Events Calendar > Spring Garden Fair
The flowers and other ornamental plants we offer at the Spring Garden Fair have been trialed in our research gardens to select varieties that perform particularly well in our climate, with an eye toward those that are beautiful and long-lasting in flower arrangements. We offer an especially large array of short to tall sunflowers and magnificent zinnias.
Also, take a look at our California native plants for additional ornamental plants that are naturally adapted to our climate.
Plants are in 4-packs or 6-packs unless otherwise noted.
Please understand that some varieties may sell out quickly or not be available due to germination difficulties.
Ornamental plant list
Ageratum ‘Dondo Blue’ Ageratum houstonianum
Puffy blue flowers. A cutting ageratum with long stems. Annual, full/part sun, 2½ to 3 feet tall
Amaranth Variety Pack
A mix of amaranth varieties. Annual, full sun, 3 to 8 feet tall
Ammi Bishop’s Flower Ammi majus
Lacy white flowers are spectacular in arrangements. Also great for attracting beneficial insects. Reseeds. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Bee Balm Spielarten Mix Monarda didyma
Showy flowers in purple/lavender/pink. Attracts beneficial insects. Both flowers and leaves are edible. Perennial, full sun. 24 to 40 inches tall. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Broom Corn Amish Rainbow Sorghum bicolor
Richly colored seed sprays for vase or broom making. Heirloom. Annual, full sun. 5 to 6 feet tall
Celosia ‘Forest Fire’ Celosia argentea plumosa
Bright scarlet flower plumes on burgundy-tinted foliage. Beautiful fresh or dried in arrangements. Annual, full sun. 2½ to 3 feet tall
Celosia Pampas Plume Mix Celosia argentea plumosa
Mix of feathery plumes: lime green, yellow, cerise, magenta. Annual, full sun. 3 feet tall
Celosia Variety Pack Celosia spp
Mix of 6 celosia varieties. Annual, full sun. 24 to 36 inches tall
Cosmos Variety Pack Cosmos bipinnatus
Mix of beautiful cosmos varieties in shades of pink, lavender, cranberry, and white. Annual, full sun. 3 to 4 feet tall
Craspedia Drumstick Flower Craspedia globosa
Golden-yellow balls on tall stems can be used in both fresh and dry arrangements. Annual, full sun. 24 to 30 inches tall
Feverfew/Matricaria ‘Vegmo Sunny Ball’ Tanacetum parthenium
Abundant clusters of small lemon-yellow button flowers on strong stems. Great filler for bouquets. Tender perennial, full sun. 28 to 36 inches tall
Gaillardia Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella
Quart. Masses of light red blooms tipped with yellow. Drought tolerant, attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. Annual, full sun. 12 to 24 inches tall
Gaillardia ‘Yellow Plume’ Gaillardia pulchella
Quart. Cheerful yellow flowers on compact plants. Drought tolerant, attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. Annual, full sun.18 to 24 inches tall
Geranium Maderense ‘Alba’ Geranium maderense
Gallon. Beautiful white flowers with pink eyes in spring to early summer. Enormous divided leaves. Self-sows. Biennial/short-lived perennial. Half-hardy perennial, full/part sun. 4 feet tall and wide. Plant 3 to 4 feet apart
Gomphrena variety mix Gomphrena globosa
A mix of colorful gomphrenas. Holds color well when dried. Annual, full sun
Jewels of Opar Talinum paniculatum
Grown for the tall stems of shiny dark red/brown seed pods that lend interest in arrangements. The compact mounds of lime-green foliage are both attractive and edible. Heat and drought tolerant. Perennial, full sun. 32 to 40 inches tall
Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate Polygonum orientale
Tall plant with long arching rosy blooms. Pink pendulous flower panicles. May reseed in place. Annual, full sun. 4 to 6 feet tall
Ornamental grass combo, 6
Variety pack of different ornamental grasses: Frosted Explosion, Ruby Silk, Bunny Tails. Grow in ground or containers. May reseed. Annual, full/part sun
Ornamental grass Bunny Tails Lagurus ovatus
Wonderful for flower arranging. Furry lime-green flowers dry to tan. Grow in ground or containers. May reseed. Annual, full/part sun. 10 to 20 inches tall
Ornamental grass ‘Frosted Explosion’ Panicum elegans
Ornamental grass with feathery lime-green bursts, wonderful vase filler. Grow in containers or ground. Annual, full sun. 18 to 24 inches tall
Ornamental grass Greater Quaking Grass Briza maxima
Largest and tallest quaking grass. Drought tolerant once established. Use fresh or dried. 20 to 30 inches tall. Space plants 9 to 12 inches apart.
