Plant of Year – Always a Good Choice

Are you looking for some easy to grow plants? Do you have a “Survival of the Fittest” garden? Are you a plant collector always looking for the best and brightest? A great place to find plants that fit the mark are the winners of Plant of the Year contests. Many plants in my garden are perennials, so every year, I look to see what the Perennial Plant Association chooses for its “Plant of the Year.” I know that they will be a perfect addition to my yard, because they are chosen based on their ability to grow in many areas for a long time and are easy to maintain. They are great for beginners and really all gardeners, and their success rate for survival is considerable. Consider growing a Plant of the Year in your garden.

Plant of Year

Are you looking for some easy to grow plants? Do you have a “Survival of the Fittest” garden? Are you a plant collector always looking for the best and brightest? A great place to find plants that fit the mark are the winners of Plant of the Year contests. Many plants in my garden are perennials, so every year, I look to see what the Perennial Plant Association chooses for its “Plant of the Year.” I know that they will be a perfect addition to my yard, because they are chosen based on their ability to grow in many areas for a long time and are easy to maintain. They are great for beginners and really all gardeners, and their success rate for survival is considerable. Consider growing a Plant of the Year in your garden.

This year, the Perennial Plant Association has chosen Panicum viratum ‘Northwind,’ commonly known as "switchgrass," as the 2014 perennial of the year. This tall, (4 - 5 ft) clumping grass maintains a very nice upright habit, and provides year round color from blue-green to yellow and finally beige. To see a list of past perennial of the year winners click here.

There are several other “Plants of the Year” from other associations with similar virtues.  Here’s a list of 2014 winners from just a few.

• The International Herb Association - Artemisia Spp.
• Royal Horticultural Society in England – Rosa Lady Marmalade
• American Hosta Growers Association –'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'
• International Water Lily and Water Gardening Society – ‘Plum Crazy’
• National Garden Bureau Inc. – Chooses one perennial, annual and edible each year.  2104 is Year of the Echinacea; Petunia, and Cucumber”
• Garden Club of America –Acknowledges native plants – 2013 Winner - Cercis canadenis – Eastern Redbud