Our Perennial Performers Continue to Shine at Cultivate’26
We were excited to bring some of the biggest highlights from our latest perennial introductions to Cultivate’26 in Columbus, Ohio – the premier annual national horticultural trade show hosted by AmericanHort. From July 11-14, 2026, the Darwin Perennials team connected with greenhouse growers, retailers, landscapers, and industry professionals from across North America.
The Darwin Perennials Pro Shop, which was first featured at CAST earlier this year, made its way onto the tradeshow floor with our exciting introductions and proven performers, including a special focus on new DayScape™ Daylilies, FreeSpirit Grasses, and DreamCatcher™ Grasses. These innovative perennial programs generated strong interest from growers looking for reliable, high-impact varieties for their production and retail offerings.
Tried and True Performers Continue to Shine
Alongside our newest introductions, attendees were eager to see some of our best-performing perennial genetics. On display we also showcased our Better Versions:
- SuperBlue Lavender – admired for its sweet-smelling fragrance and strong garden performance.
- Blue By You Salvia – an ever-blooming and ever-popular customer favorite known for its continuous blooming habit and exceptional color.
- Junior Walker™ Nepeta – a durable, landscape-ready powerhouse with season-long appeal.
- Sombrero® Echinacea – delivering bold, vibrant color and outstanding garden performance.
Our Sombrero Echinacea Series was a true showstopper. The vivid blooms created a striking display that attracted attention throughout the symposium and sparked conversations with growers looking for dependable, colorful perennial solutions.
Spring Showcase Draws Attention
Our Spring Showcase highlighted two exciting introductions:
- Helianthemum Sunburst™ Series
- Saxifraga Marto™ Series
Sunburst Helianthemum impressed visitors by bringing renewed interest to a classic perennial category with fresh, vibrant color options in Rose, White and Pink. Meanwhile, Marto Saxifraga captivated attendees with its unique texture and eye-catching color, creating strong interest with its irresistible textural appeal.
New Variety Showcase Features Standout Foliage and Flower Power
Additional new introductions on display included:
- Everglow Midnight Heuchera
- Lemon Sparkle Sedum
- Baby Blues Veronica
- Misty Blues Veronica
The dark, glossy foliage of Everglow Midnight generated significant interest from growers seeking premium foliage-focused perennials. Sedum Lemon Sparkle attracted visitors with its bright burst of yellow flowers and exceptional garden presence, while the Veronica introductions showcased attractive color and versatility for modern perennial programs.
Blue Cascade Rosemary Delivers an Unexpected Sensory Experience
One of the most talked-about plants in our displays was Blue Cascade Rosemary. Used as a spiller in our planter boxes, the cascading habit created a dramatic visual effect while its aromatic foliage added an extra sensory dimension. As visitors walked past the display, the unmistakable fragrance of rosemary filled the air, making it an unexpected favorite among attendees.
Thank You for Visiting Darwin Perennials at Cultivate’26
This year’s Cultivate trade show was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our latest perennial innovations, connect with new customers, and reconnect with friends throughout the industry. We appreciate everyone who stopped by our booth and look forward to helping growers succeed with the newest and most exciting perennial genetics for the seasons ahead.