Attention all plant nuts, geeks and nerds -you can now find Grandiflora on Facebook!

So new, this Gaillardia 8-2009 has no name, only a number

 We will be using the site to post hundreds of plant photos and to keep our “fans” informed about our trade show, seminar and travel experiences. For instance, just recently Grandiflora exhibited at the Southeastern Color Connection in Greenville SC. On the way home, Pat and I stopped at the University of Georgia to look at Dr. Allan Armitage’s famous trial garden and to see what was performing well. When we got home, we uploaded many of the plant pictures to Grandiflora’s Facebook site. Go there for a sneak peek at the up-and-coming varieties that will be next year’s hot items.

Red Drift Rose flower cluster

If you liked Knockouts, but were looking for something that stays more compact and lower-growing, you’ll love Drift Roses.

Rarely growing over 2′ tall, Drifts will spread 2-3′ across, constantly blooming on the new growth with numerous clusters of small flowers in red, coral, peach, or pink. These are tough, vigorous, disease-resistant plants that need no dead-heading or other special care. Of course, like all roses they will do best in full sun with good air circulation, but Drifts will also tolerate less than a full day’s sun and even a partially shaded environment. Expect shaded plants to be much lankier and not bloom as heavily.

Trimming plants can be done with hand pruners or even hedge shears. No need to worry about cutting above an outward-facing five or seven-leaflet. Just prune to shape, and flower buds will quickly re-appear on the tips of the new growth.