Aris Sells Green Leaf Plants’ Facility

Chris Beytes

Aris Horticulture has announced the sale of its Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Green Leaf Plants perennial liner production facility to a company called Frankarl (aka FLO Canada), based in Quebec, but doing considerable business in the U.S. The purchase of the Green Leaf greenhouses and real estate “strengthens its U.S. operations; enables local production in the areas already being served; provides a base for future expansion; reduces costs; supports vertical integration; and meets growing market demand,” said a letter from Aris President and CEO Scott Schaefer, who added that Frankarl was attracted to the Lancaster community due to its experienced workforce and market access.

Now, while Aris is selling the greenhouses and land, they are NOT selling the Green Leaf perennial line or business. However, Aris will discontinue future production and sales of their perennials liners and unrooted cuttings for shipping after Week 40.

Why the decision to sell?

“Continuing shifts in product forms to lower-cost unrooted and grower self-propagation continues to diminish growth in demand for perennial liners,” explained Scott in the letter to stakeholders.

However, don’t get the idea Aris is getting out of perennials—they say they expect to continue the Green Leaf Plants perennials line at their Alva, Florida, location—albeit a “limited perennial liner and prefinished product assortment”—with deliveries starting in October.

And they’ll continue producing their tropical plant line, including Tradewinds Hibiscus, at their Keepsake Plants greenhouses in Alva.  GT