Tex and Kay Norwood: Joining Florida Colors Nursery in 2012 and Their Contributions

In 2012, Tex and Kay Norwood joined Florida Colors Nursery (FCN), becoming key figures in the continued success and growth of the plumeria breeding program. Their partnership with Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck marked a new chapter for the nursery, with their combined experience, vision, and dedication to plumeria contributing to the expansion of the nursery’s offerings and the evolution of hybridization in the plumeria world.

Tex and Kay’s passion for plumeria cultivation and breeding has helped shape Florida Colors Nursery into a leading force in plumeria propagation, furthering the nursery’s legacy of producing high-quality cultivars with unique traits. This article will explore their contributions to Florida Colors Nursery and how their partnership has enhanced the nursery’s reputation within the plumeria community.

1. The Norwoods’ Arrival: A New Chapter for Florida Colors Nursery

In 2012, Tex and Kay Norwood officially joined Florida Colors Nursery, a decision that brought new energy, experience, and expertise to the business. Tex, with his deep knowledge of plumeria breeding, and Kay, with her passion for plant care and customer service, quickly became integral members of the Florida Colors Nursery team. Their involvement allowed the nursery to expand and enhance its breeding program while maintaining the quality and integrity that the Vanoorbeeckes had built.

Tex’s Experience in Plumeria Breeding:

• Tex had been growing plumeria for many years before joining Florida Colors Nursery, building a solid understanding of genetic traits, hybridization techniques, and the various challenges plumeria breeders face.
• His experience in hybridization helped expand the range of cultivars offered by FCN, adding new flower colors, sizes, and growth habits to the nursery’s collection.

Kay’s Role in Customer Engagement:

• Kay Norwood brought a wealth of experience in customer service and nursery operations. Her passion for helping plumeria enthusiasts and her focus on creating an inviting and informative environment for visitors to the nursery contributed greatly to the growth and success of FCN.
• Kay also played a major role in educating the community about plumeria care and maintenance, ensuring that customers had the right knowledge to care for their plumeria plants.

2. Contributions to Hybridization: Expanding the Plumeria Color Palette

One of the most significant contributions Tex and Kay made to Florida Colors Nursery was their role in expanding the color palette and flower characteristics of FCN’s plumeria cultivars. Building on the foundation laid by Luc and Carol Vannoorbeeck, Tex’s hybridization efforts introduced new vibrant colors and innovative flower forms, keeping Florida Colors Nursery at the forefront of modern plumeria breeding.

Innovative Hybrids:

• Tex focused on crossing different plumeria varieties, particularly those that were known for their unique traits. Through his hybridization work, new cultivars with larger blooms, bold color combinations, and improved resilience were introduced to the FCN collection.
• Some of the innovative hybrids that emerged from Tex and Kay’s efforts included vibrant reds, yellows, and multicolored flowers, reflecting their commitment to creating striking plants with outstanding characteristics.

Example of Notable Hybrids:

• ‘Hawaiian Sunset’: A hybrid featuring bright yellow flowers with orange-red highlights, known for its vibrant colors and strong fragrance. This hybrid is a testament to the successful blending of Thai and Hawaiian cultivars.
• ‘Caribbean Breeze’: A cultivar with soft pink flowers and a delicate fragrance, developed through careful cross-pollination to maintain disease resistance and strong growth habits.

3. Developing Stronger Plumeria Cultivars: Disease Resistance and Resilience

In addition to focusing on color and flower characteristics, Tex and Kay Norwood worked diligently to create plumeria cultivars with improved resilience to disease and harsh environmental conditions. Their focus on disease resistance and hardiness helped ensure that Florida Colors Nursery’s cultivars could thrive in a variety of climates, from Florida’s humid coastal areas to more arid regions.

Disease Resistance in Hybrids:

• The Norwoods recognized the importance of breeding plumeria that were disease-resistant, particularly to common plumeria ailments like rust and fungus. By selecting parent plants that exhibited strong disease resistance, they produced hybrids that could withstand humidity, high temperatures, and other environmental stressors.
• Plumerias like ‘Firestorm’ and ‘Golden Glow’ became well-regarded for their vigor and hardiness, with strong disease resistance built into the genetic makeup.

4. Expanding Florida Colors Nursery’s Reach and Reputation

With Tex and Kay’s expertise, Florida Colors Nursery saw an expansion in both its reach and reputation. Their efforts in creating unique hybrids, combined with their commitment to customer service, helped Florida Colors Nursery grow into one of the most renowned plumeria breeders in the United States.

Educational Outreach and Nursery Growth:

• Tex and Kay worked hard to create an educational space for plumeria enthusiasts, providing resources and guidance on how to care for plumeria plants. Their knowledge helped elevate the nursery’s reputation as not only a supplier of quality plumeria but also a center of knowledge and support for plumeria lovers.
• Local and National Impact: Over time, Florida Colors Nursery became a hub for plumeria collectors, attracting enthusiasts from across the country and even internationally.

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Tex and Kay Norwood

Since Tex and Kay Norwood joined Florida Colors Nursery in 2012, their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the nursery’s success and expansion. Through their hybridization efforts, the nursery introduced new, vibrant cultivars and disease-resistant plants that continue to thrive in gardens across the world. Their dedication to customer engagement and education has helped FCN remain one of the most respected names in the plumeria community.

With Tex’s breeding program and Kay’s nurturing care of customers, Florida Colors Nursery continues to grow, providing plumeria enthusiasts with high-quality plants and ensuring the continued legacy of this iconic nursery in the world of plumeria cultivation.