Top 20 Plants of 2009
Below are the Top 20 Plants of 2009 selected by the Wilson Brothers.
Selections were made based on popularity among customers, sales, outstanding features, and overall performance in the landscape and garden.
#1 Sunny Knock Out Rose (Rosa 'Radsunny') - This is the newest release and only fragrant member in The Knock Out Family of Roses. It has a slightly more compact and upright habit with bright yellow flowers that fade quickly to a pastel cream color. The yellow color stays more intense during cooler times of the year. Black spot resistant, drought tolerant and self-cleaning, this is a rose anybody can grow...more about Sunny Knock Out Rose
#2 Loropetalum 'Purple Pixie' (Loropetalum chinensis 'Shanglo' PPIP) - A new, dwarf, spreading form that boasts some of the most intense purple foliage color of any plant on the market. Vibrant pink, witchhazel-like, fringy blooms are heavy in Spring, appear occasionally in Summer and again in Fall, providing a stunning contrast with the purple foliage. An easy to grow, low maintenance groundcover/shrub useful as a border edger, accent, in small groups, in mass plantings or to cascade over walls in landscape beds and foundation plantings....more about Purple Pixie Loropetalum
#3 Encore Azalea 'Autumn Belle' (Azalea X 'Robleo') - Gorgeous, ruffled, pale pink flowers embellished by delicate white lacing and magenta freckles are produced in abundance during Spring, Summer and Fall! Most impressive when planted in groups or mass plantings in landscape beds. Also works well in foundation plantings and large containers or planters. As with most azaleas, this one prefers acidic, well-drained soil. Does not like wet feet. Will tolerate full sun, however prefers some afternoon shade. Attracts butterflies...more about Autumn Belle Encore Azalea
#4 Jubilation Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) - A NEW INTRODUCTION Gardenia that produces masses of fragrant, double, white flowers from late Spring through Fall! Prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Mounding habit with very dark green, lustrous foliage. Useful in landscape beds, foundation plantings or near outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed...more about Jubilation Gardenia
#5 Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' (Abelia grandiflora) A highly ornamental form of abelia. This new glossy abelia is steps above the older varieties. The leaf variegation of 'Kaleidoscope' is dramatically defined and is truly a year long changing event. In early spring the leaves emerge on bright red stems with lime-green centers and bright yellow edges. When summer arrives, the yellow matures to golden and the variegation does not burn or scorch in the hottest of weather. In fall and winter the foliage color deepens to shades of orange and fiery red and the winter foliage hangs on better than other abelias...more about Kaleidoscope Abelia
#6 Limelight Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) - This outstanding hydrangea produces enormous (6 to 12"), conical, unique, bright chartreuse blooms during Summer that hold their color into Fall, when the blooms then change color to a rich deep pink. The autumn display of chartreuse and pink blooms on the same plant is breathtaking! Useful in partly shaded to shady areas of the landscape garden, and fresh or dried, in bouquets to make a unique floral design. One of the easiest hydrangeas to grow. Not finicky about soil type provided it is well-drained. A must in every garden...more about Limelight Hydrangea
#7 Sonset Lantana (Lantana camara 'Sonset') The hardiest lantana we've found yet! In our trial gardens, it emerges from dormancy a month ahead of other hardy lantana. Butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to the amazing, multicolor flower clusters that provide a kaleidiscope of ever-changing colors throughout the day. Flowers start off the day yellow, then turn to orange changing to red, then magenta and purple. You will even find tiny petals with more than one color! Easy to grow in most any well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine. Exceptionally heat and drought tolerant once quickly established...more about Sonset Lantana
#8 Summer Red Maple ( Acer rubrum 'Summer Red' A unique shade tree maple exhibiting outstanding burgundy red new foliage throughout the season. Mature foliage is a dark purplish green. Leaves are medium to small sized with a thick leathery texture. Fast growing and matures into a dense, broad, upright, oval shaped crown. Fall color is not as significant as on other red maples; older leaves turning yellow while the younger leaves change to orange or purple. Adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. Useful as a specimen or in groups in landscape beds and islands or to frame in a home or building...more about Summer Red Maple
#9 Velma's Royal Delight Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) This outstanding dwarf crape myrtle produces the most intense, deep purple-magenta flowers of any crape myrtle. Flowers clusters nearly cover the plant in mid summer through early fall. This variety is probably one of the most cold hardy clones out there. Has been recorded in 1989 to have survived temperatures of -18F. Formally introduced by Dr. John Pair of Kansas State in 1989. This is another wonderful semi-dwarf variety of crape myrtle that is great to put in places where you want the brilliant color, but cannot have the larger growing varieties....more about Velma's Royal Delight Crape Myrtle
