PPA Plant of the Year (POY)

From time to time we receive the question, "How is the Perennial Plant of the Year selected?" The selection process is quite simple –Perennial Plant Association (PPA) members vote for the POY. In addition to their vote, each member nominates plants for future consideration. The Perennial Plant of the Year Committee reviews the nominated perennials and selects 3 to 4 plants to be placed on the ballot. Nominations are based are the following criteria:

2013 Perennial of the Year

Polygonatum falcatum 'Variegatum'

Solomon's Seal
This interesting plant has green leaves with white edges and fragrant white flowers that bloom on small stems at the base of the l... [Read More]

2012 Perennial of the Year

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Heartleaf Brunnera
Undoubtedly one of the most stunning Brunneras. Bright, frosty silver leaves veined in deep green are followed by clusters of brig... [Read More]

2011 Perennial of the Year

Amsonia hubrechtii

Blue Star
Clusters of eye-catching cool blue, star-shaped flowers rise above the medium-green leaves. Foliage becomes a beautiful golden yel... [Read More]

2010 Perennial of the Year

Baptisia australis

Blue False Indigo
Native prairie plant which produces long spikes of indigo-blue flowers, followed by ornamental chalky black seedpods, blue-green f... [Read More]

2009 Perennial of the Year

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Japanese Forest Grass
PPA 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year. Showy variegated grass makes a bold statement with its bright gold and white markings. Foli... [Read More]

2008 Perennial of the Year

Geranium 'Rozanne'

Cranesbill
Large 2.5" saucer shaped violet-blue flowers with white centers, dark green foliage marbled with chartreuse, creates attractive mo... [Read More]

2007 Perennial of the Year

Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'

Catmint
Perennial Plant Association's Perennial Plant of the Year for 2007. A large catmint that produces fragrant, lavender-violet flowe... [Read More]

2006 Perennial of the Year

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch'

Cheddar Pinks
Attractive magenta flowers on wiry stems. Blue-green needlelike foliage forms neat mounds. Known for its longevity, this plant is ... [Read More]

2005 Perennial of the Year

Helleborus x hybridus (orientalis)

Lenten Rose
The Perennial Plant Association's 2005 Plant of the Year! Long lasting blooms are available in many colors and appear as single o... [Read More]

2003 Perennial of the Year

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky'

Shasta Daisy
This prime variety provides a succession of large, white flowers above the shiny, dark green foliage, which retains its color, eve... [Read More]

2002 Perennial of the Year

Phlox paniculata 'David'

Summer Phlox
A longtime garden favorite which features an abundance of fragrant, long-lasting, white flower clusters on upright stems. Mildew r... [Read More]