Jun 10, 2014

Orange is the New Black

Do you remember a couple of years ago when “true black” was all the rage in the breeding world? Everyone wanted to get their hands on a black petunia! Now it seems like “true orange” might be taking over in 2014-15.

As I go through the hundreds – maybe thousands – of photos my colleagues snapped during the California Spring Trials, this new color trend absolutely stood out.

It’s no surprise that the color orange is gaining in popularity. It radiates warmth and happiness and signifies optimism and positivity. So if consumers are looking for something to lift their spirits, they’ll surely add the color orange to their gardens.

Here are some of the new, inspiring orange varieties introduced at the 2014 California Spring Trials.

Begonia ‘Bossa Nova Orange’ (Floranova)

Available as pelleted seed, Bossa Nova has brilliant blooms that cover the plant from late spring until frost. Well-branched plants look stunning in large containers or hanging baskets.

Lantana ‘Luscious Marmalade’ (Proven Winners)

These two-toned flowers show warm orange with yellow highlights. Use this lantana in 4-inch pots, monoculture hanging baskets or in combinations with other medium-vigor varieties.

Dahlia ‘Grandalia Orange’ (Syngenta Flowers)

Rich, vibrant blooms on this dahlia present themselves nicely above the plant canopy. It features continuous blooming and flower bud development through its lifespan.

Calibrachoa ‘Cruze Persimmon’ (Green Fuse Botanicals)

New to the large-flowered Cruze series, Persimmon is a beautiful orange bicolor variety that can be used in small pots, hanging baskets and combinations. It has a mounded plant form and reaches 6 to 9 inches tall.

Gazania ‘Gazebra Red’ (Jaldety Nurseries)

This new gazania boasts deep reddish orange flowers on top of variegated cream and green leaves. It has a mounded upright habit with compact clumps.

Geranium ‘Savannah Oh So Orange’ (Dümmen/Red Fox)

This new addition to the Savannah series presents a bright color that will look nice in the landscape, containers, baskets and combinations. It contrasts well against the dark leaves.

Petunia ‘Sun Spun Orange’ (Ball FloraPlant)

The high-density orange on this new petunia stays true orange in both low and high light. Its tight, compact, ball-shaped habit stays tangle free on the bench.

Are you a fan of these uplifting orange beauties? Have you seen an increase in popularity with your orange-colored varieties? Or do you plan on adding more orange to your production? Shoot me an e-mail at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com and let me know!

– Jasmina