Prized Perennials

GAPS IN THE GARDEN? TRY ONE OF THESE AWARD-WINNING PLANTS AS A SAFE-BET FIX

- MEGHAN SHINN

As any gardener past year one knows, sometimes plants fail. It could be from extreme weather, browsing deer or rabbits, an increase or decrease in sun or reasons simply unknown, but holes develop and replacements become necessary. Particularly when challenging conditions have created this situation, we want to plug the space with a plant that can be trusted to persevere. This is a time when plantaward programs come in very handy.

Each year, multiple organizations across the United States identify excellent species and cultivars for gardens in certain climates or nationwide. These usually aren't new plants, but instead those that have established themselves over many years. Awards are given to all kinds of plants, from annuals right up to street trees. This article will highlight some of the perennials recently named especially garden worthy, pulling from five award programs.

We'll look at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Gold Medal Plants for 2024. Given since 1979, this award can go to trees, shrubs, edible plants and more. This year the inductee list includes two perennials. Gold Medal Plant winners, selected by gardening experts and professionals in the Philadelphia area, must grow without special care, be easy to find for purchase and tolerate the Mid-Atlantic climate, which can be quite humid and subject to storms. Like several other award programs, in recent years wildlife value has been added to the criteria.