Bailey Nurseries has acquired Plant Introductions Inc., the plant breeding company that was founded in 2007 by Dr. Michael Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith.

PII is based in Watkinsville, Georgia. The three will stay on board as consultants for Bailey, which is based in St. Paul, Minnesota and has a large Oregon presence. The following press release was issued:

Bailey Nurseries is excited to announce the acquisition of Plant Introductions, Inc. (PII), effective January 1, 2015. Widely recognized as a leader in plant breeding, PII has developed numerous innovative new varieties that have been marketed worldwide, many introduced by Bailey Nurseries.

Since the introduction of Endless Summer® The Original, Bailey Nurseries and PII partners Dr. Michael Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith have developed a strong association. This relationship has expanded in the years since with PII breeding genetics for the Endless Summer® Hydrangea and First Editions® Plants collections.

“This new venture is a natural progression in our relationship with Dr. Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith,” says Bailey Nurseries’ President Terri McEnaney. “We have built such a collaborative rapport over the last 20 years, and we are incredibly excited to continue the groundbreaking work of PII here at Bailey Nurseries. We are also delighted that Jeff, Mark and Dr. Dirr will be staying on board to consult on breeding, plant trials and market trends.”

“Mark, Jeff and I are enthusiastic about what has been achieved at PII and its future with Bailey Nurseries,” PII founding partner Dr. Michael Dirr replies. “We share a mutual passion for this industry and look forward to the potential of this exciting endeavor.”

With the acquisition of PII, Bailey Nurseries solidifies its position to supply cutting-edge genetics and new introductions to domestic and international markets. This enables Bailey Nurseries to best support the industry and consumer demand with exceptional new varieties.