As the vibrant colors of spring begin to emerge and the garden awakens from its winter slumber, it’s time to introduce some new stars to your outdoor spaces. March is the perfect time to refresh your garden with plants that not only bring beauty but also offer resilience and versatility. Here are five must-have plants from the Sunset Plant Collection that will elevate your garden to new heights this season:
1. Ever White Agapanthus
The semi-dwarf Ever White Agapanthus blooms early and reblooms, with multiple spikes of brilliant white flowers. These tough plants need little water once established and bloom much longer than traditional types.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden, Ever White Agapanthus is a showstopper with its stunning white blooms. Perfect for both formal landscapes and casual cottage gardens, this agapanthus is a low-maintenance gem that thrives in a variety of climates. (Sunset zones 6-9, 12-24).
2. Plum Power Lavender
New heat-loving, water-wise, pollinator-friendly addition for your easy-care garden. Plum Power really pumps out the flowers.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Lavender enthusiasts rejoice! Plum Power Lavender brings a burst of color and fragrance to your garden, attracting bees and butterflies with its vibrant blooms. This drought-tolerant beauty is a staple for Mediterranean-inspired landscapes and adds a pop of purple to any garden bed or container. (Sunset zones 4–24).
3. Soft Caress Mahonia
A graceful evergreen shrub with delicate foliage and bright yellow flowers in winter. Soft Caress Mahonia is perfect for adding texture and color to shady spots.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Soft Caress Mahonia is a game-changer for shady gardens, offering a soft and inviting presence with its feathery foliage and cheerful yellow blooms. This versatile shrub thrives in low light conditions and is a breeze to maintain, making it a must-have for those tricky spots in your landscape. (Sunset zones 4-5 (with protection), 6-9,14-24).
4. Diamond Pittosporum
This graceful perennial adds a billowy softness to both landscape and container designs. Despite its demure appearance, Diamond Pittosporum is extremely drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low maintenance since it does not need pruning.
Why It’s a Must-Have: With its shimmering foliage and compact growth habit, Diamond Pittosporum adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Whether used as a focal point in a container garden or as a border plant in a mixed bed, this versatile perennial brings year-round beauty and charm to your outdoor space. (Sunset zones 9, 14–24).
5. Mood Ring Podocarpus
Mood Ring Podocarpus offers an elegant silhouette with its dense, dark green foliage and white new growth. It requires minimal pruning and is highly resistant to pests and diseases.
Why It’s a Must-Have: For those seeking a statement tree with minimal maintenance, look no further than Mood Ring Podocarpus. This upright, columnar tree adds structure and grace to your garden, providing year-round interest with its striking foliage and unique color-changing ability. (Sunset zones 4–9, 12–24).
As you prepare to welcome the beauty of spring into your garden, consider incorporating these five must-have plants from the Sunset Plant Collection. Visit your local garden center to bring these stunning additions to your garden this March. Happy gardening!