Mr Plant Geek’s top eight plants picks set to hit UK from America

A VISIT to the California Spring Trials is always an inspiring showcase.

From last month’s event, here are my top eight picks — with most heading for your local garden centre.

1) Hydrangea Seaside Serenade Crystal Cove

THIS cracking hydrangea stood out to me with its unusual flower colours and distinctive, wavy petals.

Originally bred for patio pots, it was later trialled outdoors, proving resilient.

A hydrangea with epic garden performance, repeat flowering and those handsome flower heads. Probably reaching the UK within two years.

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2) Petunia Capella Inked

I SAW lots of nice petunias but this was the best, with its very dramatic blooms of black and white. Like all petunias, it is a winner for hanging baskets and containers. Likely here next spring.

3) Agastache Honeysticks Gold

WHEN I clapped eyes on this, I was excited. It looks like a richly flowering lavender — but yellow!

It is actually an Agastache, with yellow flowers, and foliage that has a strong, minty fragrance when brushed.

Drought-tolerant and loved by bees, this is a plant you may soon see more of in the UK. Spring 2027, fingers crossed!

4) Nasturtium Baby Series

AN easy-to-grow nasturtium, but the difference here is the short, compact form — each plant looks like a little bubble. Easy to raise from seed and ideal for gardeners of all levels.

Unlike traditional, sprawling types, it stays neat and contained, making it perfect for pots and window boxes. Available now.

5) Geranium Little Lady Series

THIS is among the smallest of pelargoniums available, featuring dainty leaves and proportionally small blooms.

It is ideal for tabletop displays, windowsills or small containers. With the right light, it can thrive indoors as a charming house plant, offering long-lasting decorative appeal. Available in some outlets now.

6) Fuchsia Blue Radiance

A NEW fuchsia, which celebrates the beauty of shade-loving plants in a market often focused on sun tolerance.

Perfect for balconies and gardens with limited sun, Blue Radiance produces elegant, pendulous blooms in that classic purple and pink combo. Look out for it in spring 2027.

7) Grandaisy Yellow Improved

GRANDAISY are hybrids, which combine chrysanthemum and argyranthemum genetics.

The result is impressively large, bright yellow daisy-like blooms and an exceptional flower power from the buxom plants. Ideal for containers or borders, they offer continuous colour and are available right now.

8) Petunia Firefly

AN extraordinary innovation, known for its glow-in-the-dark flowers that create a magical evening display.

By day, it appears as an attractive petunia, but at night it emits a soft luminescence. Ideal for containers and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Sadly, the Firefly Petunia is only available in the US. The UK and EU have strict regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).