Press Releases

New Patriot™ Lantanas Expand the Palette of Garden Favorites

GRAIN VALLEY, January 2003. Sunfast and heat tolerant, lantanas are tender perennials (Zones 9-10) that have long been garden favorites. Dr. R. J. Roberson, award-winning breeder of leading perennials for many years, has created four new Patriot™ lantanas for 2003 that are bound to be stars of this year's gardens.

Patriot™ Pillar™ 'Deen Day Smith' (ppaf) has rose-pink buds that open as canary yellow, then mature in old-rose pink touched with apricot. Large leaves and long internodes give a tropical appearance. The free-flowering and vigorous growth (60 inches tall and wide) makes a quick, colorful hedge or commanding specimen plant. This cultivar honors Mrs. Deen Day Smith, philanthropist, horticulturist and recent president of National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Patriot™ Pillar™ 'Marc Cathey' (ppaf) is a big stately lantana (60 inches tall and wide) with lacy-edged silver-white florets and lush tropical foliage. It is exceptionally early to bloom with a long, consistent bloom season. Dr. Marc Cathey, past president of the American Horticultural Society and past director of the National Arboretum, is a pillar of the green industries.

Patriot™ Pony™ 'Red' (ppaf) has flower buds of red that open briefly as yellow and quickly mature to rich royal red. This new size category offers forest-green foliage and sturdy semi-compact growth (18 inches tall and wide). Pony™ 'Red' makes a rich red display when planted in mass or as a border.

Patriot™ Weeper™ 'Popcorn' (ppaf) has luscious yellow and white flowers, a rare bi-color among prostrate lantanas. Lacy leaves and graceful form make it ideal for both hanging baskets and dense ground covers. Low seed set and high bloom-to-leaf ratios result in great displays.

The addition of these four new lantanas to the Patriot™ series brings the line to 17 selections in a dazzling array of sizes, forms and colors.