The Perennial Plant of the Year™

The Perennial Plant of the Year™ (POY™) program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. If you are looking for an excellent perennial for your next landscape project or something reliable for your gardens, make sure to check out the Perennial Plant of the Year™ archive list. For information about other perennials, be sure to search the Plant Database.

Since the Perennial Plant of the Year™ was introduced in 1990, the Perennial Plant Association has received frequent inquiries about how the Perennial Plant of the Year™ is selected. The selection process is quite simple – PPA members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year™ each summer. At that time, in addition to the vote, each member may also nominate up to two plants for future consideration. The Perennial Plant of the Year™ committee reviews the nominated perennials (more than 400 different perennials are often nominated each year) and selects 3 to or 4 perennials to be placed on the ballot.

Nominations generally need to satisfy the following criteria:

• Suitability for a wide range of climatic conditions
• Low-maintenance requirements
• Relative pest- and disease-resistance
• Ready availability in the year of promotion
• Multiple seasons of ornamental interest

The garden media receives the Perennial Plant of the Year™ announcement in the fall prior to the introduction so that they may begin the publicity that accompanies the choice. For example, Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year™, was announced to the garden media in fall 2011.

2012 Perennial Plant of the Year™

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ PP13859 grows 18 inches tall and 18 inches wide in a mounded form. This hardy perennial grows well in hardiness zones 3 to 8.

Brunneras are treasured for their shade tolerance and early baby-blue, forget-me-not like flowers. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ has enchanting silvery leaves with green venation and a thin green margin. One common name for this perennial is heartleaf brunnera because the emerging leaf enlarges to a heart shape.

Light

Plants thrive in the shade but will tolerate morning sun if the soil conditions remain moist. By midday, shade is essential, particularly in southern gardens.

Soil
This perennial performs best in shady areas with good moisture retentive soils.

Uses
‘Jack Frost’ brunnera may be used along the front of the shade border, is excellent in a container, or can be combined with other ground cover perennials such as hostas, ferns, and epimediums. The silver foliage lights up a dark garden from spring to fall.

Unique Qualities
From mid to late spring, blue, forget-me-not like blossoms are held in clusters several inches above the brilliant frosty silver leaves. The rough leaf texture makes this perennial less palatable to browsing deer.

Hardiness
USDA Zones 3 to 8

Photos by Walters Gardens, Inc.