Source:  Today's Garden Center, May, 2009

Astilbe ‘De Luxe’

Astilbe 'De Luxe'

Papaver 'Little Patty Plum'

Papaver 'Marlene'

Papaver 'Paradiso'

Papaver 'Rococo'

Astilbe ‘De Luxe’ has rich colors, appealing textures and an abundance of intensely colored two-tone purple-lilac plumes that rise on strong stems above attractive shiny foliage.

A hybrid with plentiful chinensis blood running through its veins, ‘De Luxe’ is a robust plant that exhibits very good consistency in color and habit. Presence of the Astilbe crispa species in its makeup is evident in the shiny, ruffled foliage.

A seedling selected by Dutch Astilbe producer Hans van der Meer in 2000, this variety has been propagated and observed for consistency for nine years before its 2010 introduction by De Vroomen Holland. ‘De Luxe’ grows to 18 to 22 inches and produces a large amount of flower plumes from July to August. It’s available with ‘Garden Joy’ branded pot tags and hardy to Zones 4-9.

Papaver orientale ‘Little Patty Plum’

As the name suggests, ‘Little Patty Plum’ is a shorter-stemmed poppy with plum-lilac flowers similar in color to the classic ‘Patty’s Plum.’ Plants reach a height of just 20 inches, so they’re much better behaved in the border than their famous namesake. ‘Little Patty Plum’ blooms May through June.

Papaver orientale ‘Marlene’

Papaver orientale ‘Marlene’ is an intriguing variety with a rich flower color that falls somewhere between purple and red. Flowers are held on very strong, upright stems. ‘Marlene’ grows to 27 inches high and blooms May through June.

Papaver orientale ‘Paradiso’

Papaver orientale ‘Paradiso’ artfully combines colors and structure in a mass of distinctively gorgeous flowers. Strong stems hold delicately colored pale pink flowers that are set off with red spots instead of black. The petals have a sturdy, less crinkled form and open fully to give the flowers a cleanly rounded shape. This very floriferous variety grows to 26 inches high and blooms May through June.

Papaver orientale ‘Rococo’

Offering a delicate new color for the Poppy world, ‘Rococo’s near-white flowers are warmed by an apricot blush. As with other varieties from its Dutch breeder Eleonore de Koning, ‘Rococo’ boasts strong stems and a robust constitution. It grows to 26 inches high and blooms May through June.

For U.S. sales, contact De Vroomen at 847-395-9911 or visit it on the Web at www.DeVroomen.com.