While 2026 may have been a year when many of us have been concerned about climate change, the economy, political polarization and how we are going to navigate these trying times; it is always nice to put a positive spin on life looking forward. As gardeners, we have a lot to be hopeful about for 2027, as there seems to be something for everyone in next year’s new plant lineup. So, whether you are looking for a unique ornamental tree, new fruits to enjoy, durable shrubs or even a few bold perennials, I think you’ll find at least one or two intriguing choices below.
Cytisus ‘Sister Redhead’
Scotch Broom or Cytisus scoparius is a noxious weedy shrub but this variety is virtually sterile, so that invasive aspect is all but eliminated. Besides the vibrant red spring blooms (with a contrasting yellow tip), this cultivar has everything you might be looking for in a low maintenance shrub. It is drought tolerant, thrives in sandy soils, endures hot sun exposures and is both rabbit and deer resistant. And for those lucky enough to live near the coast, it also tolerates salt spray. Grows 3-4’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 Proven Winners
Hydrangea ‘Invincibelle Wee White 2.0’
Proven Winners has doubly improved this unique arborescens hydrangea by breeding in stronger stems and giving it a lovely hint of green as the pure white flowers fade. Here’s the perfect dwarf hydrangea for mixed bed foregrounds or even containers, as its extreme cold hardiness and compact growth habit means no fussing. ‘Invincibelle Wee White 2.0’ also repeat blooms and tolerates full sun exposures. Grows 24-30” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 Proven Winners
Lonicera ‘Boreal Beauty’
It seems that the Haskaps or Honeyberries are enjoying a bit of a revival right now, as I have customers combing my berry beds looking for new varieties to try. 2027 won’t disappoint as I have three new cultivars arriving, including ‘Boreal Beauty’, a new introduction out of the University of Saskatchewan with very large berries. These are also produced later than most (late July to early August) so you can extend your fresh picking season. Grows 4-6’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 2.
📸 Nowaja Pixabay
Rosa ‘Matrimony’
An exciting new hybrid tea rose from Weeks Roses which equally pairs the stunning tricolour flowers with an enticing fragrance. You can expect apricot, golden-yellow and pale pink flowers which emanate a subtle but complex scent of citrus, jasmine and classic rose. It was bred from the highly regarded ‘Pretty Lady Rose’ and is going to make a stunning cut flower for the vase. Grows 4.5’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 Weeks Roses
Silene ‘Forged by Fire’
Okay, I’ll admit that this perennial came out in 2026, but I received so few of them and had so many customers return to the garden centre looking for one, that it deserves a second review. First of all, the handful I received looked exactly like the image you are looking at, just loaded with stunning red starry blooms that form a second crown over the compact dark green foliage. Not only will it draw in all those pollinators, but this Silene virginica variety will light your garden on fire with colour. Grows 12-18” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 Bloomin' Easy
Cornus ‘Watermelon Sugar’
Dogwood breeding has been more about disease resistance, flower size or slight improvements to the intensity of the pink blooms. What this Cornus kousa hybrid gives us is four seasons of beauty; starting in spring with pink-white variegation resembling a Nishiki willow, then we have starry white late spring blooms, summer brings us edible red ball-like fruits that the thrushes and robins will feast on and then we end the season with autumn foliar tones of red to burgundy. The mottled grey, brown and orange bark (on mature trees) can be enjoyed in winter, completing its four-season appeal. Grows 15-20’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 Heritage Seedlings
Morus ‘Mojo Berry’
Here’s a compact, upright form of Mulberry that is ideal for small gardens, patios or even containers. Impatient gardeners will also appreciate its habit of producing fruit in its first year, and it also bears on both old and new wood. Expect an abundance of red-ripening-to-black berries borne continuously from May to September…great for fresh eating! Self-fertile. Grows 5-7’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 7.
📸 Ellen Chan Pixabay
Cephalanthus ‘Sugar Shack 2.0’
Here’s a shrub you probably haven’t heard of before, which is a shame, as it tolerates many unideal conditions. Not only is Buttonbush deer resistant, but it also endures wet or even boggy soils, partial shade and it’s a pollinator magnet. Expect fragrant white spherical flowers in summer followed by highly attractive red seedpods in the fall which will feed the birds. Grows 3-4’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 Proven Winners
Heliopsis ‘Forged in Fire’
Yes, here’s another perennial forged in fire but in this case it really is a new Proven Winners introduction for 2027. This False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) features deep golden-golden yellow blooms that are semi-double in form and contrasted by a prominent burgundy to dark orange eye. It is also reasonably compact and a great choice for gardeners looking to draw in beneficial pollinators. Grows 32-36” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 Proven Winners
Sambucus ‘Wyldewood’
Black Elderberry is another edible drawing a lot of attention right now, and this American cultivar (Sambucus canadensis) is a particularly heavy producer. Expect highly fragrant white early summer flowers (which can be used to make a delicious cordial or caffeine-free tea) followed by large clusters of dark purplish-black berries that can be processed into mouth-watering jellies, syrups or wine. These berries are also very high in antioxidants, so you get those medicinal benefits as well. Grows 5-8’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 Rita E Pixabay
Copyright 2026 MK Lascelle
