Is Your Garden Thriving? Thank a Plant Breeder!

One such breeding example is verbena.

Years ago, this colorful annual fell out of favor because it was an inconsistent bloomer or was susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew. Annual flower breeders went to work to fix these problems. The results are new, improved varieties that are disease resistant, more heat ­tolerant, and provide consistent color.

The same breeding updates are true for celosia.

Now you can find celosia to grow from seed but also breeders are working in vegetatively propagated varieties. Both are being bred for larger, more vivid flowers that withstand extreme weather conditions and will vigorously bloom all season long.

Perennial Phlox and Rudbeckia have a similar story.

These native perennials were chosen as the Year of crops (perennials) because older varieties were susceptible to disease, lodging, and other maladies.  New breeding work is focused on creating stronger stems to keep the beautiful blooms upright. Plus, the newer varieties are more disease resistant, offer more color variations, and are easier to grow.

Have you stayed away from planting edibles because you have a small space, or even just a patio or balcony?

Well, you can’t use that excuse any longer! Breeders have developed many edible varieties to use in small gardens or containers, including tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, squash, and watermelons. There are container-friendly tomato plants that are high yielding and produce fruits multiple times during the season. The same goes for berries. Compact blueberries, raspberries, and even blackberries can have you snacking right from your patio.

In flowering shrubs, there are many examples of improvements by breeders.

Lilac breeding, for example, has developed problem­ solving varieties. These new varieties stay more compact in the landscape, are more resistant to disease, and can even rebloom later in the season. Now, these nostalgic and classic shrubs are perfectly suited for today’s gardens.

The beloved American favorite, hydrangea, continues to improve for use in your landscape. Breeders are working on larger flowers with stronger stems, more vibrant colors, more compact varieties for smaller spaces, or even containers, and of course, disease resistance and weather tolerance.

Buddleia (butterfly bush) are also making a comeback as breeders introduce sterile varieties. These new varieties are well-suited for those areas that have banned them for being invasive.

Even grandma’s beloved and hardy spirea is getting updated to be more compact with a wider range of bloom colors.

• New Plants
• Year of the Verbena
• Year of the Celosia
• Year of the Phlox
• Year of the Rudbeckia
• Year of the Lilac
• Year of the Hydrangea
• Year of the Spirea

Founded more than 100 years ago, the National Garden Bureau educates, inspires, and motivates people to grow home gardens. National Garden Bureau members are horticultural experts, and the information shared with you comes directly from these experts to ensure your gardening success.

“This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau and author member when using all or parts of this article.”