New plants spotlighted at National Green Centre

The National Green Centre is still accepting new plant entries into the Sweet Melissa Fashion Show: the trendiest plants in horticulture.

The fashion show puts new plants on the runway with music, lights, professional models and an emcee. The show also benefits the Sweet Melissa Fund, which helps lung transplant patients and their families.

 Early entries into the show include:

• Ball Horticultural Company’s Petunia Black Velvet

• Bailey Nurseries’ Bella Anna, new pink mophead Hydrangea arborescens (developed by Dr. Michael Dirr and Plant Introductions, Inc.)

• Greenleaf Nursery Company’s The Rising SunTM Red Bud / developed by Jackson Nursery

• A Novalis Plants that Work Plant / Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

• LCN Selections Eternal GoldTM Juniper/ Introduced by Novalis Genetics/ Lake County New Plants LLC

• Merlot red bud / grown by Honey Creek Nursery / developed by Dr. Dennis Werner, NCSU / introduced by PlantHaven

• Ruby Falls red bud / grown by Honey Creek Nursery / developed by Dr. Dennis Werner, NCSU / introduced by PlantHaven

• Scarlet Collonade Oak / grown by Cedar Valley Nurseries / developed by Willet Wandell / introduced by Discov-Tree Partners

• Ball Horticultural Company’s Plentifall Pansy

For more information on how to register your new plant for the show in January, visit the National Green Centre's website: http://www.nationalgreencentre.org/2011_FashionShow_exh.vp.html or email education@nationalgreencentre.org.