Every year, plant experts and horticultural societies recognize exceptional plants that are tough, beautiful, and garden-ready. These awards often highlight varieties with vivid color, robust growth, disease resistance, and adaptability—traits that make them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to brighten a patio, boost your vegetable garden, or create a striking flowerbed, these award-winning plants are worth your attention.
Here are eight plants that just won major awards, along with reasons to add them to your garden this year.
1. ‘SunPatiens Compact’ (Impatiens)
Why It Won:
‘SunPatiens Compact’ earned accolades for its long-lasting blooms and sun tolerance, a rare combination in the Impatiens family. Unlike traditional varieties that struggle in bright sun, this cultivar thrives in partial to full sun without wilting.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Continuous blooms from spring through frost.
- Compact growth makes it ideal for containers, borders, or mass plantings.
- Low maintenance, needing only regular watering.
Tips:
- Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost.
- Deadhead occasionally to encourage continuous flowering.
2. ‘Hot Lips’ Salvia (Salvia microphylla)
Why It Won:
This Salvia variety won for its dual-colored blooms and extended flowering period. The striking red-and-white flowers attract pollinators, making it a favorite among gardeners and bees alike.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
- Pollinator magnet—excellent for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Blooms profusely from spring to fall.
Tips:
- Plant in full sun for best flowering.
- Prune lightly after the first bloom to promote a second flush of flowers.
3. ‘Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’’ (Hylotelephium spectabile)
Why It Won:
‘Autumn Joy’ is a classic sedum recognized for its robust growth, minimal maintenance, and late-season color. Its dense clusters of pink blooms fade to bronze in fall, providing extended visual interest.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Extremely drought-tolerant and hardy.
- Attracts pollinators late in the season.
- Low maintenance—thrives in poor soil conditions.
Tips:
- Plant in sunny, well-drained locations.
- Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth.
4. ‘Blue Daze’ Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)
Why It Won:
‘Blue Daze’ is celebrated for its vibrant blue flowers, sprawling habit, and ability to bloom almost year-round in warm climates. Its rich color and resilience make it a standout for gardeners seeking drama in borders or containers.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Tolerates heat and drought once established.
- Provides a spectacular splash of blue in any landscape.
- Excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, or ground cover.
Tips:
- Full sun produces the most blooms.
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
5. ‘Cardinal Climber’ (Ipomoea × multifida)
Why It Won:
This climbing vine won for its fast growth, vibrant red flowers, and ability to attract hummingbirds. Ideal for fences, trellises, or arbors, it adds vertical interest to any garden.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Fast-growing annual that fills vertical spaces quickly.
- Bright red blooms make a bold statement.
- Perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Tips:
- Provide a sturdy support structure.
- Full sun encourages maximum flower production.
- Water regularly during dry spells.
6. ‘Dragon Wing’ Begonia (Begonia × hybrida)
Why It Won:
‘Dragon Wing’ Begonia received awards for its lush, trailing habit and vibrant blooms. Unlike some begonias that require precise care, this variety is durable and thrives in both sun and partial shade.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Stunning cascading habit ideal for hanging baskets.
- Continuous flowering with minimal deadheading.
- Tolerates heat and humidity better than many traditional begonias.
Tips:
- Water consistently but avoid soggy soil.
- Fertilize lightly every few weeks during peak bloom.
7. ‘Kaleidoscope’ Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Why It Won:
‘Kaleidoscope’ Coleus was recognized for its dramatic foliage colors and versatility. With leaves featuring bright combinations of pink, purple, green, and bronze, it creates a bold visual impact.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Thrives in both containers and garden beds.
- Heat-tolerant and low-maintenance.
- Adds instant color without relying on blooms.
Tips:
- Partial shade to full shade is ideal; too much sun may scorch leaves.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
8. ‘Patio Parfum’ Rose (Rosa hybrid)
Why It Won:
Awarded for fragrance, disease resistance, and compact size, ‘Patio Parfum’ is perfect for small gardens or container growing. Its blooms are rich, colorful, and continuously fragrant throughout the season.
Why You Should Grow It:
- Compact growth ideal for patios, balconies, or small beds.
- Disease-resistant and relatively low-maintenance.
- Fragrant blooms attract pollinators and delight the senses.
Tips:
- Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
- Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming.
- Protect from extreme cold if grown in containers.
How to Make the Most of Award-Winning Plants
1. Plan for Color and Texture
Award-winning plants often bring vivid color, texture, and form to your garden. Combine trailing, upright, and mounding varieties for visual interest throughout the season.
2. Consider Planting Conditions
Even award-winning plants need conditions that suit them. Check for:
- Sunlight requirements (full sun vs. partial shade)
- Water and soil needs
- Hardiness zones
3. Combine With Pollinator-Friendly Plants
Many award-winning varieties, like Salvia and Fritillaria, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Mixing them with other pollinator-friendly flowers enhances both garden beauty and ecological value.
4. Use Containers Strategically
Compact or trailing varieties, such as Dragon Wing Begonias or SunPatiens Compact, are perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and patios. They offer flexibility and allow you to bring color to hardscape areas.
5. Think About Seasonal Interest
Award-winning plants like Autumn Joy Sedum or Blue Daze Plumbago extend bloom times or seasonal interest beyond traditional flowering periods. Mix early, mid, and late bloomers for continuous impact.
Benefits of Growing Award-Winning Plants
- Reliability: These plants have been tested and recognized for performance, so you can trust them to thrive.
- Ease of Care: Many award winners are disease-resistant and low-maintenance, ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Unique colors, forms, and textures enhance your garden’s visual impact.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Many varieties attract beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Suitable for garden beds, borders, containers, and indoor/outdoor spaces.
Tips for Success
- Read Labels Carefully: Award-winning plants may have specific care requirements. Understanding these ensures vibrant growth and longer bloom periods.
- Start Indoors if Needed: Some tender annuals, like Salvia or Begonia, benefit from starting seeds indoors to get a head start on the season.
- Proper Spacing: Even compact varieties need room for air circulation to prevent disease.
- Regular Care: While many award winners are resilient, consistent watering, fertilizing, and pruning improves flowering and appearance.
- Experiment Boldly: Award-winning plants are often striking—don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures for dramatic displays.
Conclusion
Award-winning plants represent the best of modern horticulture, combining beauty, resilience, and adaptability. This year, consider adding SunPatiens Compact, Hot Lips Salvia, Autumn Joy Sedum, Blue Daze Plumbago, Cardinal Climber, Dragon Wing Begonia, Kaleidoscope Coleus, and Patio Parfum Rose to your garden.
By planting these recognized varieties, you can enjoy long-lasting blooms, vibrant colors, and low-maintenance beauty, all while supporting pollinators and creating a more dynamic outdoor space. Whether you’re cultivating garden beds, containers, or balcony planters, these plants are sure to impress and perform.
Make this season memorable by growing award-winning plants that elevate your garden with both style and substance. With the right care, they will reward you with a stunning display and a thriving, lively garden environment.