Hottest Plants Of 2019

Snap up these new favorites full of dazzle and function.

- Deb Wiley

1 Primo arborvitae

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS ‘ISLPRIM’, ZONES 4 TO 8

Resembling a Hinoki cypress, this conifer tops out at a diminutive 3 feet tall and less than 2 feet wide in 10 years, making it a perfect choice for a container or to fill a small garden space. For most of the year, the tree is a rich, deep green color, turning muted bronze during winter. It does best in cold or moderate climates.

Why we love it:

It’s cute, tough and tiny and develops more and more character over time. You’d never guess this stunner is an arborvitae.

2 Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha hydrangea

HYDRANGEA SERRATA ‘SMNHSDD’, ZONES 5 TO 9

If big leaf types are not doing what you hoped for, try the Tuff Stuff line of hydrangeas, bred from durable mountain hydrangeas. Ah-Ha works well in smaller gardens or containers, reaching only 2 to 3 feet.

Why we love it:

With its cold tolerance, it has a better chance of reblooming than some other hydrangeas. Double florets resemble tiny waterlilies and are either pink or blue, depending on your soil acidity.

3 Big Blue salvia

SALVIA LONGISPICATA X FARINACEA ‘PAS1246577’, ZONES 7 TO 10

Crossing two kinds produced one of the biggest, sturdiest, showiest salvias ever. Grow Big Blue in full sun to achieve ever-blooming purple-blue spires that reach 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows in partial sun, too, but may be shorter with smaller bloom spikes.

Why we love it:

Hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinators flock to the low-maintenance blossoms that don’t require deadheading.

4 Cat’s Pajamas catmint

NEPETA HYBRID ‘CAT’S PAJAMAS’, ZONES 3 TO 8