Downers Grove, Ill. - All-America Selections has named the first two winners for the 2013 gardening season.

Canna ‘South Pacific Scarlet,’ bred by Takii & Co. Ltd and Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit,’ bred by Kieft Seed, were both chosen for their hardy nature, bountiful blooms and unique qualities. Shown above is 'Cheyenne Spirit.'

‘South Pacific,’ shown below, is ideal for home gardeners due to its robust nature and numerous flowers. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall and blooms all summer. The canna tolerates wet conditions, and can be great for a pond barrier.

‘Cheyenne Spirit’ is a first-year flowering echinacea that produces an array of flower colors from purple to red to white. The cone flower does not require a lot of water, and gardeners don’t have to worry about deadheading.