Seasonal stunners: New annual varieties debuting at CAST 2026
California Spring Trials (CAST) continues to set the tone for what’s next in ornamental genetics, and the 2026 introductions are no exception. From bold color breakthroughs to improved habits, disease resistance and garden performance, breeders are once again raising the bar.
This visual roundup highlights new annual varieties debuting at CAST 2026, offering retailers a first look at plants designed to meet evolving production and consumer demands — and signaling where the industry is headed.
Ball FloraPlant
Petchoa CitraNova series
The best attributes of petunia and calibrachoa come together with large flowers in vibrant colors and a strong root system. CitraNova produces full, bloom-covered hanging baskets and patio pots with a semi-mounded, spreading habit that delivers long-lasting summer color.
Selecta One
Dahlia City Lights Compact series
A new series size enhances the City Lights assortment. City Lights is known for its dark foliage contrasting with its bright floral blooms; this series is more compact and well-branched and is a magnet for butterflies and birds.
Benary
Verbena ‘Flair’
The most compact V. bonariensis available, ‘Flair’ eliminates the need for PGRs or pinching, enabling efficient production. Heat-tolerant, pollinator-friendly and landscape-ready, it received the Fleuroselect Gold Medal for innovation and performance.
Danziger
Calibrachoa ‘OMBRE Tyler Glam’
This new addition features bigger flowers and bolder blooms in red, orange and yellow. It glows with on-trend tropical color that creates eye-catching, color-changing mono baskets and adds a punch to combinations.
Dümmen Orange
Dahlia ‘Summer Bees Salmon Bicolor’
New to the Summer Bees series introduced last year, Salmon Bicolor features large, open blooms that attract pollinators. Its well-branched, upright habit showcases single bicolor flowers, suitable for 6- to 12-inch containers and as a standout in Garden Party combinations.
HilverdaFlorist
Gerbera Melodiva series
The Melodiva series delivers uniformity, with 90% to 100% of plants ready at the same time, each showing three blooms and two strong buds. Available in nine colors, the series offers excellent shelf life and strong retail performance.
Hishtil
Thymus ‘Compact POM POM’
Native to Spain and Portugal, this thyme has broad, distinctive leaves and elegant white pom-pom-shaped flowers during summer. Suitable for ornamental and culinary uses, it is popular among pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
Jaldety
Oxalis ‘Burgundy’
Deep purple, clover-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers bring contrast to containers, hanging baskets, low borders and garden beds. The leaves close at night and open during the day.
Suntory Flowers
Pericallis ‘Senetti Orchid Glow’
Senetti varieties offer cool colors for the cool season, tolerating temperatures down to the low 30s. New for 2027, Orchid Glow has petals fading from magenta to blue violet with bright white and yellow disks, creating a glowing contrast.
Videos
