Reference Guide Helping Make Your Business Grow Helpful Tips for a Successful Spring Remove plants from carts so they can get enough air, water, and sunlight. Water early in the day. If the pot feels heavier than it looks, it probably doesn’t need water. If it feels lighter than it should, or soil is pulling away from the pot, this plant needs water! Water the soil, not the blossoms or foliage. The Sun or Shade icons on the tags will tell you where to display the plants in your garden center. Plants that prefer shadier areas will need protection from the heat of the midday sun. Set up colorful displays at the entrance where customers can see them before they walk in. For great visual impact, display product by variety, then stripe by color. Ensure that prices are clearly indicated on all plants. Point-of-Purchase (POP) items such as posters, bench cards, and bench tape will act as silent salesmen in your garden center. Full Sun Part Sun to Part Shade Part Shade to Full Shade

Contents 4POP Items 5General Info & FAQs 10Bedding Plants 11Fancy Annuals 214” Accents 244" Groundcover 21, 255" Climbers 265” Ornamental Grasses 27Wave Petunias 28Vegetables 29Hybrid Geraniums 30Zonal Geraniums 311 Gallon Hostas 3210” Annual Baskets 3310” Foliage Baskets 3410” Fancy Baskets 38Combo Baskets & Planters 39Merchandising Tips 4 POP signs help make your job easier! Posters, bench cards, and bench tape act as “silent salespeople” in your garden center. Colorful graphics grab the attention of customers and make it easy for them to find what they’re looking for. Most buying decisions are made in the garden center, so effective POP displays can have a dramatic impact on sales. Point-of-Purchase Items

General Info Sun Exposure Full Shade North sides of structures Under trees with low branches and dense leaves Locations where no direct sunlight reaches the ground Part Shade East or west sides of structures Locations that receive direct morning or afternoon sun Locations without midday sun (approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Full Sun Locations that receive direct sunlight for six hours or more each day Locations that receive some or all of the midday sun 5 General Info Annuals & Perennials Annuals Offer color and foliage for one whole season Perennials Life cycle lasts more than two years Herbs Prefer full sun but will tolerate a full half day of sun Can be grown in containers; can be placed in sunny kitchen windows indoors Common herbs: Basil, chamomile, chives, cilantro, lavender, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, tarragon Hanging Baskets Will not tolerate temperatures under 50 degrees East or north for full morning sun, or indoors Green foliage 6

7 General Info Watering In the Upper Midwest, many bedding plants need to be watered daily, especially during July and August. Overwatering is characterized by yellowing bottom leaves. Underwatering is characterized by a brown, dry, or wilting plant. Mulches Used primarily to hold in moisture and act as a weed barrier Aesthetically appealing General Info Frequently Asked Questions 1.How often do I water this hanging basket or patio container? Most hanging baskets and patio pots need to be watered daily, with a few exceptions. 2.I have a garden facing east that gets a half day of full sun. What can I plant there? Any plant! Full morning sun is ideal for any flowering or non-flowering plant. 3.I have a garden facing north that gets filtered morning sun. What can I plant there? Annuals: Cabbage, kale, or any shade plant Perennials: Hosta, astilbe, or bleeding heart 4.I want a hardy groundcover for an area that gets a full day of sun. What can I plant? Ajuga, English ivy, vinca vine, sedum 5.What can I plant on the West side of my house in the fall? Annuals: Pansies, kale, cabbage, dianthus, snap dragons, primrose, dusty miller Perennials:Mums, coreopsis, shasta daisy, columbine 8

