Weigela florida 'Alexandra' (Wine & Roses).
This was Spring Meadow's first proprietary plant. Bred by Herman Geers from Holland, this 4- to 5-foot shrub has burgundy-purple foliage and pink flowers.

"Based on this plant, the whole ColorChoice program came together. It's almost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with such a breakthrough plant," Deppe said.

Itea virginica 'Sprich' (Little Henry).
This compact variety was a true Itea breakthrough and led to a better appreciation of the genus in the industry, particularly in the Midwest, he said.

"It was a challenge to take a plant that people didn't know much about and market it. Were they going to give it a shot, or stick with the plants they already know?"

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight.'
Bred by Pieter Zwijnenburg Jr. in Holland, this was a color breakthrough for hydrangeas. Its flowers are bright, lime green, and flowers change to rich, deep pink in autumn.

"We continue to build our production numbers of this plant. This plant is still very early in its life, and should be popular for years to come," Deppe said.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' (Summer Wine).
This cross between Diabolo and 'Nana' has a compact shape and finely cut, deep-crimson leaves.

"It looks very similar to Diabolo, but it branches well enough that you can grow it in a container," Deppe said.

Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' (Black Beauty).
This European elder has dark foliage that retains its color throughout the summer -- sometimes getting even darker. Lemon-scented pink flowers emerge in June.

"Along the same lines of Itea, not many people were growing Sambucus when we released Black Beauty. This is the first in a series of Sambucus from England we will be releasing with different leaf types and colors," Deppe said.