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Butterfly on buddleia. Image provided by Buddleia Miss Molly by Proven Winners ColorChoice - Year of the Buddleia - National Garden Bureau

Filed Under: Garden Tagged With: master gardener

National Garden Bureau Plants of the Year 2024

February 6, 2024 By Lucy Mercer Leave a Comment

National Garden Bureau, the marketing arm of the horticultural industry, celebrates plants all year-round. And each year, they shine a spotlight on plant categories from flowers to vegetables.

Following the plants of the year program is a great way to learn more about tried and true favorites, and to find out more about some overlooked beauties. For me, this year, it’s angelonia, a stalwart annual that I will now know as the “snapdragon of summer.”

The 2024 Plants of the Year:

Houseplant: African Violet

Purple African violet plant
Photo credit: African Violet Zanzibar by West Coast Seed – Year of the African Violet – National Garden Bureau

It’s easy to understand why people collect African violets –these sweet blooms are irresistible. Learn more about the history of African violets and how to select and care for these beautiful plants.

Bulb: Lily

Lily bloom in a garden
Lily Bulbs Ragalealy by Eden Brothers – Year of the Lily – National Garden Bureau

Lilies can be enjoyed in the garden from spring to late summer. Learn more about the different kinds of lilies and how to grow them.

Annual: Angelonia

White angelonia blooms in a garden container
Angelonia Serena White by Pan American Seed – Year of the Angelonia – National Garden Bureau

Angelonia is the snapdragon of summer. Learn more about these gently colored annuals.

Perennial: Hosta

Hostas in a garden bed
Abundant hostas in a garden. Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books.

Hostas are one of the most popular perennials, and likely the most popular shade plant. You can’t miss with this abundant foliage and countless varieties. The downside: deer love them about as much humans do. Learn how to manage deer in your space and become a hosta collector.

Shrub: Buddleia (Butterfly bush)

Butterfly on buddleia. Image provided by Buddleia Miss Molly by Proven Winners ColorChoice - Year of the Buddleia - National Garden Bureau
Buddleia Miss Molly by Proven Winners ColorChoice – Year of the Buddleia – National Garden Bureau

Plant buddleia for pretty spikes of butterfly-attracting flowers. These nectar-filled favorites are often the centerpiece of pollinator gardens.

Vegetable: Squash

Zucchini squash on a table. Photo by NGB
Squash Black Beauty by Bonnies – Year of the Squash – National Garden Bureau

Ranging from tender summer squash like zucchini to winter squash like butternut and the ever-popular pumpkin, there are plenty of squash options for your garden. Learn more about growing squash on the NGB site.

NGB Plants of the Year

The 2024 Plants of the Year continues the tradition from the National Garden Bureau. Check out prior years’ crops to inspire your next garden project.

2023 Plants of the Year:

Houseplant: Orchid
Bulb: Amaryllis
Annual: Celosia
Perennial: Rudbeckia
Shrub: Spirea
Vegetable: Broccoli

2022 Plants of the Year:

Annual: Verbena
Perennial: Phlox
Shrub: Lilac
Bulb: Gladiolus
Houseplant: Peperomia
Vegetable: Salad Greens


2021 Plants of the Year:

Annual: Sunflower
Perennial: Monarda (bee balm)
Shrub: Hardy hibiscus
Bulb: Hyacinth
Vegetable: Green bean

2020 Plants of the Year:

Annual: Lantana
Perennial: Lavender
Shrub: Hydrangea
Bulb: Iris
Vegetable: Corn

Read More Gardening Stories on A Cook and Her Books

Pink Stargazer lilies | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books
Pink Stargazer lilies. Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books

NGB’s Bulb of the Year is the Lily, one of my very favorite plant categories. Read more about How to Grow Lilies in Your Southern Garden.

Plant buddleia and build a pollinator garden around it. Learn more in Plan to Plant for Pollinators.

My gardening year begins when my Soil3 arrives. This cubic yard of humus compost is the best start for plants.

I plant containers each year and love to try out new designs. Here’s an update on my summer flower pots.

Join the Conversation

Orange tithonia blooms in a garden

Follow National Garden Bureau on Instagram and more for gardening tips and horticultural industry insights.

Let’s talk about good gardening and more on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

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