Every growing season brings a mix of tried-and-true favorites and a few new plants we’re especially excited to grow. For 2026, we’ve added several new perennials to the lineup that earned their spot for a reason. Strong performance, reliable blooms, good garden manners, and that little something extra that makes a plant stand out in the landscape.
These are the kinds of perennials we look for when deciding what to bring in. Plants that come back strong year after year, handle our Midwest conditions, and give you more than just a short window of color.
(From left to right: Artisan Soft Orange Conflower; Little Spire Russian Sage; Moonshadow Rosita Hibiscus; Skysail Fire Yarrow)
Dianthus That Don’t Quit
We’re bringing in several new Dianthus varieties that combine fragrance, long bloom time, and compact growth.
Rock Ruby delivers deep, rich color that holds its own in borders and containers. Scent First Orange Sparkler lives up to its name with bright orange tones and noticeable fragrance. Everlast Pink to White adds a softer touch, opening pink and fading to white as blooms mature, which creates interest even when planted in groups. These are tough little plants that like good drainage and reward you with repeat blooms when deadheaded.
Russian Sage, Little Spire
Russian sage is a workhorse in sunny gardens, and Little Spire keeps everything people love while staying more compact and tidy. Silvery foliage, lavender-blue flowers, and excellent drought tolerance make it a great choice for hot, open spaces where other perennials might struggle. It’s especially useful if you love the look of Russian sage but don’t have room for a large, sprawling plant.
Coneflower, Artisan Soft Orange
Coneflowers are a nursery staple for good reason, and Artisan Soft Orange adds a warm, sunset tone to the mix. The color is softer than the typical bright orange, making it easier to pair with other perennials. Like other coneflowers, it’s pollinator-friendly, long blooming, and dependable once established.
Hibiscus, Moonshadow Rosita
Hardy hibiscus always stops people in their tracks, and Moonshadow Rosita is no exception. Large, showy blooms bring serious drama to the garden, but this plant is tougher than it looks. It emerges late in spring, so patience is key, but once it gets going it puts on a long summer show and fills space beautifully.
Astilbe, Little Red Velvet
For shadier spots, Little Red Velvet astilbe brings deep red blooms and tidy growth. It thrives in part shade and moist soil, making it a great option for areas where sun-loving perennials won’t perform. Even when not in bloom, the foliage adds texture and interest to shade gardens.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
We’ve added two new gaillardia varieties that bring bold color and strong performance. Gusto Orange Zest offers classic fiery orange tones, while Guapa Flamenco Bicolor mixes reds and yellows for a lively, eye-catching display. Both are heat-loving, long-blooming plants that do well in sunny, well-drained areas and keep going when other flowers slow down.
Yarrow, Skysail Fire and Skysail Yellow
Yarrow is one of those plants that definitely earns its keep. Skysail Fire brings rich, warm red tones, while Skysail Yellow offers a brighter, classic look. Both varieties are drought tolerant, pollinator friendly, and great for filling space in sunny gardens without becoming unruly.
We’re excited about this mix for 2026 because it balances beauty with reliability. These are plants chosen not just for how they look on the nursery shelves, but for how they perform once they’re in the ground. As the season approaches, we’ll share more details on availability and planting tips, and we’re always happy to help you figure out where each of these will shine best in your garden.