Ornamental grass Job's Tears Coix lacryma-jobi
Tall plants produce ornamental spikes of bead-like grains. Can be used fresh or dried. May reseed. Perennial, full/part sun. 36 to 48 inches tall. Space plants 20 to 24 inches apart.
Ornamental grass ‘Ruby Silk’ Eragrostis tef
Elegant ornamental grass. Rich burgundy seed sprays are beautiful in arrangements. Excellent in ground or containers. Annual, full sun. 18 to 24 inches tall
Rudbeckia ‘Gloriosa Double Daisy’ Rudbeckia hirta
Quart. Large 4 to 5 inches double golden-orange blooms with dark eyes on long, strong stems. Annual, full sun. 3 to 4 feet tall
Rudbeckia ‘Goldilocks’ Rudbeckia hirta
Quart. Large 4 to 5 inches double golden-orange blooms with dark eyes on long, strong stems. Annual, full sun. 3 to 4 feet tall
Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ Rudbeckia hirta
Quart. Glorious golden-orange single or semi-double black-eyed Susan daisies. Large 4 to 7 inches blooms. Annual, full sun. 3 to 4 feet tall
Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’ Rudbeckia hirta
Quart. Huge yellow flowers with green eyes, long blooming. Half-hardy perennial, full sun. 18 to 36 inches tall
Salvia ‘Waverly’ Possibly S. leucantha x S. corrugata
Quart. Pinkish-white flowers bloom nearly year round. Trim to near ground in late winter. Low to moderate water. Evergreen perennial, full sun. 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Hardy to 20 to 25°F
Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans
Tall 4-inch pot. Bright red flowers, deliciously pineapple-scented leaves. Cut back in spring to keep dense and bushy. 4 to 5 feet tall by 2 to 3 feet wide. Evergreen perennial. Part/full sun, medium water
Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’
Dramatic violet-blue flowers with lime-green calyces. Cut back hard in winter for bushier appearance. Evergreen perennial, Full/part sun, average water. 6 feet tall by 2 to 3 feet wide
Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’
Found in garden in Mexico, has unusual red & white bi-color flowers almost all year round, and dark green leaves. Evergreen perennial, full sun, no/low water. 3 to 4 feet tall by 4 to 6 feet wide
Scabiosa ‘Fama Deep Blue’ Scabiosa caucasica
Purple-blue flowers, long lasting in arrangements. Attracts pollinators, butterflies. Perennial, full sun. 18 to 24 inches tall (support recommended)
Scabiosa ‘Fama White’ Scabiosa caucasica
White flowers and interesting seed pods add whimsey to garden and vase. Perennial, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall (support recommended)
Scabiosa Variety Pack
A variety of colors for great arrangements. Annual/perennial, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall (support recommended)
Snapdragon Butterfly Chantilly Summer Flame mix Antirrhinum majus
Open-faced flowers in warm shades of apricot, bronze, orange, and vermilion on well-branched plants. Annual, full sun. 30 inches tall
Snapdragon Butterfly Chantilly mix Antirrhinum majus
Plump flowers in pastel shades of lemon-yellow, salmon, apricot-bronze, and candy floss pink. Annual, full sun. 30 inches tall
Snapdragon ‘Lucky Lips’ Antirrhinum majus
Bright white flowers have raspberry-red lips and a blush on the edges. Deadhead regularly for best display. Annual, full sun. 24 inches tall
Snapdragon ‘Night and Day’ Antirrhinum majus
Stunning crimson red flowers with bright white throats. Deadhead regularly for best display. Annual, full sun. 18 inches tall
Snapdragon ‘Orange Wonder’ Antirrhinum majus
Gorgeous sunset-colored flowers are shaded pink, orange, and yellow. Deadhead regularly for best display. Annual, full sun. 30 to 36 inches tall
Snapdragon Tall Maximum Blend Antirrhinum majus
Classic tall snapdragon in a bright blend of red, white, yellow, and pink. Annual, full sun. 24 to 36 inches tall
Statice variety pack, bright colors Limonium sinuatum
Blue, Purple, Rose, Yellow. Can be used fresh or cut for drying. Annual, full sun. 24 to 30 inches tall
Statice variety pack, light colors Limonium sinuatum
Apricot, Light Yellow, Pastel Blue, White. Can be used fresh or cut for drying. Annual, full sun. 24 to 30 inches tall
Strawflower variety pack Xerochrysum bracteata
Colorful variety of strawflowers on tall, well-branched plants. For fresh or dried arrangements. Annual, full sun. 36 to 40 inches tall
Sunflower
We offer three types of sunflowers:
- Giant varieties have one thick stalk up to 14 feet tall topped by one huge flower head up to 14 inches wide. These all develop large, tasty seeds.
