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 Sunto Part Shade

Part Shadeto Full Shade

Contents

4 POP Items

5 General Info & FAQs

10 Bedding Plants

11 Fancy Annuals

21 4” Accents

24 4" Groundcover

21, 25 5" Climbers

26 5” Ornamental Grasses 27 Wave Petunias

28 Vegetables

29 Hybrid Geraniums

30 Zonal Geraniums

31 1 Gallon Hostas

32 10” Annual Baskets

33 10” Foliage Baskets

34 10” Fancy Baskets

38 Combo Baskets & Planters

39 Merchandising Tips

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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

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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

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General Info

Watering • In the Upper Midwest, manybedding 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

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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.

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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.

VarietiesAgeratumAlyssumAmaranthusAsterBegoniaBrowalliaCelosiaCleomeColeusCosmosDahlia

DianthusDusty MillerGazaniaGomphrenaHypoestesImpatiensLobeliaMarigold MelampodiumNicotiana

PansyPetuniaPortulacaSalviaSnapdragonToreniaVerbenaVincaViolaZinnia

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.

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• 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 AngeloniaArgyranthemumBacopaBat PlantBegoniaBidensBrachyscomeCaladiumCalibrachoaCelosiaChrysanthemumCitronella

Cleome ColeusColocasiaCopper PlantCrossandraCupheaDahliettaDiasciaEuphorbiaEvolvulusFernFuchsiaFusionsGerbera

PerillaPetuniaPlectranthusPotato VinePurple HeartPurslaneSalviaScaevolaStrawflowerStrobilanthusToreniaVerbenaVincaZinnia

GuaraHeliotropeHibiscusImpatiensIvy GeraniumLantanaLobeliaLobulariaNemesiaOrnamental PeppersOsteospermumOxalisPentas

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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

AngeloniaOrchid-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 MallowValued 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

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CaladiumGrown 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

ChrysanthemumUpright branches densely covered with large blossoms. Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth.Uses: Beds, borders, cut flowers

Begonia Dragon WingHeat-tolerant plant features wing-like glossy foliage and whimsical red or pink blossoms. Do not overwater.Uses: Baskets, containers

BidensBright 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

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DahliettasEarly-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 BegoniasProlific bloomer features rosebud-like and ruffled blossoms. Young plants should be kept out of direct sunlight.Uses: Containers, landscape

Fancy Annuals

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Fancy Annuals

FuchsiaExquisite blossoms dangle like ornaments from stems. Colors include combinations of white, reds, pinks, and purples.Uses: Mixed planters, baskets

EvolvulusSmall blue flowers atop flowing foliage. Low maintenance, great groundcover. Loves hot weather.Uses: Baskets, containers, rock gardens

Double ImpatiensRose-like blossoms in a variety of bright colors that sit atop serrated foliage. Keep evenly moist.Uses: Containers, baskets, beds

Euphorbia Diamond FrostProduces airy white flowers all season long. Exceptional drought and heat tolerance.Uses: Containers, beds, pots

Fern – Maiden HairDelicate fan-shaped lacy fronds on wiry black stems. Keep moist.Uses: Containers, landscape

Fern – Silver LacePopular fern with silvery cream and green variegated cut foliage. Keep moist.Uses: Containers, landscape

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Fancy Annuals

FusionsUnusual show-stopping yellow blossoms on well-branched plants that bloom all season. Some heat tolerance, but keep well watered.Uses: Planters, beds, baskets

Ivy GeraniumsTrailing plant with delicate, airy blossoms and shapely foliage. Remove spent blossoms to encourage growth.Uses: Mixed planters, baskets

LantanaBright clusters of flowers on well-branched stems. Colors include pinks, reds, peaches, and yellows. Low maintenance.Uses: Baskets, pots, rock gardens

Gerbera DaisyLarge, 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 SplendorBeautiful 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

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Fancy Annuals

New Guinea ImpatiensLarge 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 infull sun.Uses: Containers, baskets, beds

LobeliaVigorous, free-flowering plant with dainty blue flowers that bloom all summer.Uses: Containers, baskets, rock gardens

NemesiaFragrant 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

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PerillaGrown 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 HeartGrown for its attractively smooth, burgundy upright foliage. May produce small pink flowers.Uses: Baskets, containers, groundcover

Fancy Annuals

Rieger BegoniasAn abundance of bright, free-flowing blossoms. Great garden performance.Uses: Baskets, beds, containers

Rex BegoniasGrown 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

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Scaevola (Fan Flowers)Large violet-blue blossoms on this fast-growing, free-flowing plant. Blooms all summer. Keep evenly moist.Uses: Baskets, containers, beds

SnapdragonStunning 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 & BlueFlowers 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 SpiresCompact 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

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SupertuniasFast-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

VerbenaMounded plants with large, early-blooming blossoms. Uses: Containers, beds, baskets

Fancy Annuals

Vinca NirvanaLarge blossoms with a mounding habit. Thrives in hot weather and gives a tropical look to any garden.Uses: Planters, beds, borders