9 General Info Frequently Asked Questions 6.How long will perennial Mums bloom? They have a blooming cycle of 4-6 weeks. They bloom in the fall and in the spring. 7.What is the difference between a Kale and Cabbage? Kale has “crinkly” leaves and cabbage has “open” leaves. They both come in green, purple and white. They are a flowering variety, but are purchased for their beautiful foliage. They make great borders. 8.How far apart do I plant these annuals or perennials? Plant 2-6” apart for a full look. 9.Can I plant mums or pansies in a pot? Yes, but if you want them to come back next year they need to be planted in the ground before the first hard freeze. The roots are not as insulated in a container above ground. 10.How long will my pumpkin last after I carve it? It will last 1-2 weeks, depending on the weather. If it is cool, it will last longer. 10 Bedding Plants Excellent plant quality matched with upscale labels Tags offer bright and bold colors, sun or shade designation, large graphics, and plant care information on back. Varieties Ageratum Alyssum Amaranthus Aster Begonia Browallia Celosia Cleome Coleus Cosmos Dahlia Dianthus Dusty Miller Gazania Gomphrena Hypoestes Impatiens Lobelia Marigold Melampodium Nicotiana Pansy Petunia Portulaca Salvia Snapdragon Torenia Verbena Vinca Viola Zinnia General Care Check tags for Sun/Part Sun/Shade designations. Display Shade/Part Sun annuals in an area of your garden center that gets some sun protection. Bedding flats can dry out quickly; keep well watered. Remove spent blossoms (deadhead) to promote healthy growth and keep flats looking attractive. If nighttime temperatures are expected to be below 38 degrees, protect bedding plants with frost cloth.

11 Great items for the gardener who is looking for something different Fancy Annuals Wide range of upscale and unusual plant material Pure citronella plant discourages mosquitoes naturally Varieties Abutilon African Mallow Ageratum Angelonia Argyranthemum Bacopa Bat Plant Begonia Bidens Brachyscome Caladium Calibrachoa Celosia Chrysanthemum Citronella Cleome Coleus Colocasia Copper Plant Crossandra Cuphea Dahlietta Diascia Euphorbia Evolvulus Fern Fuchsia Fusions Gerbera Perilla Petunia Plectranthus Potato Vine Purple Heart Purslane Salvia Scaevola Strawflower Strobilanthus Torenia Verbena Vinca Zinnia Guara Heliotrope Hibiscus Impatiens Ivy Geranium Lantana Lobelia Lobularia Nemesia Ornamental Peppers Osteospermum Oxalis Pentas 12 Fancy Annuals Bacopa (Sutera) Delicate white flowers cover trailing green foliage. Blooms all summer. Do not let completely dry out between waterings. Uses: Baskets, containers Ageratum (Floss Flower) Radiant clusters of fuzzy flowers in purple, blue, pink, or white. Moderate drought tolerance. Low maintenance. Uses: Containers, beds Angelonia Orchid-like blossoms on lush upright plants that bloom all summer. Good heat and drought tolerance. Uses: Containers, borders Argyranthemum (Marguerite Daisy) Daisy-like flowers, attractive to bees and butterflies. Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth. Uses: Containers, landscapes African Mallow Valued for their fast-growing and almost continuous display of small, hibiscus-like blossoms. Uses: Containers, beds Bat Plant (Cuphea) Unique dark purple faces with orange “ears” make this the Bat Plant! Attractive to hummingbirds, as well. Uses: Baskets, containers

13 Caladium Grown for its colorful foliage, this shade lover brings an exotic look to any shade garden. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Containers, beds, shade gardens Calibrachoa (Million Bells) Available in a large variety of colors, this heavy bloomer becomes covered in tiny petunia- like blossoms. Fertilize regularly. Uses: Hanging Baskets, containers Chrysanthemum Upright branches densely covered with large blossoms. Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth. Uses: Beds, borders, cut flowers Begonia Dragon Wing Heat-tolerant plant features wing-like glossy foliage and whimsical red or pink blossoms. Do not overwater. Uses: Baskets, containers Bidens Bright yellow flowers on trailing foliage. Attractive to bees and butterflies, self sowing. Heat and cold tolerant. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Brachyscome (Swan River Daisy) Blue daisy-like blossoms on compact bushy plants. Do not over water, some tolerance to drought and cold nights. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Fancy Annuals 14 Dahliettas Early-blooming dwarf variety. Many colors available. Upright growth habit. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Potted plant, container, beds Colocasia (Elephant Ears) Tropical plant features large, elephant ear-shaped leaves. Does best in moist soil. Uses: Containers, beds Copper Plant (Acalypha) Tropical plant grown for its attractive copper and red foliage. Upright habit. Uses: Containers Crossandra (Firecracker Plant) Tropical shrub with vibrant orange flower spikes and glossy green foliage. Uses: Containers, beds Diascia (Twinspur) Tiny orchid-like blossoms cover this prolific bloomer. Some drought tolerance. Low maintenance. Uses: Mixed baskets, containers Double Begonias Prolific bloomer features rosebud- like and ruffled blossoms. Young plants should be kept out of direct sunlight. Uses: Containers, landscape Fancy Annuals