- Mid-height varieties are multi-branching with many flowers opening continually the whole season. Some are pollen-free and do not produce pollen or seeds, welcome for indoor arrangements.
- Short varieties are less than 3 feet tall, a perfect height for children. They also make a very cute border. Annual, full sun, height varies.
Sunflower giant ‘Mammoth Grey Stripe’ Helianthus annuus
A single giant flower high on top of a tall stem yields delicious, grey striped seeds. Annual, full sun. 8 to 12 feet tall
Sunflower giant ‘Mongolian Giant’ Helianthus annuus
A single giant flower high on top of a tall stem yields delicious black seeds. Claimed to be the largest sunflower in the world. Annual, full sun. 10 to 14 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height Autumn Beauty Mix Helianthus annuus
Wide range of autumn colors, 6 to 10-inch flowers. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 5 to 7 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Birds and Bees’ Helianthus annuus
Golden-yellow sunflowers provide pollen & nectar for insects and an abundance of soft, oil-rich black seeds for birds. Annual, full sun. 6 to 8 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Chocolate Cherry’ Helianthus annuus
Rich chocolate/burgundy petals with dark centers. Pollen-free for clean arrangements. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 6 to 7 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Cinnamon Sun’ Helianthus annuus
Gorgeous flowers with 5 to 6-inch wide, glowing cinnamon/bronze petals and chocolate centers. Great in bouquets, co-ordinates with all colors. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 5 to 7 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height Drop Dead Red Mix
A fabulous mix of pollenless, long-lasting florist quality flowers in shades of red from deep burgundy, steamy valentine red, autumn pumpkin red, and bi-colors. No messy pollen. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 4 to 6 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height Evening Sun Mix Helianthus annuus
Fiery shades of red, orange, burgundy, 4 to 6 inches flowers. Heirloom. Multi-branching, long blooming. Annual, full sun. 6 to 8 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Garnet Star’ Helianthus annuus
Bicolored flowers have a rich garnet-red central starburst with yellow petal tips. Vigorous, prolific, multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 5 to 6 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Goldy Honey Bear’ Helianthus annuus
Huge fully double, solid gold blooms with green centers, almost pollen free. A favorite. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 4 to 6 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Lemon Queen’ Helianthus annuus
Help the Great Sunflower Project with research to understand the challenges that bees are facing by watching and recording the bees at these sunflowers. www.greatsunflower.org Annual, full sun. 5 to 7 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Shock-O-Lat’ Helianthus annuus
Large flowers with bronze-red petals, yellow tips, dark brown center. Well-branched plants with purple-tinged stems. Pollenless. Annual, full sun. 6 feet tall
Sunflower mid-height ‘Zohar’ Helianthus annuus
Early blooming classic sunflower on strong stems. Long vase life. One flower/plant. Pollenless. Annual, full sun. 4 to 5 feet tall
Sunflower short ‘Junior’ Helianthus annuus
Pollen-free branching sunflowers with bright yellow petals and dark center, perfect for large pots or borders. Annual, full sun. 2½ feet tall
Sunflower short Music Box Mix Helianthus annuus
Bushy plants with flowers in yellow and clear autumn colors, very cute. Good for borders or containers. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Sunflower short ‘Sunspot’ Helianthus annuus
A classic sunflower, but only 18 to 24 inches tall, just the right height for children! One huge flower with edible seeds. Annual, full sun. 18 to 24 inches tall
Sunflower short ‘Teddy Bear’ Helianthus annuus
Bushy plants with loads of fuzzy, golden yellow blossoms that look like huge mums. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Sweet Sultan Imperialis Mix Amberboa moschata
Small, sweetly scented powder puff blooms in lilac, rose, white, and purple. Best when picked just as they open. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Tithonia Fiesta del Sol Tithonia rotundifolia
Dwarf tithonia with deep orange daisy flowers on robust, branching plant. Tolerates heat & drought. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall. Plant 24 inches apart
Tithonia Torch Tithonia rotundifolia
