[Columbia, SC] - Come and experience the best in hot new plant cultivars along with over 50 species of your favorite plants at Riverbanks Botanical Garden’s annual plant sale on Saturday, April 21. The sale will run from 9am to 2pm in the Garden’s Growing Center located at the end of Seminole Drive in West Columbia.

“We select plants that currently grow in the Botanical Garden and that perform well with our climate,” said Andy Cabe, curator of horticulture. “Each year we strive to provide newer, more uncommon plants that might be hard to find at local retailers. The purpose of the sale is to promote and circulate these extraordinary plants to the gardening public.”

Plants for sale will include annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, bulbs and old roses. Also available will be a couple of varieties of the ever popular Brugmansia, also known as angel’s trumpets. Gardeners interested in Brugmansia will find the bright yellow flowered ‘Jamaican Yellow’ and the ‘Double White’ which has double white flowers.  

One of the most popular plants that will be offered to the public this year is a new elephant ear called Colocasia ‘Coffee Cups’. This unique plant has a dark, nearly black stem and concave leaves which form the “coffee cups.” It will reach six feet tall and is quite striking in a garden.

In many cases, the plants offered at the annual sale have cultivated over the years. Annuals, a favorite in the Garden, have become a signature specialty.  One particular species of annuals new to the sale this year is a new ornamental pepper called Capsicum ‘Black Pearl’. In addition there will be several unusual varieties of Coleus for sale that are sure to impress.  

Most plants will range from $5 to $10 with proceeds benefiting Riverbanks Botanical Garden. People who are set on particular plants should arrive early. Admission is free for those that arrive at the Seminole Drive entrance. For more information call (803) 779-8717 or visit www.riverbanks.org.