Variety Notebook

Aloe variegata Gator
Gator is not the typical, old-fashioned Aloe vera that consumers are used to seeing. Gator, from EuroAmerican Propagators, sports a unique, reptile-like color pattern on the leaves.

Its habit is also unique with a tight triangular plant that keeps growing upward, stacking triads of leaves, one over the next. Once established, Gator sends out numerous offshoots around the perimeter filling the container it’s in.
This full sun to partial shade plant can be used in landscapes, rock gardens and patio containers. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

For more: EuroAmerican Propagators LLC, (888) 323-0730; www.euroamprop.com

Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’
Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Inc. has released the fourth introduction in its Cocktail series of geum. ‘Alabama Slammer’ is a hybrid with a unique color combination of deep orange with red tipped single and semi-double flowers all on burgundy red stems. It starts flowering in May and continues to bloom for three to four weeks.

The short clumping plants reach about 10 inches tall and wide with the stems reaching 18+ inches tall. The foliage is semi-evergreen.

‘Alabama Slammer’ is hardy to Zones 4-9. The plants grow during the cool times of the season, so they can be planted early spring or early fall.

For more: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Inc., (815) 648-2788; www.intrinsicperennialgardens.com.

Rose ‘Gold Medallion’
‘Gold Medallion’ is the newest introduction in Greenheart Farms’ Garden Treasures micro-miniature rose collection. The compact, heavy-branching plants reach 12 inches tall and wide. These disease-resistant roses are self cleaning and low maintenance. They are heavy bloomers and will continue to flower throughout the season. Flowering begins in late March and continues until first frost.

Garden Treasures roses can be sold as annuals or perennials in 2¼-inch pots up to 1-quart containers. The roses are well-suited for use as specimen plants or in mixed containers. They are hardy to Zones 4b to 11.

For more: Greenheart Farms, (805) 481-2234; http://greenheartfarms.com.