New daylily honors Virginia Tech spirit

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - A new maroon and orange daylily has been introduced to showcase the colors and community spirit of Virginia Tech.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Beautiful Gardens program introduced the daylily "VT Spirit," the first new plant released by the Beautiful Gardens Plant Introduction Program.

VT Spirit is hardy in all Virginia growing zones and boasts a longer than average bloom season for daylilies, according to a news release from VDACS.

The plant was bred by Virginia Tech graduate Linda Pinkham and donated to the Beautiful Gardens program for evaluation and introduction.

“If it is as popular as we think it will be, it will sell out early this first year,” said VDACS marketing representative Rick Baker. “It’s not only the first new plant introduced in Beautiful Gardens since the program began in 2004, but it also has tremendous sentimental value because of the connection to Virginia Tech. We believe that many people want to be the first in their neighborhoods to showcase the plant."

The VT Spirit daylily is available from Brent and Becky's Bulbs in Gloucester and can be purchased online or through their catalog.