15 Fancy Annuals Fuchsia Exquisite blossoms dangle like ornaments from stems. Colors include combinations of white, reds, pinks, and purples. Uses: Mixed planters, baskets Evolvulus Small blue flowers atop flowing foliage. Low maintenance, great groundcover. Loves hot weather. Uses: Baskets, containers, rock gardens Double Impatiens Rose-like blossoms in a variety of bright colors that sit atop serrated foliage. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Containers, baskets, beds Euphorbia Diamond Frost Produces airy white flowers all season long. Exceptional drought and heat tolerance. Uses: Containers, beds, pots Fern – Maiden Hair Delicate fan-shaped lacy fronds on wiry black stems. Keep moist. Uses: Containers, landscape Fern – Silver Lace Popular fern with silvery cream and green variegated cut foliage. Keep moist. Uses: Containers, landscape 16 Fancy Annuals Fusions Unusual show-stopping yellow blossoms on well-branched plants that bloom all season. Some heat tolerance, but keep well watered. Uses: Planters, beds, baskets Ivy Geraniums Trailing plant with delicate, airy blossoms and shapely foliage. Remove spent blossoms to encourage growth. Uses: Mixed planters, baskets Lantana Bright clusters of flowers on well- branched stems. Colors include pinks, reds, peaches, and yellows. Low maintenance. Uses: Baskets, pots, rock gardens Gerbera Daisy Large, vibrant flowers sit atop bright, low-growing green foliage. Blooms all summer with good heat tolerance. Uses: Containers, beds, cut flowers Gaura (Bee Blossom) Graceful airy blossoms ornament this bushy plant. Attractive to butterflies and bees. Uses: Beds, borders, cut flowers Hibiscus Mahogany Splendor Beautiful maple-leaved foliage in deep burgundy. Shiny tall plants add color and texture to the garden. Does well in very wet conditions. Uses: Containers, borders

17 Fancy Annuals New Guinea Impatiens Large blossoms on shiny serrated foliage. Vigorous grower that does best in moist, fertile soil. Uses: Beds, containers, borders Non-Stop Begonias (Tuberous Begonias) Upright plants feature large, rose-like blossoms in bright, vibrant colors. Foliage on young plants can burn in full sun. Uses: Containers, baskets, beds Lobelia Vigorous, free-flowering plant with dainty blue flowers that bloom all summer. Uses: Containers, baskets, rock gardens Nemesia Fragrant blossoms appear light and airy. Blooms all summer. Uses: Mixed baskets, containers Osteospermum (African Daisy) Daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, purple, yellow, orange, and cream. Good heat and drought tolerance. Uses: Containers, beds Oxalis (Shamrock) Vigorous grower has small, bright white or yellow blossoms. Foliage is green or deep purple. Uses: Containers, beds, groundcover 18 Perilla Grown for its colorful foliage, can get up to 36’ tall. Heat tolerant. Uses: Landscape, large containers Potato Vine (Ipomoea) Unique foliage adds variety and texture to any garden. Vigorous, low-maintenance grower. Can be cut back to contain growth. Uses: Baskets, containers, groundcover Purple Heart Grown for its attractively smooth, burgundy upright foliage. May produce small pink flowers. Uses: Baskets, containers, groundcover Fancy Annuals Rieger Begonias An abundance of bright, free- flowing blossoms. Great garden performance. Uses: Baskets, beds, containers Rex Begonias Grown for its foliage, this weather tolerant begonia offers show- stopping patterns and colors. Uses: Containers, beds Pentas (Starflower) Clusters of star-like flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Blooms all summer, some drought tolerance. Uses: Containers, beds, borders

