Vernon, Dr. Dariusz Malinowski recognized by Texas Senate for hibiscus program
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 30
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Dr. Dariusz Malinowski and the City of Vernon for the development of an outstanding hibiscus-breeding program; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Malinowski is the plant physiologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Vernon; he started breeding winter-hardy hibiscus plants in his yard as a hobby, and while admiring the beauty and success of the plants, he decided he wanted a wider range of blossom colors than what was available in stores; he began working on breeding plants with flowers of more diverse colors and shapes, and in 2010, his hibiscus-breeding program became an official part of the AgriLife Center in Vernon; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the program has produced a wide range of new shades, notably a blue-flowering winter-hardy hibiscus hybrid; other novel colors include maroon, salmon, magenta, and a number of dual or multicolored flowers on a single plant; the program has also expanded to include tropical hibiscus in addition to the winter-hardy varieties; and
WHEREAS, In 2019, the City of Vernon and
Dr. Dariusz Malinowski receives a Texas Senate Proclamation from City of Vernon Mayor Pam Gosline during a ceremony on Nov. 30, 2021.
Daniel Walker/Vernon Record
partnered in an initiative to donate hibiscus plants to community members; the city soon became known as a hibiscus community, as the popular plants were being shipped to cities across Texas and New Mexico through United Grocers and affiliates; and
WHEREAS, Now known as the world’s premier hibiscus breeder, Dr. Malinowski has been featured on the cover of Seed World magazine, and his breeding program has a worldwide presence on social media; it is truly fitting that he receive special recognition for his exceptional accomplishments and the City of Vernon be applauded for its support of his program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Dr. Dariusz Malinowski and the City of Vernon on their remarkable success with the hibiscus-breeding program; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.