Monrovia Celebrates its 100th Anniversary Showcasing Landscape Legends
February 25, 2026 | 9 min to read
Dayton, Oregon – What does it mean to be a legend? Most people would agree that a legend is the best in its category. When it comes to gardening, reaching that iconic status means just a bit more. Legendary plants deliver performance you can count on year after year, and a connection to the art and craftsmanship of gardening. Having a legendary plant in your landscape is a statement. It says, “I am a gardener.”
Monrovia, the nation’s largest grower of premium shrubs, perennials and trees, has spent the last 100 years focused on finding and growing the very best plants. As part of the company’s centennial celebration, they’re showcasing the top 100 best selections. These Landscape Legends bring praise from nurserymen, landscape designers, and home gardeners for their performance, beauty, and the value they bring to gardens across the country. Discovered by craftsmen and plant hunters, introduced by top breeders and chosen time and again by top gardeners, each has a story all its own.
Here is a look at just a few of our favorites.
Camouflage® Variegated Japanese Aralia – Discovered by renowned plant explorer, Dan Hinkley, this unique plant features large, marbled leaves that shine in shades of chartreuse, emerald green and gold. Camouflage brings a bright tropical look to any shade garden, elevating the space. Recommended for Zones 7-10, this Japanese Aralia is also a stunning houseplant. Introduced as a Monrovia exclusive, Camouflage is now available around the world.
Grace N’ Grit™ Pink Shrub Rose – Introduced in 2018, the Grace N’ Grit™ rose series set out to change how home gardeners felt about growing roses. After 10 years of intensive trialing, this breakthrough collection brought easy-to-grow classic charm back to the garden. Only the most floriferous selections made the cut. Grace N’ Grit Pink, and all the colors in the series, thrive in harsh conditions from high humidity, winter temperatures, and arid climates in Zones 4-9.
Majestic Beauty® Southern Magnolia – For more than 60 years, this stunning magnolia has captivated gardeners with extra-large creamy-white blooms and glossy foliage. First discovered in the early 1950s, thousands of grafts were made to assure consistency and quality before Monrovia introduced this selection in 1963. It remains one of the most recognized Southern Magnolias in cultivation today. Zones 7-9.
Pink-A-Boo® Camellia – Camellias add so much to the cool season garden, and Pink-A-Boo® is a true standout. Its large, cheery pink blooms with bright yellow centers are exceptionally fragrant, capturing attention. This Camellia was discovered as a sport of the popular ‘Yuletide’ Camellia by longtime Monrovia sales craftsman, Brad Crocker. Pink-A-Boo’s patent name is a nod to Brad’s daughter. Zones 7-10.
Little Ollie® Dwarf Olive – Olive trees bring the romance of a Mediterranean landscape to the garden. But they often require added maintenance. Discovered as a shrubby outlier in a California wholesale nursery, Little Ollie® was a game changer. This dwarf, non-fruiting olive stays compact in the garden with finely textured silver-green foliage. Beautiful as a topiary, accent shrub, patio tree or hedge, this is the olive you want in your garden. Zones 8-10, can be brought indoors in cooler climates.
Seaside Serenade® Martha’s Vineyard Hydrangea – What started as a quest to redefine performance and elegance in hydrangeas has led to a series that has reached legendary status. The Seaside Serenade® collection features 12 distinctive varieties that bloom longer, stand stronger and deliver outstanding performance in containers and in the landscape. Loved by gardeners across the country, Seaside Serenade® Martha’s Vineyard features beautiful pink-red on a backdrop of lush, dark green foliage. Zones 4-9.
Bountiful Blue® Blueberry – Modern gardens need plants that can offer more in the landscape. Introduced in 2009, Bountiful Blue®Blueberry set a new standard for ornamental edibles, bringing beauty to every season. Delicate spring blooms, stunningly blue summer foliage, flavorful fruit and fiery fall leaves make this selection more than just a blueberry. Its compact, mounded habit makes it perfect for edible borders, perennial beds and large containers. Zones 6-10.
Want to learn more about growing a legendary garden? See the full list of Monrovia’s Landscape Legends at Monrovia.com.
About Monrovia
Inspired by the beauty of plants, gardens, and landscapes everywhere, Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. founded Monrovia in 1926 to be a premier grower of shrubs and trees. For more than 100 years the Monrovia name has been a mark of horticultural craftsmanship and excellence. Monrovia collaborates with plant breeders around the world to introduce improved plant varieties to North America. Because of their breeding and handcrafted care, Monrovia plants flourish once planted to beautify gardens and landscapes. Please visit Monrovia.com to learn more.