Mar 16, 2012

Encore Azalea, Southern Living Plant Collection Liner Program Now Offered to IndustrySource: PDSI

Plant Development Services Inc. is currently taking orders for spring delivery for both Encore Azalea and the Southern Living Plant Collection. The new Liner Program, announced in January, allows new growers to participate in both programs.

Previously only licensed grower group members for the brands were able to purchase liners and finish these varieties for sale.

Plant Development Service’s director Kip McConnell says the new liner program is the result of strategic decisions made last year to increase production capacity with new distribution networks, increasing varieties at retail and further strengthening the brand presence of Encore Azalea and the Southern Living Plant Collection in the marketplace.

The move by Plant Development Services will allow brand management to fill consumer demand in channels the existing grower network was unable to satisfy, while creating strong financial opportunities for smaller growers and retailers throughout the industry.

“The response has been very good,” says McConnell. “New growers in the Plant Development Services Liner Program include large nursery operators, regional nursery operators and retail green house growers who understand the power of these brands and the financial opportunities each represent.” PDSI will continue taking spring orders through April 2012.

Only members of the licensed grower groups will be allowed to propagate. The new out-of-network growers will pay the program fee, and purchase tags and containers, at the time of liner purchase.

For more information, please visit plantdevelopment.com/liners.