Monrovia announces Distinctive Selections for 2026
Monrovia Nursery has announced its top Distinctive Selections for 2026.
“2026 will be an exciting year,” said Katie Tamony, CMO and trendspotter at Monrovia. “Our distinctive plants for this year offer something for everyone with vibrant blooms, unique foliage and improved performance.”
Here is a sneak peek at the top Distinctive Selections for 2026.
Hydrangea ‘Centennial Ruby’ – A special release for Monrovia’s 100th anniversary, the flowers of this new variety are simply stunning. The rich ruby-red mophead blooms deepen in color as the long-lasting flowers age. This selection is exceptionally sturdy and compact with strong stems and thick deep green leaves. Zones 4 to 9.
Manzanita ‘Sunset’ – This easy-care evergreen shrub has small leaves that first emerge coppery orange before turning green. This selection of a West Coast native is perfectly adapted to coastal climates and is 
exceptionally tolerant of heat and poor, compacted soil. Zones 7 to 10.
Clematis ‘Viennetta’ – A star attraction at the Chelsea Flower Show, this plant is a stunner. Large white petals surround a frilly center of purple and white petals, and the twining stems create a loose, airy structure for a delicate aesthetic. Zones 6 to 9.
Montbretia ‘Dark Fire’ – Smoky purple-green foliage gives this plant a moody air before going ablaze with red and yellow bi-color flowers that are loved by hummingbirds. Perfect for adding contrast to mixed perennial beds. Zones 6 to 9.
Rose ‘Honey Blush’ – Selected for its exceptional ability to attract pollinators, this nearly thornless rose is adored by bees and has clusters of blush-pink buds that open to white single blooms. With a long bloom time and low-growing habit, it’s suitable for mixed perennial beds or shrub borders. Zones 5 to 9.
Dianthus ‘Scent First Orange Sparkler’ – Highly scented double flowers with warm orange hues and hot pink flecks are held above fine silvery-blue foliage on sturdy, upright stems. Blooming repeats from early summer into fall, and the compact form is fabulous for containers or lining garden paths. Zones 5 to 9.
Distylium ‘Copper Flame’ – This versatile, tough evergreen shrub has dark green leaves and pronounced copper-red new growth. Adaptable to varied conditions, including heat, drought, and clay soils, it also has excellent disease resistance and is rarely troubled by insect pests, deer or rabbits. The dense, layered foliage is suitable for foundation plantings or as a hedge. Zones 7 to 9.
Hebe ‘Surf Break’ and ‘Surf Swell’ – These two compact selections are both suitable for containers. Surf Break (pictured) has variegated creamy yellow and green foliage and purple-pink new growth. Soft pink flower spikes add interest summer to fall. Surf Swell has silvery gray foliage and purple-pink new growth. Bright magenta flower spikes add vivid color to the summer garden. Zones 8 to 9.
Hydrangea ‘Seaside Serenade Hanalei Bay’ – These slightly frilly, deep magenta blooms are offset by a light green and white center, adding a little drama to the garden. The flowers sit atop dense, dark foliage that resists scorching. Strong stems keep this hydrangea upright in the garden. Zones 5 to 9.
Hydrangea ‘Li’l Annie Oakleaf’ – This compact oakleaf hydrangea doesn’t flop and boasts abundant big white flower clusters that blush with pink, eventually reaching a deep ruby. Foliage has fall tones of burgundy and bronze. This selection is great for mass plantings, hedges or borders. Zones 5 to 9.
Lantana ‘Fiesta Limonada Rosa’ – Add zest to gardens with this new color in this series, featuring bright magenta and buttery yellow blooms on a dense, compact plant. Sterile flowers mean more blooms over a longer period. This semi-trailing variety is a perfect addition to hanging baskets and containers, and it’s especially striking in patio tree form! Hardy to Zone 10, this series can be used as an annual in cooler climates. Zones 10 to 11.
Potentilla ‘Pink N’ Pretty’ – This selection is all about the blooms. Bright pink flowers develop white edges for a two-toned look. Cold hardy and heat-loving, this plant is adaptable with a compact form. Zones 3 to 8.
False Spirea ‘Crimson Feathers’ – This is intriguingly colorful new false spirea, with intense scarlet-red new growth that pops against golden to chartreuse older leaves. Clusters of white flowers bloom in July. This easy-care shrub requires little to no pruning. More compact than ‘Sem’, it makes a great addition to containers or smaller garden beds. Zones 2 to 9.
Photos courtesy of Monrovia.
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