Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ has been selected as the 2014 Perennial Plant of the Year! Information and promotional flyers, posters and bench cards coming soon.
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 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
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Perennial Plant Association
