Red-Carpet Plants

The announcement of award-winning plants might not generate the buzz of the Academy Awards — at least not among the general public. But if you're a gardener who likes to stay on top of the latest and greatest, then perusing plant awards offers a glimpse into what to expect at garden centers this spring.

The Jack Frost brunnera, a prize-winner in 2012, is a shade-tolerant perennial with bright-blue springtime blooms. The foliage, frosted in white, looks great all season.

More

Learn more about the groups that choose award-winners in my article, Red-Carpet Plants.

The announcement of award-winning plants might not generate the buzz of the Academy Awards — at least not among the general public. But if you're a gardener who likes to stay on top of the latest and greatest, then perusing plant awards offers a glimpse into what to expect at garden centers this spring. If you're a new gardener, the sheer number of plants to choose from can be overwhelming, and browsing award winners can help you narrow down your options. So if your version of style is more salvia and sedum than taffeta and tulle, spend a chilly January afternoon checking out these winners for 2012.

The envelope, please ...

All-America Selections (AAS)

• Black Olive ornamental pepper
• Summer Jewel Pink salvia
• Cayennetta pepper
• Fairie watermelon

Perennial Plant Association

• Jack Frost brunnera

Gold Medal Plants

• Rising Sun redbud
• Darts Duke viburnum
• Japanese cornel dogwood
• Portugal laurel

Fleuroselect

• Agastache hybrida 'Astello Indigo'
• Alcea rosea annua 'Spring Celebrities Crimson'
• Echinacea hybrida 'Cheyenne Spirit'
• Salvia coccinea 'Summer Jewel Red'
• Viola cornuta 'Sorbet XP Delft Blue'

—Suzanne DeJohn
Gardener's Supply