19 Scaevola (Fan Flowers) Large violet-blue blossoms on this fast-growing, free-flowing plant. Blooms all summer. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Snapdragon Stunning flower spikes in a variety of pleasing colors. Cool hardy. Uses: Baskets, containers, cut flowers Strawflower (Bracteantha) Delicate flowers complement tiny foliage. Blooms from summer to early fall. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Fancy Annuals Salvia Black & Blue Flowers are blue in color and calyx is nearly black. Great background plant to add height to beds and planters. Uses: Containers, beds, borders Salvia Mystic Blue Spires Compact and upright plant features long, straight, blue flowers and well- branched foliage. Uses: Containers, beds, borders Strobilanthus (Persian Shield) Vigorous grower features striking iridescent silvery purple leaves. Low maintenance with upright habit. Uses: Containers, baskets 20 Supertunias Fast-growing petunias in a variety of colors. Classic spring garden flower! Uses: Containers, baskets, beds Torenia (Wishbone Flowers) Tightly-mounded plant features snapdragon-like blossoms. Thrives in hot, humid weather. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Verbena Mounded plants with large, early- blooming blossoms. Uses: Containers, beds, baskets Fancy Annuals Vinca Nirvana Large blossoms with a mounding habit. Thrives in hot weather and gives a tropical look to any garden. Uses: Planters, beds, borders Zinnia Pom-pom-like flowers bloom all summer long in a variety of bright colors. Best in hot weather with regular watering. Uses: Containers, beds, borders Sun Coleus Grown for its colorful foliage, spike- like flowers can be cut off to promote additional foliage growth. Uses: Containers, beds, borders

21 4” Accents Common and unusual accent plants 18 pots per flat Varieties Alternathera Dichondra English Ivy Fiber Optic German Ivy Irisene Licorice Lysimachia Pilea Pink Pin Heads Plectranthus Plumosa Potato Vine Spikes Sprengeri Vinca Vine Wire Vine 5" Climbers Climbers and vines with trellises Great gift items Varieties Candy Corn Cardinal Vine Hyacinth Bean Morning Glory Thunbergia Sweet Pea 22 4” Accents Alternanthera (Blood Leaf) Heat-loving plant that trails with a 2- to 3-foot spread. Uses: Mixed containers, beds Dichondra Features small, rounded, silvery foliage on silver-stemmed plants. Trailing habit. Uses: Baskets, containers English Ivy Glossy green or variegated foliage with a trailing habit. Classic accent for combinations. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Containers, groundcover Fiber Optic Grass Mounding grass-like plant with tiny flowers on the tip of each stem. Uses: Containers German Ivy Pointed, waxy, bright green foliage with a trailing habit. Classic accent for combinations. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Containers, groundcover Irisene Upright or trailing habit, plant features red or bronze foliage on red stems. Adds an exotic look to any garden. Uses: Containers, beds

23 4” Accents Licorice (Helichrysum) Thick, branching, velvet-like foliage offered in four varieties. Drought tolerant and prefers to dry out a little between waterings. Uses: Containers, baskets Pilea (Artillery Plant) Light green stems with tiny leaves and a fern-like look. Upright habit. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Uses: Containers Plectranthus Variegated foliage of green clusters with white edging. Keep evenly moist for best results. Uses: Containers, groundcover Plumosa (Asparagus Fern) Feathery fern-like foliage with upright habit. Suitable for growing indoors. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Containers, houseplants Spikes (Draecena) Long, slender, upright leaves feature green or bronze foliage. Add height to mixed beds or mixed containers. Uses: Mixed containers 24 4” Accents Sprengeri (Asparagus Fern) Upright to arching branches covered in soft, needle-like foliage. Uses: Mixed containers, beds Vinca Vine Features flat green leaves with white edging and a trailing habit. Grows easily in combination with many other plants. Uses: Containers, baskets Wire Vine Dense, wire-like stems feature small, shiny green leaves. Drought tolerant and may produce small, cream colored flowers. Uses: Mixed containers Walk on the Wild Side Our new line of “step-able” perennials 4” Groundcover

