reaches 18 to 24 in. tall and wide.
DESCRIPTION:A brightly variegated bullrush, with yellow centers and green edges. In summer, yellow stems emerge tipped with clusters of flowers that look like fireworks. Native to wet prairies, this graceful plant is adapted to seasonal flooding and mild drought. A cultivated selection of a native plant. Perennial.
BLOOM TIME: Summer
SPECIAL FEATURES: Dramatic foliage color; benefits birds
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
LANDSCAPE USE: Border; ground cover; edging
FLOWER COLOR: Green

Smoke Signal Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Smoke Signal’ PP #27,433
PRONUNCIATION: ski-za-KRY-ee-um sko-PAIR-ee-um
DESCRIPTION: A strongly upright grass with a fabulous show of colors. The blue-green foliage takes on scarlet tones in late summer, deepening to purple through the fall. Tiny tan seed heads develop in late fall. Tolerates hot, dry conditions. Excellent planted in groups, or alone as a vertical accent. Perennial.
BLOOM TIME: Early fall
GROWTH RATE: Moderate

Ginger Love Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Ginger Love’ PP #26,442
PRONUNCIATION: pen-i-SEE-tum al-o-pe-kur-OH-deez
LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Reaches 2 to 3 ft tall and wide.
DESCRIPTION: Big, showy, upright, red plumes appear in late summer and persist through winter on this easy-care ornamental grass. Terrific contrast for use in rock gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or in perennial beds. Herbaceous perennial.
BLOOM TIME: Late summer into fall
SPECIAL FEATURES: Easy care; water wise
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
FLOWER ATTRIBUTES: Showy plumes
LANDSCAPE USE: Border
FOLIAGE COLOR: Green
HISTORY: Introduced in 2013 by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens of Hebron, Illinois.

Honey Blush Rose
Rosa ‘RUIRPP203A’ PPAFLIGHT: Full sun
WATER: Water when top 3 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Reaches 2 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide.
DESCRIPTION: Bees rejoice; Honey Blush is the first rose introduced by Monrovia selected specifically because of its exceptional ability to attract pollinators. Large clusters of blush-pink buds open to white single blooms that will be absolutely buzzing. Attractive, elongated foliage grows from nearly thornless stems. This low-growing plant is perfect for mixed perennial beds or shrub borders. Deciduous.
BLOOM TIME: Spring into fall
SPECIAL FEATURES: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; attracts pollinators
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
FLOWER ATTRIBUTES: Showy flowers
LANDSCAPE USE: Border
FLOWER COLOR: White

ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS / NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU

AAS winners are flowers and vegetables that have been “tested nationally and proven locally.” Each AAS entry is tested for superior garden performance by horticulture professionals across North America. (Photos in this section courtesy of All-America Selections/National Garden Bureau.)

Sedum spectabile Spectacular
AAS Perennial Winner
National WinnerGarden
SPACING: 12-16 inches
DURATION TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: 3b-9a
LIGHT: Full
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: Yes
CONTAINERS: Yes
This exceptional Sedum spectabile grown from seed delivers the rock-solid garden performance typically found only in vegetative varieties. The plants are remarkably sturdy, full, and do not flop, maintaining a tight, compact, mounded habit perfect for borders or containers. Noted for its excellent vigor and uniformity in both height and spread, this variety flowers slightly earlier than its comparisons. It produces generous, light pink flower clusters set against attractive, light green foliage, guaranteeing an excellent garden performer that provides reliable color and structure for your landscape.
Bred by PanAmerican Seed

Zinnia Profusion Double White Improved
AAS Ornamental from Seed WinnerGold Medal Winner
GARDEN SPACING: 15 inches
DURATION TYPE: Annual
LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: Yes
HANGING BASKET: Yes
LOW EDGING: Yes
GROUND COVER: YesNeed pure white color that holds up through the hottest summer? This Gold Medal award-winning Zinnia Profusion Double White features impressive large, double flowers (2.5-3 inches in diameter) that create a lush, full look. Bred for superior performance, this variety is exceptionally sturdy, disease-resistant, and thrives in diverse climates, even enduring high night temperatures. Enjoy continuous color and an immaculate appearance from spring through frost, all without the hassle of deadheading. For a compact, powerful plant that is 14 inches tall and 20 inches wide, Profusion Double White is the ultimate choice for reliable, season-long beauty.Bred by Sakata Seed Corporation

Coreopsis SunGlobe F1
AAS Ornamental from Seed Winner
National Winner
GARDEN SPACING: 15 inches
DURATION TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: 4-9
LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: Yes
CONTAINERS: Yes
LOW EDGING: Yes
GROUND COVER: Yes
Bring brilliant, season-long color to your sunny spots with this outstanding Coreopsis. Praised by judges for its great habit and impressive bloom quantity, this variety is a true workhorse in the garden. It produces tons of fluffy, golden yellow, semi-double flowers on sturdy stems slightly earlier than comparisons. The plant maintains a tidy, compact, and densely branching form, delivering multiple flushes of vibrant gold from spring through fall. Ideal for borders or containers, this Coreopsis is built to perform, making it a fantastic addition to any landscape.
Bred by Hem Genetics B.V.

