January comes bearing two gifts to hearten gardeners’ winter-weary spirits.
The first is lengthening days, bringing the promise that spring is on the horizon. The second is the release of this year’s new plant introductions.
In 2025 there are so many great plants that it made sense to divide them into two categories. Part one covered annuals and perennials.
In this article, part two, we introduce seven more notable newbies: three tropicals and four shrubs.
New Tropicals for 2025
‘Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange’ Dipladenia
This bright orange dipladenia is a vigorous annual vine with an upright, rather than drooping, habit. The slender foliage and pinwheel-shaped flowers create a tropical look and make the plant a natural born thriller. The higher the temperatures, the deeper the color. It’s a perfect focal point for heat-loving combos in containers or in the landscape. Pollinators like it, too. Full sun. Height: 20 to 24 inches, spread: 12 to 16 inches. From Suntory Flowers.
‘Tooth Fairy’, from the Art & Sol mangave series.
'Art & Sol' Mangave
You may not be familiar with mangaves. They are a hybrid, a cross between manfreda and agave. The agave heritage makes them heat and drought tolerant; the manfreda side contributes fast growth and a tropical vibe. The 10 varieties in the "Art & Sol" mangave series vary by size and offer a mix of architectural forms and colors. They tolerate a wide range of moisture conditions. Full sun. Height and spread vary by variety. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, grow them in containers as annuals or houseplants in colder climates. From Proven Winners.
Cannova ‘Gold Leopard’ canna lily.
Cannova ‘Gold Leopard’ Canna
Here’s a canna lily that really stands out from the pack. Most canna flowers are solid red, yellow or orange. "Gold Leopard" has vivid yellow flowers featuring deep orange spots that look like they’ve been dotted on with a paintbrush. The foliage is big and dramatic. Cannas are thirsty plants, so keep up with the watering, especially if plants are in containers. Full sun. Height: 48 inches, spread: 20 inches. Perennial in Zones 7 to 11; in colder zones the plant can be overwintered indoors or treated as an annual. From Monrovia.
New Shrubs for 2025
Berry Scape aronia.
'Berry Scape' Aronia
If you’re looking for brilliant fall color, our native aronia — the common name is chokeberry — has it, plus berries that feed birds. It’s a great alternative to burning bush (euonymus), which as of 2025 has been banned for sale in Pennsylvania due to its invasiveness. Heat, drought and salt tolerant. Full to part sun. Height: 48 to 60 inches, spread: 48 to 60 inches. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. From Proven Winners.
Flavorette Pear’d rose.
'Flavorette Pear’d' Edible Rosa
The flowers of "Flavorette Pear’d" rose have that luxuriant, antique rose appearance. The blooms, however, are not only a treat for the eyes but for the taste buds. The dusty pink petals are thick and soft and add a lush mouthfeel and pear flavor to sweet or savory dishes. A disease-resistant, easy to grow rose, plus a great cut flower. No deadheading required. Full sun. Height: 36 to 48 inches, spread: 36 inches. Zones 4 to 8. From Proven Winners.
LittleOne blue holly.
'LittleOne' Blue Holly Ilex
Hollies are notorious for growing into towering monsters, so a variety that stays compact really is news. "LittleOne" is a dwarf female blue holly with dense, glossy green foliage and lots of bright red berries. Plant as a low hedge, a foundation plant, or anywhere you need an evergreen shrub that won’t overwhelm its space. "LittleOne" requires a male blue holly planted within 30 feet to set berries. Full to part sun. Height: 36 to 48 inches, spread: 36 to 48 inches. Zones 5 to 9. From Monrovia.
Oso Easy En Fuego rose.
'Oso Easy En Fuego' Rosa
No shrinking violet, the flowers on "Oso Easy En Fuego" rose are an explosion of yellow, red or orange, depending on how long a bloom has been open. The newest flowers lean to yellow and red, while mature blooms are mostly orange. This disease-resistant shrub blooms in summer with a smaller fall rebloom. No need to deadhead. Full sun. Height: 36 to 48 inches, spread: 36 inches. Zones 4 to 9. From Proven Winners.
