Monrovia Teams Up with Proven Winners® ColorChoice® to bring New Shrubs to Independent Garden Centers

(I-Newswire) July 26, 2010 - Monrovia and Proven Winners® ColorChoice® announced that they have formed a strategic partnership for 70 flowering shrubs to be sold exclusively in independent garden centers, beginning in late spring 2011.

Proven Winners ColorChoice introduces new and improved flowering shrubs across the U.S. and Canada, marketing more than 100 varieties specifically chosen for their hardiness, unusually bright colors and easy care. Monrovia is a premium grower, recognized for its Distinctively Better® plants, grown to exacting standards, and sold exclusively through independent garden centers.

Newly designed containers and plant tags will bear both Proven Winners and Monrovia logos, something new for both companies.

“This is a fantastic partnership for both of us,” said Bob Smiland, chief sales and marketing officer for Monrovia. “Proven Winners ColorChoice has a great breeding program and has developed a line of stunning flowering shrubs that gardeners and landscape professionals are asking for by name. Monrovia will nurture them in our premium soil mixes and grow healthy, lush plants that will flourish in the landscape.”

“We’re excited by the opportunity to expand the availability of the newest flowering shrubs in independent garden centers across the nation,” said Tim Wood, product development and marketing manager for Proven Winners ColorChoice. “Garden centers will benefit from this partnership through more comprehensive in-store programs featuring a brand with considerable consumer demand behind it. Consumers will benefit by expanding the locations where they can purchase Proven Winners shrubs.”

Some industry experts estimate that independent garden centers account for as much as half of the $100-billion lawn and garden market.

Among the 70 Proven Winners varieties to be sold through the new partnership are four of the top new shrubs on the market today:

• Incrediball™ Hydrangea: An improved ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea with the biggest flowers and the strongest stems. Hardy and heat tolerant.

• Invincibelle® Spirit Hydrangea: The first-ever pink ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea™. A rebloomer that flowers year after year, even after harsh winters. This very hardy and reliable bloomer grows from Manitoba to Mobile.

• Bloomerang® Lilac: The most prolific reblooming lilac ever. Fragrant flowers in the spring and again from midsummer until fall.

• Lo & Behold™ Blue Chip Buddleia: The only miniature Butterfly Bush with loads of blue flowers. Flowers continuously without deadheading.

Marketing support for the line of plants will include advertising, in-store posters and featured locations in Monrovia Boutiques in select garden centers.

About Monrovia:
Monrovia is known for growing Distinctively Better® plants that are sold exclusively through independent garden centers nationwide. Throughout its history, Monrovia has pioneered many new technologies and new plant introductions. Many of Monrovia’s premium plants are improvements over existing cultivars and chosen specifically to meet the demands of consumers. It is known as one of the most eco-friendly growers and constantly strives to improve its green practices. Founded in 1926 by Harry E. Rosedale, the company remains a family owned entity.

About Proven Winners ColorChoice
Proven Winners ColorChoice is the brand name of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc., a market leader in flowering shrubs, potted liners and starter plants. Located in Grand Haven, Mich., Spring Meadow Nursery has over 500 varieties in its catalog, including more than 100 varieties marketed under the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand, including Incrediball® Hydrangea, ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea, Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea, My Monet™ Weigela, Little Henry® Itea, Wine & Roses® Weigela, Quick Fire® Hydrangea and Invincibelle® Spirit Hydrangea.

About Spring Meadow Nursery:
Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. is a market leader in flowering shrubs, potted liners and starter plants, and the developer behind Proven Winners ColorChoice branded shrubs. Located in Grand Haven, Mich., the wholesale nursery has specialized in flowering shrubs for over 25 years. Spring Meadow Nursery has over 500 varieties in their catalog, which include more than 100 varieties marketed under the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand, including Incrediball® Hydrangea, ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea, Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea, My Monet™ Weigela, Little Henry® Itea, Wine & Roses® Weigela, Quick Fire® Hydrangea and Invincibelle® Spirit Hydrangea. For more information, visit www.colorchoiceplants.com and www.springmeadownursery.com.

Company Contact Information
Spring Meadow Nursery
Ryan McGrath
12601 120th Ave
49417
Phone : 616.223.3368