b'Tough, Beautiful,Climate-Smart FlowersThe market is growing for ornamentals that need fewer inputs. By Treena Hein, Seed World U.S. ContributorTODAYS GARDENERS WANTto do their part for theupper Midwest and Europe were mainly regular bedding plants, environment, seeking flowers and other ornamental plantsSyngentas global strategic portfolio manager, flowers Mike that need less water and other inputs. And, as they do for allMurgiano says. But now its becoming more a mix of subtropical consumer trends, seed companies are meeting this marketcrops, grasses and other resilient plants. demand. While no one knows exactly how much climate changeHe adds that consumers also like flowers in pots on their will further impact weather patterns, breeders are increasinglypatios, and these plants suffer more from extreme heat and focusing on developing flowering plants that thrive in challeng- drought than in a yard setting.ing environmental conditions, from prolonged dry periods andSyngenta offers many varieties specially bred for heat and heat waves to sudden dips in temperature. drought tolerance, including a group of species under a line Consumers are very open to hardier old favorites, but they arecalled Heat Lover. The companys drought and disease-tolerant also interested in anything new thats water efficient and with- Zydeco Fire Zinnia and Dekko MAX Pink Petunia both cap-stands the heat. Its an extra bonus if these plants support bees,tured 2025 All-America Selections Awards. Murgiano adds that butterflies and other pollinators. Most ornamental plant breedingone of their Impatiens series can stand the heat and sun much in the United States happens in the private sector, but one of thebetter than the traditional New Guinea impatiens that are cur-few public breeders, Mark Bridgen at Cornell Universitys Schoolrently on the market and still excel in the shade.of Integrative Plant Science (plant breeding and genetics) says heRoses are another ornamental flower group with water-and his colleagues are having discussions about climate changeefficient cultivars already available, with further improvements to and seed traits related to drought resistance.come, including cultivars called Iceberg, Arctic Blue, Lemon Fizz and Hansa. The Seafoam is another to note. Not only is it water-Progress so Far efficient but its also whats known as a ground cover rose that Syngenta is fully recognizing the climate smart gardening trendhelps maintain soil moisture levels after rain or watering.and changes in plant selection.Among the hardy daisies on the market today is the classic As an example, community plantings of ornamentals in thewhite-petalled Shasta, which sports the deepest of daisy root Below: Zydeco Fire Zinnia field. PHOTO: SYNGENTA8/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2025'