Plant Of The Year
GNPS initiated its Plant of the Year program in 2000. The purpose of this program is to recognize native plants that are underutilized in commercial and residential landscapes or which are vital components of Georgia’s ecology. We are looking beyond beauty, even though this is what often draws us to a special native plant in the first place.
Every fall, GNPS members nominate a plant they feel is deserving of being Plant of the Year for the upcoming year. Besides being native to the state of Georgia and underutilized in landscaping, a good candidate for Plant of the Year will not demand growing conditions that are too difficult for most Georgia gardeners to achieve. A slate of candidates are presented to the GNPS membership to vote on and the winner is showcased in the educational content, plant sales and on a custom-designed shirt.
Plant of The Year
2008 Plant Of The Year | Polystichum acrostichoides
The Georgia Native Plant Society is pleased to announce that its members have selected Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) as the Society's 2008 Plant of the Year. Christmas fern is among the most common ferns in the Southeast, and its evergreen fronds provide...
2007 Plant Of The Year | Itea virginica
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is one of the most attractive and versatile of our native shrubs. Its moderate size, adaptability, and multi-season interest make it a favorite of gardeners. The membership of the...
2006 Plant Of The Year | Lobelia cardinalis
The Georgia Native Plant Society is pleased to announce that cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) has been selected as the organization's 2006 Plant of the Year. Cardinal flower is one of our most recognizable wildflowers, for it bears a stunning, upright stalk of...
2005 Plant Of The Year | Amelanchier arborea
The Georgia Native Plant Society is pleased to announce that downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) has been selected as the organization's 2005 Plant of the Year. Downy serviceberry is one of the earliest native trees to bloom in early spring. The white flowers...
2004 Plant Of The Year | Oxydendrum arboreum
The Georgia Native Plant Society is pleased to announce that sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) has been selected as the organization's 2004 Plant of the Year. The year-round beauty of this tree enhances natural...
