Welcome to the Star Zone.
Scroll down to explore the flowers in this garden bed.
The Cora XDR Apricot Vinca(Catharanthus roseus) is a modern, high-performance annual prized by gardeners for its exceptional resilience and soft, sunset-toned beauty. Specifically engineered for "Xtreme Disease Resistance," this variety was developed to thrive in challenging environments where traditional vincas often struggle.
These plants feature large, five-petaled blooms in a delicate apricot-peach hue, accented by a striking raspberry-red center eye. Unlike older varieties that are susceptible to soil-borne diseases in wet conditions, the Cora XDR series is bred to withstand heavy rain and high humidity, maintaining its lush, glossy green foliage throughout the entire growing season.
Beyond its durability, the Apricot Vinca is a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes due to its self-cleaning nature and extreme heat tolerance. It provides a constant carpet of color in sun-drenched garden beds and containers, acting as a reliable "filler" that requires very little water once established and naturally resists foraging pests like deer and rabbits
Quick Guide
6 - 8 hrs
Moderate
70ºF - 90ºF
Temperature
Sunlight
Water
The Celosia ‘Intenz Lipstick’ (Celosia argentea) is a striking, modern annual celebrated for its vivid color and unique, plume-like blooms. Bred for strong garden performance, this variety stands out with its upright habit and long-lasting flowers that hold their intensity throughout the season.
It produces feathery, flame-shaped plumes in a rich, lipstick-red hue that rises above deep green foliage, creating bold vertical interest in beds and containers. Unlike some older celosia varieties, ‘Intenz Lipstick’ is selected for improved uniformity and resilience, maintaining its structure and color even in heat and humidity.
Beyond its visual impact, this celosia is a low-maintenance choice for sunny landscapes. It is heat-tolerant, relatively drought-resistant once established, and continues blooming without the need for deadheading. Ideal as a dramatic “thriller” in mixed plantings or as a standalone accent, it also shows good resistance to common garden pests, making it both reliable and eye-catching.
Quick Guide
6 - 8hrs
Moderate
75ºF - 90ºF
Temperature
Sunlight
Water
The Cathedral Deep Blue Salvia is a compact, vibrant variety of mealycup sage prized for its intense indigo-purple flower spikes and exceptional heat tolerance. Developed as part of the Cathedral™ series, this cultivar is specifically bred to maintain a well-branched, sturdy habit that stays upright even in the face of summer humidity and occasional drought.
This plant typically features dense clusters of nectar-rich blooms that rise above narrow, silvery-green foliage, providing a continuous display of color from late spring until the first frost. Because of its prolific flowering and durable nature, it is a staple in pollinator-friendly landscapes and decorative container arrangements.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Cathedral Deep Blue Salvia is a favorite for low-maintenance gardening due to its resistance to deer and rabbits. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and sunny, exposed locations makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add deep, reliable color to Mediterranean-style borders or modern urban spaces.
Quick Guide
6 - 8hrs
Moderate
65ºF - 90ºF
Temperature
Sunlight
Water
Note: This is an ongoing project by SMU Masters in Design and Innovation (MADI) Graduate Students.