25 5" Climbers Candy Corn (Cuphea) Tubular scarlet orange- and yellow- tipped flowers are reminiscent of the popular Halloween candy. Attractive to butterflies. Uses: Containers Morning Glory (Ipomoea) Prolific climber features stunning, trumpet-shaped blue to purple blossoms surrounded by heart-shaped leaves. Uses: Trellis Thunbergia (Black Eyed Susan Vine) Twining vines are drought tolerant and covered in small yellow blossoms with dark eyes. Blooms all summer. Uses: Trellis, baskets Cardinal Vine Easy-growing vine produces colorful blooms on handsome feathery foliage from summer till frost. Can easily climb to 15 feet or more. Uses: Containers Hyacinth Bean Tall climbing vine with purple flowers in late summer, followed by deep purple seedpods. Fast growing and beautiful. Uses: Trellis 26 Add unique textures, shapes, and sounds to any garden Eye-catching, high-resolution graphics on tags offer helpful information to customer 5” Ornamental Grasses

27 Wave Petunias Available in 306 pack with handle, 3”, 4”, 6”, and 12” hanging basket Self-cleaning; never need to be deadheaded Aggressive; fills out beds, containers, and baskets Many colors and mixes available Consumer support and merchandising ideas available at 28 Program focuses on a large range of varieties. The more varieties you offer, the more you will sell! Collections include Gourmet & Kids (green pots) Asian, Salsarific, & Special (red pots) Premium (terra cotta pots) Heirloom (dark green pots) Bright tags offer large photos and easy-to-read graphics 4” pot size, 18 per flat Supported by with recipes and additional plant information See order forms for complete vegetable listing Vegetables

29 Hybrid Geraniums Available in 4” and 8 pack with handle Many vibrant colors available Great garden performer in beds and containers Do very well in mixed planters with accents, grasses, or other annuals with similar light and water needs For best results, plant in a sunny location Spent blossoms should be removed to encourage new growth 30 Zonal Geraniums Available in 5”, 6”, and 10”. Beautiful, vivid colors! Great garden performer in beds, baskets, and containers. Geraniums do very well in mixed planters with accents, grasses, or other annuals with similar light/water needs. For best results, plant in a sunny location. Spent blossoms should be removed to encourage new growth. If given enough room, Zonal Geraniums can grow up to two feet tall and two feet wide.

31 1 Gallon Hostas Great in the shade Unique varieties Overwintered plants offer good size at retail Varieties Albomarginata Diamond Tiara Eternal Flame First Frost Fragrant Dream Francee Golden Tiara Gold Standard Hyacinthinia Fortunei Halcyon Krossa Regal Regal Splendor Royal Standard Shade Fanfare Sum & Substance Wide Brim 32 10” Annual Baskets Great selection of value price point, quality annuals. Display like colors together for a bold impact. Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth. Dianthus Impatiens Petunia Snapdragon Torenia Vinca Mediterranean Wax Begonias Varieties

33 10” Foliage Baskets Lush green foliage Low maintenanc e Varieties Bolivian Jew Bridal Veil Spider Plant Swedish Ivy Wandering Jew 34 10” Fancy Baskets Fancy premium annuals Many trailing varieties available Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth Mexican Heather Million Bells New Guinea Impatiens Potato Vine Rieger Begonias Scaevola Strawberry Bacopa Begonia Boston Fern Double Impatiens Fuchsia Ivy Geraniums Lantana Lobelia Strawflower Streptocarpella Supertunias Thunbergia Torenia Trailing Verbena Wave Petunia Zonal Geranium Varieties

