Decorative flowers, the hevi of the year and new resistant and yielding varieties. These plants will inspire in 2024.
We asked five horticulture experts which ornamental plant and useful plant they would highlight in 2024 and why.
Mari Kaartokallion chose dahlia and basil
“The dahlias came already last year, and this year they are really coming through. Growing your own cut flowers is on the rise, and the dahlia is the queen of cut flowers.”
“Basilika is the horse of the year chosen by Puutarhaliitto ry and Kotimaiset gvikset ry. There are many varieties and wonderful flavors. Many have the option of growing herbs on warm, sheltered balconies or patios where basil thrives. It is also suitable for the greenhouse, outside it cannot withstand nights below 10 degrees.”
Dahlia is a spectacular flower. © Seppo Saarentola
Basilika is the horse of 2024. © Kekkilä
Satu Laurell chose magnolias and vines
“The flowers of the ‘First Love’, ‘Hot Kisses’ and ‘Hot Love’ varieties in the Loistoköhä love series are all wonderfully rich and beautiful. ‘Hot Kisses’ and ‘Hot Love’ are also low-growing, so they are perfect for planting in pots.”
“Viniculture in home gardens is more and more popular. The variety selection of vines has expanded and several new sustainable varieties have arrived in Finland. The selections include both seedless table grapes and varieties suitable for making juices and wines.”
Sari Weckströmin’s choice is ornamental apple trees and redcurrants
“Ornamental apple trees, for example the paradise apple trees ‘Dolgo’ and ‘Erstaa’, which are winter hardy up to zone 6. They are beautiful and fit even in a small yard, and the apples are small, so you don’t have to worry about them coming in clumps. Fruit trees are important for pollinators, and trees generally improve the yard’s microclimate, dampen the wind and bind dust from the air.”
“Greencurrant is an easy, perennial shrub that provides a huge amount of vitamin C at a low price. The good-tasting berries are not as acidic as other currants, and the good thing about them is that the birds don’t notice that they are eating the green berries.”
Minna Harju chose natural heritage and Persikkapuu
“People miss the glory of flowers and colorful leaves. Instead of a single-species flower bed, multi-species plantings are made, for which natural perennials are well suited.”
“There are also sustainable varieties of peach trees in Finland. I’ve had a peach tree in my yard for two winters, and the ones I know already produce a crop. I would generally encourage people to try new species, you can also play with woody plants.”
The peach tree also produces a crop in Finland. © iStock
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Timo Taulavuori’s choice is Hydrangea and pumpkin
“Blooming hydrangeas brings long-term joy and they are easy to care for, if you just take care of watering the potted hydrangeas evenly. There are new red colors among perennial hydrangeas, and the popularity of annuals as patio plants continues to grow.”
“Growing pumpkins is easy in sunny and nutrient-rich growing places. There are several types of varieties, and some of them also last well into the winter. In addition to summer squash of different colors, my favorites are spaghetti squash and ‘Uchiki kuri’ squash, which can be stored for months in case of winter. Pumpkins are versatile, healthy and delicious in cooking.”
Hydrangea needs a lot of water. © Kristiina Kurronen
‘Uchiki kuri’ pumpkin that keeps for months. © The Gardening Association
The story was published in Maalla magazine 3/2024.
Source: kotiliesi.fi
