PDSI debuts new plants at CAST

Plant Development Services (PDSI) will introduce new ornamental plant varieties at California Spring Trials, scheduled March 24 to 27 in Carpinteria, California.

The lineup includes additions to established programs such as Encore Azalea, Butterfly Candy buddleia and Southern Living Plant Collection.

New varieties

‘Encore Autumn Velvet’ azalea (shown above) sets a new standard for reblooming azaleas, showcasing masses of rich magenta blooms from spring through fall. With a compact 4 foot by 4 foot habit and dense evergreen foliage, Autumn Velvet performs beautifully in containers and mass plantings. Hardy in Zones 6 to 10 and available to trade in 2026 through Encore Azalea.

Li’l Magenta buddleia adds vibrant energy to the Butterfly Candy buddleia collection with panicles of bold magenta blooms from late spring through frost, offering multi-season appeal for pollinators. Compact and floriferous, it’s ideal for containers, borders and small spaces. Hardy to Zone 5, this 2026 introduction matures to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.

‘Early Surprise’ camellia delivers vibrant coral blooms as early as September, well ahead of traditional varieties. Glossy, dark green foliage fills a tidy, evergreen form that reaches 6 to 8 feet tall by 4 to 6 feet wide. Hardy in Zones 7 to 9 and adaptable to full sun through partial shade. Arriving to trade in 2026 through Southern Living Plant Collection.

Mahonia ‘Silver Caress’ elevates shady spaces with silver-toned foliage and a graceful, compact habit. Feathery, bamboo-like leaves add texture and movement, while evergreen structure delivers year-round appeal. Radiant yellow blooms in winter and strong heat and drought tolerance make Silver Caress a versatile performer for Zones 7 to 9, maturing to 3.5 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Available through Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections.

Ilex ‘Golden Sky’ delivers bold, golden foliage in a naturally narrow form, maturing to 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide and offering a smart solution for tight spaces. Ideal for mixed containers or as a colorful screening hedge in full sun to part shade. Hardy in Zones 5 to 9 and available through Southern Living and Sunset Plant Collections.

The introductions focus on color variation, compact growth and season extension, traits that are important for greenhouse growers supplying retail and landscape markets.

Kip McConnell, vice president of business development for Plant Development Services, said color plays a role in consumer purchasing.

“Strong color stops shoppers in their tracks,” he said.

Several varieties are suited for container production, small-space landscapes and pollinator plantings. Hardiness ranges from USDA Zone 5 to Zone 10 depending on the crop.

The event provides growers and retailers an opportunity to evaluate new genetics and assess performance characteristics ahead of future production cycles.

Photos courtesy of Plant Development Services Inc.