b'Tough, Beautiful,Climate-Smart FlowersThe market is growing for ornamentals that need fewer inputs. By Treena Hein, Seed World U.S. ContributorTODAYS GARDENERS WANTto do their part for theAs an example, community plantings of ornamentals in the environment, seeking flowers and other ornamental plantsupper Midwest and Europe were mainly regular bedding plants, that need less water and other inputs. And, as they do for allSyngentas global strategic portfolio manager, flowers Mike consumer trends, seed companies are meeting this marketMurgiano says. But now its becoming more a mix of subtropical demand. While no one knows exactly how much climate changecrops, grasses and other resilient plants. will further impact weather patterns, breeders are increasinglyHe adds that consumers also like flowers in pots on their focusing on developing flowering plants that thrive in challeng- patios, and these plants suffer more from extreme heat and ing environmental conditions, from prolonged dry periods anddrought than in a yard setting.heat waves to sudden dips in temperature. Syngenta offers many varieties specially bred for heat and Consumers are very open to hardier old favorites, but they aredrought tolerance, including a group of species under a line also interested in anything new thats water efficient and with- called Heat Lover. The companys drought and disease-tolerant stands the heat. Its an extra bonus if these plants support bees,Zydeco Fire Zinnia and Dekko MAX Pink Petunia both cap-butterflies and other pollinators. Most ornamental plant breedingtured 2025 All-America Selections Awards. Murgiano adds that in the United States happens in the private sector, but one of theone of their Impatiens series can stand the heat and sun much few public breeders, Mark Bridgen at Cornell Universitys Schoolbetter than the traditional New Guinea impatiens that are cur-of Integrative Plant Science (plant breeding and genetics) says herently on the market and still excel in the shade.and his colleagues are having discussions about climate changeRoses are another ornamental flower group with water-and seed traits related to drought resistance.efficient cultivars already available, with further improvements to come, including cultivars called Iceberg, Arctic Blue, Lemon Fizz Progress so Far and Hansa. The Seafoam is another to note. Not only is it water-Syngenta is fully recognizing the climate smart gardening trendefficient but its also whats known as a ground cover rose that and changes in plant selection.helps maintain soil moisture levels after rain or watering.Below: Zydeco Fire Zinnia field. PHOTO: SYNGENTA14/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2025'