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As an enthusiastic gardener passionate about outdoor and indoor plants, I’m always looking for new and exciting varieties. One of the perks of being a garden writer is that I often have the privilege of testing out fresh introductions as they hit the market. I must say, 2024 has delivered an impressive array of must-have plants poised to transform any space. There were plenty of amazing new plants that caught my eye, but my top picks include dazzling reimaginations of a beloved houseplant, miniaturized versions of edible garden classics, and innovative shrubs that have garnered a near-cult following among gardening enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner, there’s something magical about discovering fresh varieties that breathe new life into your collection.
New Pothos Varieties
Pothos (Epipremnum) doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Often dismissed as a generic office staple, this resilient houseplant is a superstar for its ability to thrive with minimal care. Its forgiving nature makes it an excellent choice for new indoor gardeners, while its diverse varieties offer something for seasoned plant enthusiasts. Earlier this year, Costa Farms added two striking new varieties to their Trending Tropicals line: Silver Streak (Epipremnum amplissimum) shown above on the left and Skeleton Key (Epipremnum pinnatum Skeleton Key) shown above on the right.
These new additions are a far cry from the familiar golden pothos you’ve seen hanging in offices and waiting rooms. Skeleton Key features uniquely shaped leaves that resemble—true to its name—skeleton keys when mature, adding an architectural flair to its trailing habit. “Bright light is best, but it tolerates low and medium lighting conditions,” says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms. “In lower light levels, it’s slower and more likely to have lanky internodes” he adds. Silver Streak, on the other hand, boasts elongated, lance-shaped leaves adorned with silvery stripes that shimmer in the light, giving it an elegant and modern look. “Because it’s not variegated—like a lot of the other trendy pothos varieties are—it’s a faster grower,” says Hancock, “If you’re used to a variety like Marble Queen, you may be surprised at this one.”
Together, these varieties showcase the versatility and beauty of pothos, proving that this houseplant is anything but ordinary.
Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’)
As a passionate hydrangea enthusiast, I’m always thrilled to discover a new, standout variety. The Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea from First Editions Shrubs and Trees is a true showstopper that checks all the boxes for garden lovers. Its stunning dark pink blooms and deep purple foliage offer an unforgettable contrast that dazzles any landscape. It’s the perfect addition to the gothic garden trend.
Like its Endless Summer cousins, this is an everblooming variety, providing a continuous display of flowers throughout the growing season. I had the privilege of seeing this extraordinary plant in person at the 2024 Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival, where it was rightfully awarded Hydrangea of the Year—a favorite among enthusiasts year-round! “Eclipse brings such a new take on bigleaf hydrangeas in the garden with its deep purple leaves and contrasting cranberry or amethyst-colored blooms,” says Ryan McEnaney, spokesperson for First Editions Shrubs & Trees. “It adds a new way of using this beloved hydrangea in the garden or in deco pots and plays really well with perennials and grasses to make a statement.”
Orange Glow Knock Out Rose (‘Radslam’ PP 35,826 CPBRAF)
The Orange Glow Knock Out Rose is a vibrant addition to any garden, appreciated for its stunning orange blooms and ease of care. I’ve had Knock Out roses for years, and I love that they are easy to grow and offer tons of nonstop color. The Orange Glow is incredibly fragrant, adding a sensory delight to its visual appeal. Its unparalleled rust resistance makes it a top performer in practically any garden.
“Orange Glow’s incredible rust resistance makes it a top-performer in every climate and a standout on the West Coast,” says Stephanie Waltz, rose trial coordinator from Star Roses and Plants. This versatile rose can be planted individually, in groups, or mixed with other perennials and shrubs to add a striking pop of color. Perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, Orange Glow is a real showstopper!
Kitchen Minis
During a press trip to Ball Horticultural this summer, I saw and tasted fruit from some of the most exciting plant introductions for 2024—Kitchen Minis. This collection offers compact, easy-to-grow plants perfect for small spaces, bringing fresh produce and herbs directly to your kitchen or patio with minimal effort. The lineup includes tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs, each offering a bountiful harvest over several weeks. “With Kitchen Minis, the true concept is ‘No Garden? No Problem’,” says Katie Rotella, senior public relations and digital manager at Ball Horticultural Company. “This opens the door for so many different lifestyles to care for and harvest their own vegetables and herbs,” she adds. “And there’s no requirement for a large garden space. This appeals to busy families, people living with a disability, urban dwellers, or those looking to put a kitchen garden close to the culinary action.”
Although I was impressed by the entire collection, four varieties caught my eye in particular. Standouts include Tomato Siam (Solanum lycopersicum), a compact yet prolific producer of flavorful cherry tomatoes that’s perfect for containers, and Basil Bonsai (Ocimum basilicum), a charming, petite herb with the same robust flavor as full-sized basil. Also on my list are Pepper Hot Fajita (Capsicum annuum), a spicy ornamental pepper that doubles as an edible accent, and Cucumber Quick Snack (Cucumis sativus), which produces crisp, snack-sized cucumbers ideal for fresh eating. These innovative plants are perfect for gardeners of all levels looking to refresh their collections with compact, high-yielding options. I’ve already purchased seeds to grow them in my vegetable garden for 2025!
Jurassic Stegosaurus Holly Fern (Cyrtomium fortunei ‘MONSTGO’)
As a fan of low-maintenance plants, I’m always drawn to options that bring unusual texture and beauty to the garden, like the Jurassic Stegosaurus Fern. This striking fern from Monrovia is as easy to care for as it is eye-catching, with its dramatic, deeply lobed fronds that add a fun, textural element to any landscape or container. Its robust nature makes it perfect for gardeners at all levels, thriving in shaded areas with minimal upkeep.
“Our Jurassic series may change everything you think you know about ferns,” says Katie Tamony, trend spotter at Monrovia. “These unique selections provide so many options for shady gardens, with interesting forms and textures that are perfect for creating calm and serene outdoor spaces. Jurassic Stegosaurus Holly Fern is also a wonderful indoor plant.”
