Athens Select Debuts Four Varieties
June 30, 2009 
Athens Select has introduced two new varieties to the ‘Prince’ family of pennisetums, along with two new gaillardias for 2009.
“Each of these plants is sure to wow, with the amazing colors and heat tolerance Athens Select plants are known for,” says Dr. Allan Armitage, founder of Athens Select.
Gaillardia ‘Georgia Sunset’
This gaillardia is a new plant whose brilliant gold and orange bicolor blossoms light up the landscape. Each flower measures almost 2 inches across. Plants are compact, free breaking and grow approximately 18 inches tall. They are heat and humidity tolerant. Flowering time is from late spring to fall. ‘Georgia Sunset’ takes full sun, and is hardy to Zone 7b.
Gaillardia ‘Georgia Yellow’
From the same breeding program as ‘Georgia Sunset,’ this plant features solid butter-yellow flowers that are about 2 inches across on a compact plant with strong stems. Plants are heat and humidity tolerant. Flowering time is from late spring to fall. It’s also a sun lover and hardy to Zone 7b.
Pennisetum ‘Princess Molly’
The second generation of ‘Prince’ bears thin, beautiful deep burgundy leaves but only grows 14 to 20 inches tall. It’s an ideal plant for smaller landscapes were color is desired but size is not. Plants have excellent disease resistance and weather tolerance and may be grown across the country. Plants will not flower except in total frost-free areas. ‘Princess Molly’ likes full sun and is hardy to Zone 8.
Pennisetum ‘Princess Caroline’
‘Princess Caroline’ provides brilliant purple foliage on plants that reach a mature height of about 3 feet. Plants have strong disease resistant and weather tolerance, with sturdy growth. They will not flower except in total frost-free areas. ‘Princess Caroline’ likes full sun and is hardy to Zone 8.
For more information about Athens Select, a collection of heat- and humidity-tolerant plants trialed extensively at the University of Georgia Trial Gardens, visit www.athensselect.com.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