Brilliant orange flowers on robust plant, tolerates heat & drought. Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Annual, full sun. 4 to 6 feet tall
Venidium Zulu Prince, Venidium fastuosum
Quart. Dramatic, large 2- to 3-inch flowers with a jet black center and white petals with rings of orange and purple in the center. Flowers close at night, re-opening in the morning. Grayish green mound of fuzzy leaves. Easy to grow, thrives in heat and drought. Re-seeds. Half-hardy perennial, full sun, 3 feet tall
All of the zinnia selections below are spectacular. Some are single colors, others are selected color schemes. Most are from the highly successful Benary Giants. We've trialed these repeatedly for many years. They are mostly 3 to 4 feet tall, drought tolerant when established, attract beneficial insects, and very successful in the garden and as cut flowers. We've been picking flowers well into mid-late October. Plant in full sun and pick/deadhead to keep producing. The cactus-flowered varieties are spectacular. Annual, full sun, height varies
Zinnia Benary’s Giant MG Brightside Mix Zinnia elegans
Colorful mix of Benary Giants: Lilac, bright pink, coral, and lime. Branching. Annual, full sun. 40 to 50 inches tall
Zinnia Benary’s Giant MG Darkside Mix Zinnia elegans
Colorful mix of Benary Giants: Deep red, wine, purple, and orange. Branching. Annual, full sun. 40 to 50 inches tall
Zinnia Cool Crayon Colors Zinnia elegans
Lovely shades that make color-coordinated bouquets as you pick them. Fully double, long-stemmed flowers in deep lavender, carmine-rose, soft pink and white. Annual, full sun. 3 to 3½ feet tall
Zinnia ‘Envy’ Zinnia elegans
Belongs in every flower arranger's garden! Vivid chartreuse sets off bright summer flowers with style and pizzazz and harmonizes with soft pastels. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Zinnia Fireball Blend Zinnia elegans
Dramatic blend of hot reds and oranges. 4 to 5 inches blooms on tall plants, great planted in a mass in the back of the flowerbed. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Zinnia Hot Crayon Colors Zinnia elegans
Right out of the crayon box of intense colors, this blend contains hot shades of scarlet red, citrus orange, and golden yellow. Annual, full sun. 3 to 3½ feet tall
Zinnia Lilliput Mix Zinnia elegans
These cute, colorful 1½-inch pom pom flowers are a delight in the garden and vase. Held high on sturdy stems. Cutting flowers encourages more blooms. Annual, full sun. 18 to 24 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Meteor’ Zinnia elegans
Brilliant red semidouble blossoms with gold centers. Strong branching. Annual, full sun. 20 to 30 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Oklahoma Mix’ Zinnia elegans
Colorful mix of Oklahoma zinnias: salmon, scarlet, white, and golden yellow. Annual, full sun. 30 to 40 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Peppermint Stick’ Zinnia elegans
Colorful blooms are striped and speckled with crimson. No two are alike! Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Zinnia ‘Queen Lime Blush’ Zinnia elegans
Beautiful 2 to 3-inch pale lime double and semi-double blooms with delicate peach blush. Annual, full sun. 24 to 32 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Queen Lime Orange’ Zinnia elegans
Beautiful 2 to 3-inch blooms shade from coral to peach to delicate lime centers. Annual, full sun. 24 to 32 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Queen Red Lime’ Zinnia elegans
Beautiful 3-inch blooms with maroon-red petals and lime centers. We've noticed many different flower forms but always with this unusual color combination. Always attracts attention. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Zinnia Queen Lime Mix Zinnia elegans
Colorful mix of of Queen Lime varieties: Queen Lime, Queen Lime Blush, Queen Lime Orange, and Queen Red Lime. Annual, full sun. 24 to 32 inches tall
Zinnia Solar Flare Blend Zinnia elegans
Dazzling combination of hot orange, sunny yellow, and cool white flowers contrast with lush green foliage for a beautiful display. Big, 4 to 5-inch flowers. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall
Zinnia ‘Zinderella Lilac’ Zinnia elegans
Scabiosa-type blooms with lavender-blush center crest, lavender pink petals, and dark eye. Annual, full sun. 40 to 50 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Zinderella Purple’ Zinnia elegans
Scabiosa-type blooms in intense fuchsia-lilac. Puffy center crest is surrounded by a flare of short petals. Annual, full sun. 40 to 50 inches tall
Zinnia ‘Zowie Yellow Flame’ Zinnia elegans
2 to 3½-inch semidouble, bicolor blossoms have orange-gold tips on magenta-red centers. Annual, full sun. 2 to 3 feet tall