Two perennials compete for the readers’ choice

Achillea millefolium ‘Ritzy Ruby’ is one of two of this year’s new perennial introductions that are entered for the Readers’ Choice award of US trade magazine Greenhouse Grower in the category Perennials. In occasion of the Readers’ Choice contest ‘Ritzy Ruby’ is described as a naturally compact achillea that blooms earlier than other achillea varieties, beginning in late May to early June. It is also characterized as a repeat bloomer with flowers that are an enticing ruby-red color, which matures to a pretty pink. “Plants have a well-branched and mounding habit and are 10 to 14 inches tall and wide. They grow well in full sun, prefer well-drained soil, and can tolerate moderately dry conditions.
Achillea millefolium ‘Ritzy Ruby’ is bred by Har Stemkens of Syngenta Flowers and brought onto the North American market as a Must Have Plants introduction.
Ornamental grass with banded foliage
The second entry for the Readers’ Choice contest of Greenhouse Grower in the category Perennials is Miscanthus ‘NCMS2B’ Bandwidth. Darwin Perennials entered this new ornamental grass, which is bred by Thomas Ranney and Darren Touchell of the North Carolina State University (US).
Bandwidth is a Japanese Silver Grass that is short in stature but according to Darwin Perennials big on performance. “This beautiful, tough ornamental grass is an eye-catcher in the landscape but also fills large containers with appealing texture. Each blade has attractive striping that is rust resistant. Its upright habit stays manageable at less than 3 feet high and wide.”
The plant is also certified infertile for a healthy, non-invasive option for landscape designers. ‘Bandwidth’ should be a low-maintenance and drought tolerant.

The voting in the category Perennials ends June 5.