May 26, 2015

Breakthrough Bidens and Begonia

While traveling the California coast last month for the 2015 Spring Trials, we were able to check out a ton of new trends on the rise for next season. In my last two blogs, I focused specifically on trends in coleus and the color orange. Today, I want to share with you specific species that were trending up and down the coast.

Each year, we’re used to seeing some of the staple gardening crops such as petunias and geraniums. But every few years there are always a few select species that trend with (what seems like) all the breeders. Lobularia has been a huge category in recent years, as well as coleus.

In 2015, we’re seeing a ton of new introductions in the bidens and begonia categories. Breeders are introducing new unique colors, and they’re improving existing genetics. They are significantly diversifying these two categories.

So as you plan your production for 2016, be on the lookout for breakthrough bidens and begonia varieties. The new genetics are stunning, and gardeners will appreciate the improved garden performance.

Here are some of our favorite bidens and begonia introductions from the 2015 California Spring Trials.

Bidens ‘Campfire Fireburst’ (Proven Winners)

‘Campfire Fireburst’ is a novel scarlet-orange and yellow bicolored bidens that can be used in landscapes, baskets and combinations.

Bidens ‘Gold Jingle’ (Danziger)

A new golden variety, ‘Gold Jingle’ features abundant flowering with large flowers. It performs well in mixed containers, pots, hanging baskets and flower beds.

Bidens ‘BeeDance Red Stripe’ (Suntory)

An eye-catching new series of bicolor bidens, BeeDance has a mounding, spreading habit and high flower count. It is a vigorous grower and boasts continuous blooming.

Begonia ‘Unbelievable First Kiss’ (Dümmen Orange)

The flowers on this new begonia are huge and the color is illuminating. Growers will appreciate the upright, shippable habit. For the consumer, it will perform in sun or shade.

Begonia ‘Bossa Nova Pure White’ (Floranova)

Bred for its amazing branching and floriferous habit, Bossa Nova is a revolutionary alternative to cutting-raised begonia. Pure White is one of four new colors for 2015.

Begonia ‘NonStop Joy Yellow’ (Benary)

This easy-to-grow begonia has a lovely mounded habit that will show well at retail. It is vigorous and has impressive garden performance.

Have you seen the bidens and/or begonia categories increase in popularity with your customers? Will you be adding any new varieties to your production? Shoot me an email and let me know!

– Jasmina