Press Releases

Two Exciting New Patriot™ Lantanas!

International Plant Selections, Inc., an organization committed to bringing new plant material from hybridizers worldwide to the gardening public, presents two new lantanas that are sure to please. Dr. Jack Roberson, hybridizer of the Patriot™ lantanas including the award-winning Patriot™ Rainbow (PP#9837) has announced that July 1, 1998 will be the official release date for his latest additions to this popular series. Once a mainstay of Southern gardens, lantanas (lantana camara cultivars) are now in demand by gardeners in Northern regions and all across the U.S. As their popularity has grown, so has the need for new colors and forms to extend the design possibilities of this prolific annual (a perennial in zones 9-10). Dr. Roberson, through American Daylily & Perennials and its licensees, now offers two unique lantanas for the first time.

PATRIOT™ HOT COUNTRY (ppaf)

The first of the two new lantanas is Patriot™ Hot Country (ppaf), which features a coloration rarely seen in this species. At first bloom, the florets appear yellow to sienna, quickly changing to a hot fuchsia raspberry. Unlike the multi-color blooms usually seen on lantanas, the blossoms of Hot Country appear monochromatic through most of the season. Featuring a mounding form and vigorous growth, Hot Country will reach 3' x 3' in a season. The foliage is a dark forest green that features a characteristically minty scent. Patriot™ Hot Country is ideal for use as a standard or as a larger landscape plant.

PATRIOT™ HALLELUJAH (ppaf)

The second new lantana about to be released is Patriot™ Hallelujah (ppaf), a vigorous grower that will reach 3.5' x 3.5' in a season. A heavy bloomer, the florets initially display a transitory yellow/gold color that matures to a striking, almost translucent lavender/mauve. As the color change evolves, the overall appearance is golden to salmon-colored in mass. Some features are reminiscent of the popular 'Ms. Huff' lantana, but with a greater emphasis on pastels and the distinctive lavender/mauve. Hallelujah displays a semi-weeping/semi-mounding form that makes it ideal for use in hanging baskets or as a standard. Growth is vigorous enough that Hallelujah can also be used as an annual hedge.