36 10” Fancy Baskets Mexican Heather (Cuphea) Tiny leaves complement delicate flowers, which bloom from summer to early fall. Uses: Containers, baskets, houseplants Million Bells (Calibrachoa) A multitude of small petunia-shaped blossoms cover this heavy bloomer. Trailing or mounding habit. Low maintenance. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds New Guinea Impatiens Vigorous growth, sun tolerant, comes in a variety of blossom and foliage shades. Keep well watered. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Potato Vine (Ipomoea) Unique foliage on this aggressive plant comes in dark purple, lime, bronze, or variegated. Uses: Containers, groundcover, baskets Rieger Begonias An abundance of brightly-colored, rose-like blossoms cover this great garden performer. Uses: Containers, beds, baskets Scaevola (Fan Flower) Large violet-blue flowers. Fast growing and free flowing. Drought and heat tolerant. Uses: Containers, beds, baskets 35 10” Fancy Baskets Bacopa (Sutera) Delicate white flowers cover trailing green foliage. Blooms all summer. Do not let completely dry out between waterings. Uses: Baskets, containers Boston Fern Long green weeping fronds arise from the crown at the soil surface. Fronds are variously cut. Uses: Baskets, houseplants Double Impatiens Rose-like blossoms sit atop lush green foliage. Available in a variety of colors. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Fuchsia Exquisite flowers dangle like ornaments from stems. Colors include white, reds, pinks, and purples. Uses: Containers, baskets Ivy Geranium Excellent trailing plants bloom all summer. Large airy blossoms with shapely foliage. Remove spent blooms to promote new growth. Uses: Containers, baskets Lobelia Vigorous, free-flowering plant with dainty blue flowers that bloom all summer. Uses: Containers, baskets, rock gardens

10” Fancy Baskets Zonal Geraniums Large, brightly colored blossoms. Colors include red, pinks, peaches, white, and purples. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Tuberous Begonias (Non-Stop Begonias) Bright and vibrant rose-like blossoms on glossy foliage. Keep evenly moist. Uses: Baskets, containers Wave Petunias Superior variety of petunias is self cleaning and a vigorous grower. Many bright colors available. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Color-coordinated combinations Offer instant gratification Great gift item! Combo Baskets & Planters ” Fancy Baskets Strawflower (Bracteantha) Delicate flowers complement tiny foliage. Blooms from summer to early fall. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Streptocarpella (Blue Angel Plant) Dancing light blue flowers sit atop dark green velvet-like foliage. Uses: Baskets, containers, borders Supertunias Fast growing petunias feature large blossoms and are available in a variety of colors. Uses: Baskets, beds, groundcover Thunbergia (Black Eyed Susan Vine) Graceful, old-fashioned plant features small yellow blossoms with a black eye. Uses: Baskets, containers Torenia (Wishbone Flower) Tightly mounded plant features snapdragon-like blossoms. Thrives in hot, humid weather. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds Trailing Verbena Mounded trailing plants with early- blooming flowers. Uses: Baskets, containers, beds

Bert R. Hybels, Inc. Helping Make Your Business Grow 3322 Grand Prairie Road Kalamazoo, MI Toll Free: Fax: Merchandising Tips Carts: Remove product from carts ASAP. Water: Check plants daily for watering needs. Water early in the morning so plants can absorb water before the sun evaporates it away. Displays: Set up colorful displays at the entrance. Stripe displays by variety, then by color. Make sure that all plants have price signs. Use Point-of- Purchase (POP) advertising materials. Shade: Set up a shaded or protected area for plants that can’t handle full sun. Weather: If a sunny weekend is predicted, make sure you have ordered enough product. If cold nights are predicted, cover cold sensitive plants with frost cloth, or move them to a protected area. 39