ZinniaPom-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 ColeusGrown for its colorful foliage, spike-like flowers can be cut off to promote additional foliage growth.Uses: Containers, beds, borders

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4” Accents

• Common and unusual accent plants

• 18 pots per flatVarieties

AlternatheraDichondraEnglish IvyFiber OpticGerman IvyIrisene

LicoriceLysimachiaPileaPink Pin HeadsPlectranthusPlumosa

Potato VineSpikes SprengeriVinca VineWire Vine

5" Climbers

• Climbers and vines with trellises

• Great gift itemsVarieties

Candy CornCardinal VineHyacinth Bean

Morning GloryThunbergiaSweet Pea

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4” Accents

Alternanthera (Blood Leaf)Heat-loving plant that trails with a 2- to 3-foot spread.Uses: Mixed containers, beds

DichondraFeatures small, rounded, silvery foliage on silver-stemmed plants. Trailing habit.Uses: Baskets, containers

English IvyGlossy green or variegated foliage with a trailing habit. Classic accent for combinations. Keep evenly moist.Uses: Containers, groundcover

Fiber Optic GrassMounding grass-like plant with tiny flowers on the tip of each stem.Uses: Containers

German IvyPointed, waxy, bright green foliage with a trailing habit. Classic accent for combinations. Keep evenly moist.Uses: Containers, groundcover

IriseneUpright or trailing habit, plant features red or bronze foliage on red stems. Adds an exotic look to any garden.Uses: Containers, beds

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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

PlectranthusVariegated 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

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4” Accents

Sprengeri (Asparagus Fern)Upright to arching branches covered in soft, needle-like foliage. Uses: Mixed containers, beds

Vinca VineFeatures flat green leaves with white edging and a trailing habit. Grows easily in combination with many other plants.Uses: Containers, baskets

Wire VineDense, wire-like stems feature small, shiny green leaves. Drought tolerant and may produce small, cream colored flowers.Uses: Mixed containers

Walk on the Wild SideOur new line of “step-able” perennials

4” Groundcover

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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 VineEasy-growing vine produces colorful blooms on handsome feathery foliage from summer till frost. Can easily climb to 15 feet or more.Uses: Containers

Hyacinth BeanTall climbing vine with purple flowers in late summer, followed by deep purple seedpods. Fast growing and beautiful.  Uses: Trellis

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• Add unique textures, shapes, and sounds to any garden

• Eye-catching, high-resolution graphics on tags offer helpful information to customer

5” Ornamental Grasses

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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 www.wave-rave.com

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• 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 www.chefjeff.com, with recipes and additional plant information

• See order forms for complete vegetable listing

Vegetables

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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

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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.

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1 Gallon Hostas

• Great in the shade

• Unique varieties

• Overwintered plants offer good size at retail

Varieties

Albomarginata Diamond TiaraEternal FlameFirst Frost Fragrant Dream

FranceeGolden Tiara Gold Standard Hyacinthinia FortuneiHalcyonKrossa Regal

Regal Splendor Royal Standard Shade Fanfare Sum & SubstanceWide Brim

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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.

DianthusImpatiensPetuniaSnapdragon

ToreniaVinca MediterraneanWax Begonias

Varieties

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10” Foliage Baskets

• Lush green foliage

• Low maintenance

Varieties

Bolivian JewBridal Veil

Spider PlantSwedish Ivy

Wandering Jew

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10” Fancy Baskets

• Fancy premium annuals

• Many trailing varieties available

• Remove spent blossoms to encourage further growth

Mexican HeatherMillion BellsNew Guinea ImpatiensPotato VineRieger BegoniasScaevolaStrawberry

BacopaBegoniaBoston FernDouble ImpatiensFuchsiaIvy GeraniumsLantanaLobelia

Strawflower StreptocarpellaSupertuniasThunbergiaToreniaTrailing VerbenaWave PetuniaZonal Geranium

Varieties

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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 ImpatiensVigorous 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 BegoniasAn 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

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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 FernLong green weeping fronds arise from the crown at the soil surface. Fronds are variously cut.Uses: Baskets, houseplants

Double ImpatiensRose-like blossoms sit atop lush green foliage. Available in a variety of colors.Uses: Baskets, containers, beds

FuchsiaExquisite flowers dangle like ornaments from stems. Colors include white, reds, pinks, and purples.Uses: Containers, baskets

Ivy GeraniumExcellent trailing plants bloom all summer. Large airy blossoms with shapely foliage. Remove spent blooms to promote new growth.Uses: Containers, baskets

LobeliaVigorous, free-flowering plant with dainty blue flowers that bloom all summer.Uses: Containers, baskets, rock gardens

10” Fancy Baskets

Zonal GeraniumsLarge, 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 PetuniasSuperior 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

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10” 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

SupertuniasFast 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 VerbenaMounded trailing plants with early-blooming flowers.Uses: Baskets, containers, beds

Bert R. Hybels, Inc.Helping Make Your Business Grow

3322 Grand Prairie RoadKalamazoo, MI 49006

Toll Free: 800-449-2357Fax: 269-382-4927

www.hybels.com

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.

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