October 23, 2024
2024 plants of the year announced
Each year, the National Garden Bureau (NGB) hand picks a selection of plants to spotlight as the cream of the crop, including one houseplant, one annual, one perennial, one bulb, one shrub and one edible. These chosen ones aren't just your average greenery — they're popular, easy to grow and versatile. Learn more about these botanical superstars, including their history along with some insights from NGB.
FEATURED HOUSEPLANT
AFRICAN VIOLET
These beauties have a rich history dating back to the late 1920s when the first commercial hybrids hit the scene. It was from the vintage variety “Blue Boy” that the first double was developed in 1939. Fast forward to 1942, gardeners saw the introduction of the first pink and white violets, each one adding a new splash of colour to windowsills. Today, commercial African Violets are grown almost exclusively in the single crown, clustered bouquet style. With ongoing innovations, these plants are now hardier and longerlasting than ever, making them a dream for interior plantscapes.
FEATURED EDIBLE
SQUASH
From pumpkins to gourds, the Cucurbita genus has a rich history dating back over 8,000 years to Central and South America. The indigenous people of the Americas included squash as a central component of the “Three Sisters” planting system, which combined maize, beans and squash to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Some squash varieties are grown primarily for their ornamental value, while others are used for a variety of practical purposes and delicious dishes.
FEATURED ANNUAL
ANGELONIA
Angelonia, sometimes referred to as “summer snapdragon,” is a genus of approximately 30 species, which grow natively in regions from Mexico to Argentina. They grow mostly upright, with stalks filled with florists that resemble tiny orchids. The bloom’s shape aids in pollination through hairs in the inner corolla that help bees forage for pollen. Once established, these vibrant flowers thrive in the heat and drier soils. Angelonia are low-maintenance with no need for pruning or constant deadheading, making them a superstar in the garden.
FEATURED BULB
LILY
The lily is a timeless beauty that's been stealing hearts for centuries. With origins dating back thousands of years, these flowers have earned their place in mythology and folklore, symbolizing everything from purity to renewal. These flowers have a unique floral structure that promotes cross-pollination by attracting pollinators. The intricate shapes, vibrant colours and alluring scents of lily flowers have evolved to ensure successful reproduction through pollination, contributing to their incredible resilience and diversity.
FEATURED SHRUB
BUDDLEIA
Also known as the "butterfly bush", this plant is a magnet for butterflies, drawing them in with its sweet-smelling flowers and vibrant colours. It’s so alluring, many butterfly gardens are designed around Buddleia as the core element to support these beautiful creatures. Sporting a lesser-known nickname of “bombsite bush,” it's also a symbol of resilience and hope, with a history of springing to life in the most unexpected places, even amidst the rubble of war-torn lands.
FEATURED PERENNIAL
HOSTA
These leafy wonders are the MVPs of shady spots, bringing a pop of colour and texture to even the deepest corners of your landscape. They are tough as nails and incredibly generous — hostas can easily be split at nearly any time of year and shared with friends, earning them the title of "friendship plants." With thousands of varieties to choose from, hostas bring fantastic textural interest throughout the growing season. Their flowers also attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.