GREEN THUMB AWARS WINNERS, “PEOPLE’S CHOICE” FOR 2026:

ANNUAL:
Sunflower Sunfinity Yellow-Red Bicolor
LIGHT: Full sun
PLANT HEIGHT: 3-4’
BLOOM COLOR: Yellow/orange
CONTAINERS: Yes
BEDS: Yes
HEAT TOLERANT: Yes
Sunfinity Yellow-Red Bicolor is a stunning new sunflower. It offers continuous blooms for up to 12 weeks of color throughout the summer, featuring beautiful burgundy shades that enhance its fall appeal.

PERENNIAL:
Fescue Glow Sticks
HARDINESS ZONE: 3a
PLANT HEIGHT: 24-36″
BLOOM COLOR: Yellow/Orange
BEDS: Yes
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes
HEAT TOLERANT: Yes
Glow Sticks Festuca offers bright yellow flower spikes against dark green foliage year-round. Hardy to Zone 3b, this no-maintenance grass tolerates heat and drought, growing up to 36″ in sun or shade.

FLOWERING SHRUB:
Azalea Encore Autumn Kiss
HARDINESS ZONE: 6-10
LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun
PLANT HEIGHT: 3-4′
BLOOM COLOR: Mixed/Multi
CONTAINERS: Yes
BEDS: Yes
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: Yes
COLD TOLERANT: Yes
HEAT TOLERANT: Yes
This vigorous, easy-care mid-dwarf Azalea (zones 6-10) offers continuous spring-to-fall blooms. Autumn Kiss® boasts unique semi-double flowers with a romantic “kiss” of hot pink, establishing quickly with resilience.

GREEN THUMB AWARS WINNERS, “PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE” FOR 2026:

ANNUAL:
Dipladenia Sun Parasol FiredUp Coral
HARDINESS ZONE: 9-11
LIGHT: Full sun
PLANT HEIGHT:18-24″
BLOOM COLOR: Red/Pink
CONTAINERS: Yes
BEDS: Yes
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: Yes
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes
HEAT TOLERANT: YesFiredUp Coral is a new, naturally freestanding thriller. This compact, upright Dipladenia features vibrant, coral-pink pinwheel blooms, providing a clean, modern focal point that doesn’t require a trellis.

PERRENIAL:
Crocosmia Dark Fire
HARDINESS ZONE: 6-9
LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun
PLANT HEIGHT: 18-24″
BLOOM COLOR: Red/Pink
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: YES
Truly unique, Dark Fire Montbretia features smoky purple foliage and red/yellow flowers in summer. This vigorous perennial offers late-season color, attracts hummingbirds, and is deer/rabbit-resistant (Zones 6-9).

FLOWERING SHRUB:
Hydrangea Centennial Ruby
HARDINESS ZONE: 4-9
LIGHT: Partial sun
PLANT HEIGHT: 3-4′
BLOOM COLOR: Red/Pink
CONTAINERS: Yes
BEDS: Yes
This special 100th-anniversary hydrangea boasts stunning, long-lasting ruby-red mophead blooms that deepen with age. Centennial Ruby (Zones 4-9) is compact, sturdy, and features thick, deep green leaves.

TERRA NOVA NURSERIES

(Photos in this section courtesy Terra Nova Nurseries)

Agastache ‘Peach Pearl’

Agastache ‘Peach Pearl,’ companion to the popular ‘Pink Pearl,’ is smothered with bright, peachy-orange flowers that bloom from June through October and add brilliant color to gardens and perennial beds. It displays an excellent full, upright habit and offers downy mildew-resistant foliage. Hardiness zones for ‘Peach Pearl’ are 6-10.

Agastache ‘Prince’s Plume’

Agastache ‘Prince’s Plume’ delivers a profusion of lavender-violet blooms from June through frost, combining long-lasting flower power with hardy, high-quality foliage. ‘Prince’s Plume’ is deer-resistant, heat- and humidity-tolerant and a proven hummingbird and pollinator attractor. The variety’s hardiness zones are 5-10.

Coreopsis NOVA ‘Sunstone’

Coreopsis NOVA ‘Sunstone’ has a fast and mounding growth habit and is covered with rusty peach to sun-tanned pink flowers. It’s a powerhouse of great performance, presenting robust landscape value in mixed beds, borders, containers and mass plantings. NOVA ‘Sunstone’ blooms from June through October and its hardiness zones are 5-10.

Echinacea ‘Fringe Festival’

Echinacea ‘Fringe Festival’ bursts with masses of thick, hot pink petals and lacks the traditional cone, giving it a bold look that sets it apart from other coneflowers. ‘Fringe Festival’ grows with a stocky habit and reaches a height of 8”, width of 16” and flower height of 16”, making it a worthy addition to full sun gardens, mixed beds and borders. Its hardiness zones are 4-9.

Heuchera ‘Iridescent’

Heuchera ‘Iridescent’ lives up to its name with pearly foliage that changes from rose-pink to silver-lavender as the season progresses. Its shimmering foliage is complemented by soft-pink flowers. ‘Iridescent’ shines in the garden as well as containers; it also performs well as a blender and a standout in mass plantings, edges and borders. Hardiness zones for ‘Iridescent’ are 4-9.

This article originally appeared in OPE+ magazine, sister publication to SportsField Management.