West Chicago, Illinois, USA
August 7, 2026
Ball® Horticultural Company is pleased to announce the expansion of its tropical portfolio through specific acquisitions of genetics and commercial business from Aris® Horticulture Inc., a leading producer and developer of ornamental plants.
Effective Aug. 3, 2026, breeding company, Ball FloraPlant®, will acquire the complete Tradewinds® Hibiscus genetics portfolio, widely recognized as the leading Hibiscus program in North America. This transfer includes all commercial varieties, breeding stock, future introductions, and the Tradewinds trademark, which will further strengthen Ball FloraPlant’s world-class genetics assortment and build innovation in the tropical category.
“Expanding our tropical portfolio helps Ball meet the needs of the evolving market. We welcome these exciting additions to the Ball family,” says Allan Davidson, President of Ball Horticultural Company. “This transition combines industry-leading genetics, production expertise, and customer support to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners.”
In addition, North America’s leading horticultural distributor, Ball Seed®, will acquire the commercial business responsibilities for Aris’ tropical liner, prefinished, and finished programs. This includes Hibiscus, Mandevilla, and Tropical Fern classes, along with select Igloo™ Mums and Green Leaf Plants Florida perennials (Transferred Products). Aris will continue to produce and finish the Transferred Products but will turn over all direct sales and distribution to Ball Seed. The Transferred Products will also have availability and be sold through Star Roses and Plants®.
“Ball has a compelling vision for leveraging Tradewinds and expanding its tropical plants portfolio, and Aris has the production and growing experience to make it happen,” says Scott Schaefer, President & CEO of Aris Horticulture Inc. “This strategic partnership allows each company to focus on core strengths and ensures the continuing supply of the premium products our customers have come to rely on.”
Aris will continue to accept orders through Aug. 17 and will operate as a separate, independent company producing and marketing Keepsake Plants® and contract production services.
With this transition, Ball is committed to providing customer support to create long-term value for greenhouse growers and industry partners. For customer questions, the Ball Seed sales representatives and Ball ColorLink associates are standing by at 800 879-BALL.
For more company information, visit the Ball Horticultural Company corporate website at www.ballhort.com.
About Ball Horticultural Company
Ball Horticultural Company is an internationally renowned breeder, producer and wholesale distributor of ornamental plants. A family-owned business since it was founded in 1905, Ball has introduced many innovative and award-winning varieties to the world of horticulture. The company has worldwide production, sales and marketing through its many subsidiaries on six continents. For further information, visit www.ballhort.com.
About Aris Horticulture Inc.
Aris Horticulture is a century-old North American green industry company that breeds, grows and distributes ornamental plants. Originally founded as Yoder Brothers in 1920, the company operates major divisions and brands, including Keepsake Plants in Alva, Fla., and Tradewinds Hibiscus. Learn more at www.arishort.com.
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