UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Spring Garden Fair Ornamentals

Butterfly gulf fritillary on torch tithonia, Candace Simpson
The flowers and other ornamental plants that we offer at the Spring Garden Fair have been trialed at our research gardens to select varieties that perform particularly well in our climate, with an eye towards ones that are beautiful and long lasting in flower arrangements. We offer an especially large array of short to tall sunflowers and magnificent zinnias.

Please understand that some varieties may sell out quickly or not be available due to germination difficulties.

Ornamental plant list


Aesculus californica, California Buckeye

12" deep, narrow tree pot. California native. Showy white flower spikes in spring, toxic fruits. 15–25' tall x 25-40' wide. Very low water. Shrub/small tree, summer deciduous. Hardy to -5°F. Full/part sun.


Amaranth Combo

6-pack of mixed amaranth varieties. Annual, full sun, 3–8' tall


Ammi Bishop’s Flower Ammi majus
4-pack. Lacy white flowers are spectacular in arrangements. Also great for attracting beneficial insects. Reseeds. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Bells of Ireland Moluccella laevis
6-pack. Tall spires of green ‘bells' are dramatic in the garden and in arrangements. Annual, full/part sun, 24–30" tall

Broom Corn Amish Rainbow Sorghum bicolor

Richly colored seed sprays for vase or broom making. Heirloom. Annual, full sun, 5–6' tall


Celosia Pampas Plume Mix Celosia argentea plumosa
4-pack. Mix of feathery plumes: lime green, yellow, cerise, magenta. Annual, full sun, 3' tall

Celosia ‘Sunday Gold’ Celosia argentea cristata
4-pack. Rich golden-yellow plumes on long stems. Annual, full sun, 30–40" tall

Celosia Mixed Pack Celosia varieties

6-pack. Mix of 6 celosia varieties. Annual, full sun, 24–36" tall


Cirsium occidentale Cobweb Thistle

4" pot. California native. Cherry red blooms on spiky cobweb heads. Silvery-white thistle leaves. 3' x 2'. Very low water. Short-lived perennial. Hardy to 10°F. Full sun.


Cosmos Bright Lights Blend Cosmos sulphureus

6-pack. Brilliant mix of semi-double, long-lasting blooms in shades of yellow, orange & red. Annual, full sun, 3' tall


Cosmos ‘Double Click Bicolor Violet’ Cosmos bipinnatus
4-pack. 2–3" double bicolor flowers on strong stems. Colors from bright purple and white to soft lavender blush. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries’ Cosmos bipinnatus
4-pack. Large double flowers in a rich cranberry color. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Cosmos ‘Double Click Mix’ Cosmos bipinnatus
4-pack. Semi-double & double mix: frilly magenta, pink & white. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Cosmos ‘Fizzy White’ Cosmos bipinnatus
4-pack. Dramatic tufted centers and finely pleated skirts give a semi-double or double flower look. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Cosmos ‘Rose Bon Bon’ Cosmos bipinnatus

6-pack. Fancy double romantic rose color flowers. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall


Gaillardia Double Indian Blanket Mix Gaillardia pulchella
Quart. Big, solid color powderpuff blossoms in yellow, red, purple, and cream. Drought tolerant. Annual, full sun, 15–24" tall

Gaillardia ‘Goblin’ Gaillardia grandiflora
Quart. Masses of fiery red blooms tipped with yellow blanket your garden all summer. Drought tolerant, attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. Perennial, full sun, 12–15" 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, 12–24" tall

Geranium Maderense Geranium maderense
Gallon. Beautiful pink flowers in spring to early summer. Enormous divided leaves. Self-sows. Biennial/short-lived perennial. Half-hardy perennial, full/part sun, 4' x 4'

Gomphocarpus fruticosus, Milkweed Balloon Plant
4-pack. Star-shaped flowers make puffy green seedpods. Attracts butterflies. Cut back to 6" in fall for bushy plants. 4–6' tall. Tender perennial, full/part sun, 4–6' tall

Gomphrena ‘Audray White’ Gomphrena globosa
4-pack. 1 1/2" round white blooms on long stems are great in arrangements. 18–20" tall. Annual, full sun

Gomphrena Carmine Gomphrena haageana

4-pack. 1 1/2" round carmine blooms on long stems are great in arrangements. 18–20" tall. Annual, full sun


Gomphrena Fiery Sunrise Blend Gomphrena globosa
4-pack. Showy 1 1/2" round blooms in orange, red, and carmine. Use fresh or dried. 24–26" tall. Annual, full sun

Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ Gomphrena globosa

4-pack. Full 2" hot pink flowers, tipped with gold. 3–4' tall and wide. Annual, full sun


Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields’ Gomphrena globosa
4-pack. Brilliant red 1 1/2" round blooms on strong stems. Holds color exceptionally well when dried. 18–24" tall. Annual, full sun

Gomphrena variety mix Gomphrena globosa
4-pack of mixed gomphrena varieties. Annual, full sun

Grindelia camporum v. camporum, Great Valley Gum Plant
Gallon. California native. Yellow daisy-like flowers in the summer. Water once per month once established. 2–6' x 3'. Perennial. Hardy to 15°F. Full sun.

Hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’ Hibiscus acetosella
Quart. Dramatic deeply cut foliage in a rich mahogany red. Great in arrangements. Drought tolerant. Perennial, full sun, 40–70" tall

Ornamental grass combo, 4
4-pack of different ornamental grasses: Blue Gramma, Bunny Tails, Green Drops, Frosted Explosion. Grow in ground or containers. May reseed. Annual, full/part sun

Ornamental grass combo, 6
6-pack of different ornamental grasses: Blue Gramma, Green Drops, Frosted Explosion. Grow in ground or containers. May reseed. Annual, full/part sun

Ornamental grass Blue Grama Bouteloua gracilis

4-pack. Called Eyelash Grass for its decorative seed heads. Native, drought tolerant. May reseed. Perennial, full sun, 12–20" tall


Ornamental grass ‘Frosted Explosion’ Panicum elegans

4-pack. Ornamental grass with feathery lime-green bursts, wonderful vase filler. Grow in containers or ground. Annual, full sun, 18–24" tall


Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’ Rudbeckia hirta
Quart. Glorious golden-orange single or semi-double black-eyed Susan daisies. Large 4–7" blooms. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Salvia White Sage Salvia apiana
Gallon. Very aromatic foliage, with tall white flower spikes. Attracts birds & bees. Perennial, summer semi-deciduous. Full sun. No/low water. 3–5' tall x 3–8' wide.

Salvia ‘Royal Bumble’ Salvia greggii
4" pot. Intense scarlet flowers on dramatic black stems. Drought tolerant. 30" tall x 30" wide. Perennial, full sun

Salvia spathacea Hummingbird Sage
Quart. California native. Pink flower stalks late winter to summer. 1–2' tall, spreads via underground runners. No/low water. Evergreen perennial. Hardy to 0°F. Full/part sun

Scabiosa ‘Fama Deep Blue’ Scabiosa caucasica

4" pot. Purple-blue flowers, long lasting in arrangements. Attracts pollinators, butterflies. 18–24" tall (support recommended). Perennial, full sun (support recommended)


Scabiosa ‘Fama White’ Scabiosa caucasica

4" pot. White flowers and interesting seed pods add whimsey to garden and vase. Perennial, full sun, 2–3' tall (support recommended)


Statice ‘QIS Apricot’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide flower clusters on strong stems in shades of apricot to coral. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘QIS Yellow’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide bright yellow flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker Blue’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide deep blue flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker Light Yellow’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide lemon yellow flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker Pastel Blue’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide sky blue flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker Purple’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide deep purple flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker Rose Shades’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. 1 1/2" to 3" wide rose pink flower clusters on strong stems. Wonderful both fresh and dried. 24–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Statice ‘Seeker White’ Limonium sinuatum
4-pack. Pure white blooms, some with a blush of pink. Can be cut for drying. Annual, full sun, 24–30" tall

Statice variety pack, bright colors Limonium sinuatum

4-pack. Blue, Purple, Rose, Yellow. Can be used fresh or cut for drying. Annual, full sun, 24–30" tall


Statice variety pack, light colors Limonium sinuatum

4-pack. Apricot, Light Yellow, Pastel Blue, White. Can be used fresh or cut for drying. Annual, full sun, 24–30" tall


Sunflower

We offer three types of sunflowers:

Giant varieties have one thick stalk up to 14' tall topped by one huge flower head up to 14" 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 that do not produce pollen or seeds, welcome for indoor arrangements.

Short varieties are less than 3' 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
6-pack. Single giant flower high on top of a tall stem yields delicious grey striped seeds. Annual, full sun, 8–12' tall

Sunflower mid-height Autumn Beauty Mix Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Wide range of autumn colors, 6–1" flowers. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 5–7' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Birds and Bees’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Golden-yellow sunflowers provide pollen & nectar for insects and an abundance of soft, oil-rich black seeds for birds. Annual, full sun, 6–8' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Cinnamon Sun’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Gorgeous flowers with 5–6" wide, glowing cinnamon/bronze petals and chocolate centers. Great in bouquets, co-ordinates with all colors. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 5–7' tall

Sunflower mid-height Drop Dead Red Mix
6-pack. 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, 4–6' tall

Sunflower mid-height Evening Sun Mix Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Fiery shades of red, orange, burgundy, 4–6" flowers. Heirloom. Multi-branching, long blooming. Annual, full sun, 6–8' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Garnet Star’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Bicolored flowers have a rich garnet-red central starburst with yellow petal tips. Vigorous, prolific, multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 5–6' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Goldy Honey Bear’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Huge fully double, solid gold blooms with green centers, almost pollen free. A favorite. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 4–6' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Lemon Queen’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. 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, 5–7' tall

Sunflower mid-height Moulin Rouge Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Rich velvety deep cinnamon red, spectacular and pollen free. Excellent for cutting. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 6' tall

Sunflower mid-height ‘Red Sun’ Helianthus annuus
Red to red-orange single flowers with a hint of yellow in the center. Strong, branching stems. 5–6' tall. Annual, full sun

