My top new perennial picks for 2012 are....

Agastache 'Blue Boa'

  

Leucanthemum
'Victorian Secret'

How many of you have been doing the same thing that I have? Pouring over all those seed and plant catalogs, excited to see all of the amazing new plant introductions? It's like a ritual every year. New catalogs trickle in all winter, with the promise of glorious new blossoms and foliage. My daughter and I immerse ourselves in  their pages, trying to decide which jewels will be new additions to our garden. How do you go about choosing? I will be featuring some of  2012's boldest and brightest newcomers.                

Agastache 'Blue Boa',  has luxurious deep blue flower  spikes held over deep green foliage. The spiked flowers are long, wide and extremely showy. This is a great perennial color spot for long summer blooms. Unlike any other. A favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, this beauty is drought tolerant once established.                                                                         

Cistus
'Mickie'

Coreopsis
'Moonlight'               

Common name- Hummingbird Mint, Perennial, Zone 6-9, Upright Growth, W 16" H 32", Blooms June-September, Growth fast, Full Sun, Dry Moderately Between Watering, Is Deer Resistant and Fragrant. Truly a knockout. Use Coreopsis 'Moonbeam', Leucanthemum 'Victorian Secret', and Cistus 'Mickie' as companion plants. 

                      
   

                             
        Introducing Heuchera 'Paprika'. This is one spicy number with large, glowing cherry-coral foliage. No other perennial has so much tropical charm.

Heuchera 'Paprika'

The brightest orange Heuchera on the market  the color                                            

Agastache
'Summer Love'

 changes from brilliant rose orange in the spring to orange in the summer with a white veil in the spring. Heucheras are some of the most versatile plants in the landscape. Ideal for planting in mass, or for accent or container plants.  

Coreopsis
'Pineapple Pie'

 Kniphofia'Papaya Popsicle' 

                

   Common name Alum Root, Perennial, Zone 4-9, Mounding Growth, W 16" H 12", Blooms- Spring, Growth- Fast, Full Sun to Full Shade, Moderately Well Drained Organic Soil, Drought Tolerant, Heat and Humidity Tolerant, Butterflies and Hummingbirds Love these Tubular Flowers. A Must for Any Garden. Consider planting these with Agastache 'Summer Love', Coreopsis 'Pineapple Pie', and Kniphofia 'Papaya Popsicle' for even more Hummers in your garden.