Once in a while a new plant comes along that zooms to the top of the popularity charts as soon as gardeners realize it is much more than just another pretty face.
An annual euphorbia named Diamond Frost has done just that. This no-fail plant thrives in sun or shade. It tolerates exceptional heat and drought and can even quickly revive itself from a near-death experience if you forget to water it. So far, the plant seems to be immune to pests and diseases.
In autumn, the show goes on despite the arrival of cold weather. If you can't bear to give it up for winter, Diamond Frost will continue to bloom indoors as a houseplant. Last winter, it was a hit when paired with holiday poinsettias.
Oh, and did I mention that this tough and durable plant is also gorgeous? Its sprays of tiny white flowers resembling baby's breath contrast with attractive dark-green foliage. The plant looks great whether you give it a pot of its own or combine it with other plants in a container.
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Sold already blooming in small pots, Diamond Frost just keeps getting better. Eventually it grows about 14 inches tall and at least that wide.
Diamond Frost is not a euphorbia you can grow from seed. Instead, look for it wherever Proven Winners brand plants are sold. Demand has been brisk. As more people catch on to the wonders of Diamond Frost, plants have been flying off the shelves in garden centers. If you can't find it this year, put it on your want list for next year.
Another tough and durable plant that's appeared in garden centers only in the last few years is angelonia, also called summer snapdragon. While regular snapdragons take a bloom break in the heat, angelonias are at their best in hot weather.
You can choose angelonias with flowers of pink, purple or white, as well as many bicolors.
All have showy flower spikes that make long-lasting cut flowers. Some grow as upright plants two feet tall or more that make a great vertical accent.
Others have a weeping habit ideal for planting in baskets.
Most named varieties are sold as plants. If you prefer seeds and can give them an early indoor start, there are also a few varieties you can grow from seed. Despite trying a lot of different angelonias in my garden, I can't name a clear favorite. I love them all.
One reason I love angelonias is because deer don't. These plants are the perfect choice for planting near a sunny garden path frequented by deer.
Another plus: If I don't get around to clipping off spent flower spikes, it doesn't matter.
Even when neglected, angelonias keep right on blooming and looking good.
