Your gardening answers; Tips on introducing new garden plants.

• Position: Weeklies

'Are new introductions worth the money?''

Your question is clear and direct. I wish that my answer could be as direct.

However, any response depends on what improvements have been achieved in the genetic structure of the plant, how important the new characteristics are to you personally, and your evaluation of the cost increase compared to the value gained.

For example, a new red petunia is offered for sale. Does the world need another red petunia? It may if the new plant is more vigorous, has greater disease resistance, carries more flowers over an extended bloom period or is unique in some characteristic of form that interests you.

However, if you care not for red petunias, end of discussion, no matter how genetically advanced the plant.

Your level of interest and acceptance is the ultimate determining factor.

On the other hand, if the plant under discussion is one of the new rose introductions, the improvements bred into the plant may have such major impact...