Sunflower mid-height Sun Samba Mix Helianthus annuus

6-pack. A celebration of all the forms and joyous colors sunflowers offer. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 5–7' tall


Sunflower mid-height ‘Zohar’ Helianthus annuus

6-pack. Early blooming classic sunflower on strong stems. Long vase life. One flower/plant. Pollenless. Annual, full sun, 4–5' tall


Sunflower short ‘Junior’ Helianthus annuus

6-pack. Pollen-free branching sunflowers with bright yellow petals and dark center, perfect for large pots or borders. Annual, full sun, 2 1/2' tall


Sunflower short Music Box Mix Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Bushy plants with flowers in yellow and clear autumn colors, very cute. Good for borders or containers. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Sunflower short ‘Sunspot’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. A classic sunflower, but only 18–24" tall, just the right height for children! One huge flower with edible seeds. Annual, full sun, 18–24" tall

Sunflower short ‘Teddy Bear’ Helianthus annuus
6-pack. Bushy plants with loads of fuzzy, golden yellow blossoms that look like huge mums. Multi-branching. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Venidium Orange Cape Daisy Venidium fastuosum

Quart. Stunning deep orange daisy with maroon chocolate center on silvery foliage. Deadhead for continual bloom. Half-hardy perennial, full sun, 2' tall


Venidium Zulu Prince Venidium fastuosum

Quart. Dramatic large 2–3" 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' tall


Zinnia

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 3–4' 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 Aztec Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Large, brilliant orange, cactus flowering dahlia-type. 18–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia Benary’s Giant MG Brightside Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Hand mix of 4 individually labeled Benary Giants: Lilac, bright pink, coral, and lime. Branching. 40–50" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia Benary’s Giant MG Darkside Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Hand mix of 4 individually labeled Benary Giants: Deep red, wine, purple, and orange. Branching. 40–50" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia Berry Basket Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Densely petaled, fully double shades of raspberry, grape, rose-pink and violet. A custom blend. Annual, full sun, 3–3 1/2' tall

Zinnia Cabaret Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Big ruffled zinnias in hot colors: rose, purple, bright lilac, magenta, deep orange, warm yellow. 3–3 1/2' tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia Cactus Flowered Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Beautiful cactus flowers in shades of scarlet, rose, orange, and yellow. Branching. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Zinnia Cool Crayon Colors Zinnia elegans
4-pack. 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, 3–3 1/2' tall

Zinnia ‘Envy’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. 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, 2–3' tall

Zinnia Fireball Blend Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Dramatic blend of hot reds and oranges. 4–5" blooms on tall plants, great planted in a mass in the back of the flowerbed. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Zinnia Hot Crayon Colors Zinnia elegans
4-pack. 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, 3–3 1/2' tall

Zinnia Lilliput Mix Zinnia elegans
4-pack. These cute, colorful 1 1/2" pom pom flowers are a delight in the garden and vase. Held high on sturdy stems. Cutting flowers encourages more blooms. Annual, full sun, 18–24" tall

Zinnia ‘Macarena’ Zinnia elegans

4-pack. Dramatic bi-color double blossoms in rich mix of red and gold. Strong branching. 20–30" tall. Annual, full sun


Zinnia ‘Mazurkia’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. F83Striking bi-color double blossoms have scarlet petals tipped with cream. Strong branching. 20–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia ‘Meteor’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Brilliant red semidouble blossoms with gold centers. Strong branching. 20–30" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia ‘Mighty Lion’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Intense orange-red fully double 4–5 inch blossoms look like a lion's mane. Annual, full sun, 3–3 1/2' tall

Zinnia Northern Lights Blend Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Large 4–5" flowers in pink, lavender, and rose blend beautifully with other flowers for a lovely cottage garden look. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Zinnia ‘Peppermint Stick’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Colorful blooms are striped and speckled with crimson. No two are alike! Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Zinnia ‘Polar Bear’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Magnificent white dahlia-type blooms. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Zinnia ‘Queen Lime Blush’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Beautiful 2–3" pale lime double and semi-double blooms with delicate peach blush. 24–32" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia ‘Queen Lime Orange’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Beautiful 2–3" blooms shade from coral to peach to delicate lime centers. 24–32" tall. Annual, full sun

Zinnia ‘Queen Red Lime’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Beautiful 3" 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, 2–3' tall

Zinnia ‘Raspberry Sorbet’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Lovely flowers of jewel-toned deep raspberry tinted double blossoms on branching long stems. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Zinnia ‘Redman Super Cactus’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. A magnificent, huge red-flowered variety of the giant zinnia cactus family. An old favorite that has become rare. Annual, full sun, 3–4' tall

Zinnia Solar Flare Blend Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Dazzling combination of hot orange, sunny yellow, and cool white flowers contrast with lush green foliage for a beautiful display. Big, 4–5" flowers. Annual, full sun, 2–3' tall

Zinnia ‘Zinderella Peach’ Zinnia elegans
4-pack. Scabiosa-type blooms with salmon-gold center crest and creamy pink petals. Blend of double, semi-double, and singles. Annual, full sun, 40–50" tall

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