Variety Notebook

Aloe ‘Delta Lights’
‘Delta Lights’ is a new aloe hybrid created by breeder Kelly Griffin exclusively for Rancho Tissue Technologies. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the plant, which has a unique zigzag foliage pattern, reaches 18 inches tall by 24 inches wide.

It excels in larger 8-inch pots and is also suitable for 6 inch. The plant is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.

For more:  Rancho Tissue Technologies, www.ranchotissue.com.

Anigozanthos Velvet Range
The Velvet Range collection of Anigozanthos hybrids is available exclusively from First Step Greenhouses. The collection consists of four varieties: ‘Amber Velvet,’ ‘Gold Velvet,’ ‘Regal Velvet’ and ‘Ruby Velvet.’ These kangaroo paws have excellent drought tolerance and better frost tolerance than other Anigozanthos varieties. Plants are hardy and evergreen to about 25°F and will re-sprout after being knocked down by temperatures as low as 20°F.

For more:  First Step Greenhouses, www.firststepgreenhouses.com.

Dianthus barbatus Diabunda series
The new Diabunda series from Syngenta Flowers/Goldsmith Seeds is faster and easier to flower for early spring and winter sales. It consists of six cultivars: Pink Pearl, Purple, Purple Picotee, Red, Red Picotee and Rose. Plants are uniform in habit and production timing. Use them in containers, combinations and mass plantings. They are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5.

For more:  Syngenta Flowers/Goldsmith Seeds, www.goldsmithseeds.com.