Hello from the Arboretum Teaching Nursery. We’re out here at the turn of the year to bring you another edition of “Tried and True and something New.” Since we’re focusing on climate-adapted and pollinator plants, we decided to pick a few perennial favorites that are sure to brighten up your garden as the weather warms.

1. Achillea (yarrow) has long been a favorite of pollinator gardens. Tried and True native: Achillea millefolium ‘Island Pink’. Tried and True non-natives: Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’, Achillea millefolium ‘Crackadoo’ and Achillea ‘Moonshine’. Something new non- natives: Achillea ‘Novaachdus’, Achillea millefolium ‘Apricot Delight’ and ‘Wonderful Wampee’.

2. Kniphofia (red-hot poker) is an upright and outright solid performer in the garden, and the hummingbirds just can’t resist those blooms. Tried and true: Kniphofia ‘Christmas Cheer’, ‘Poco Orange’ and ‘Poco Sunset’. Something new Kniphofia ‘Jackpot’, ‘High Roller’ and ‘Hot and Cold’.

3. Salvia (sage)...I can already hear some of you groaning at yet another Salvia post, but any plant that has handled the weirding climate in CA as well as Salvia has, deserves recognition. Tried and true: Salvia x jamensis ‘Hot Lips’ with a twist, and check out new Salvia greggii ‘Amethyst Lips’. If, like us, you’ve fallen in love with tried and true Salvia ‘Amistad’, you’ll have to check out the new Salvia ‘Amante’. If you’re a fan of the blues and already have a Salvia ‘Mes Azur’, you’ll be enamored with Salvia microphylla ‘So Cool Pale Blue’. If you’ve grown Salvia ‘Playa Rosa’ or ‘Stormy Pink’, I bet that Salvia greggii ‘Joy’ finds a place in your heart.