#10 Red Drift Rose (Rosa 'Red Drift') Poised to become the hottest new rose on the market, Red Drift has the most petite flowers of all the new, low maintenance and low-growing Drift Roses. It is perfect for use in front of border plantings. Red Drift makes a beautiful statement when it drapes naturally over a rock wall or edge. Mature height is 18" or so with a wider spread to 36" or so. Great flower power and disease resistance. The low, spreading habit of Drift Roses makes them perfect for small gardens and combination planters. Drift Roses complement any garden and any style in any landscape. They brighten up borders, fill in empty spaces, and spread delicately around your favorite established plants. Drift Roses fit a special niche in the shrub rose market. Drift Roses are a cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniatures. From the former they kept toughness, disease resistance and Winter hardiness. From the miniatures, they inherited their well-managed size and repeat-blooming nature...more about Red Drift Rose
#11 Red Dragon Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Red Dragon') Outstanding purple-red foliage throughout the season on this dwarf, mounded, small tree with a horizontal branching habit. A smaller grower to 5' tall with an equal spread. Finely dissected, ribbon-like leaves emerge purple in Spring, turn to purplish-red in Summer, and then to dramatic crimson-red in Fall. Well-drained soil is a must - planting in a "raised bed" is recommended, especially when soil is moisture retentive. Will tolerate full sun, but prefers some afternoon shade in the South. Useful as a specimen/accent in landscape beds, foundation plantings, woodland gardens or to cascade over the edge of a garden pond....more about Red Dragon Japanese Maple
#12 Emerald Snow Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinensis 'Shang White' Emerald Snow) Emerald Snow is a new Loropetalum cultivar . Its lime-green new growth develops into thick, glossy-green foliage that shows off white, delicate-appearing flowers in spring and occasionally in summer and fall. This cultivar grows 3 to 4' tall with an equal spread and is a good choice for foundation plantings, mixed in shrub borders, or by itself in low formal or natural hedges. Emerald Snow requires little pruning and is a low-maintenance plant....more about Emerald Snow Loropetalum
#13 Little Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra') An outstanding ornamental grass, this dwarf form displays variegated green leaves that are horizontally striped with gold bands! It is an upright, warm season, clump-forming ornamental grass growing 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide. Attractive, tassel-like inflorescences rise above the foliage in late Summer, gradually turning into creamy white plumes by Fall as the seeds mature. Useful as an accent, specimen, small grouping or mass in landscape beds, borders, meadows, wild gardens, cottage gardens, naturalized areas, pond/water garden peripheries or containers and planters.....more about Little Zebra Grass
#14 Hummingbird Plant (Dicliptera suberecta) Hummingbirds will flock to the clusters of bright orange tubular flowers produced in abundance on this flowering ornamental from Uruguay. In the US it is a perennial in USDA Zones 7-10. The flowers are produced from late Spring to Fall and contrast wonderfully with the soft, felty, grey leaves. Forms a heat and drought-loving clump to 24" tall and 3' wide. Prefers full sun or mostly sun, but will tolerate and bloom in afternoon shade quite well. Grow in well-drained garden soil or containers....more about Hummingbird Plant
#15 Color Guard Yucca (Yucca filamentosa Yucca features outstanding variegated green and yellow, sword-like foliage. The habit is upright and arching to 3' or so tall. In Summer, 5' tall stalks rise from the center of the plant, filled with large, bell shaped white flowers. Easy to grow, this plant tolerates wind, heat, humidity, and drought once established. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils wherever your garden needs a colorful focal point. Also nice in containers and planters....more about Color Guard Yucca
#16 Fragrant Orange Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus) A unique variety of osmanthus that produces an abundance of fragrant, bright orange flowers in Fall. Forms a large evergreen shrub or small tree. In the fall, one shrub will fill the backyard with a powerful and exquisite scent of perfume. Can grow to 20' tall however is usually seen at 8 to 12' in landscapes. Plant near windows and outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Easy to grow in most any well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade....more about Fragrant Orange Tea Olive
#17 Homestead Red Verbena (Verbena canadensis) A new selection of perennial verbena that is very similar to Homestead Purple but flowers are deep, true red! Homestead Red now shares with its cousin the honor of being the most cold hardy verbena in existence. In southern gardens the red flowers will start blooming profusely as early as March and continue until frost! Leave this one plenty of room as it will spread up to 6'. Useful as a border in gardens and landscape beds, in containers, and in hanging baskets. Can be sheared during the season to promote more flower production. Exceptionally tough and drought tolerant...more about Homestead Red Verbena
#18 Creping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') An exceptionally tough, low-growing, spreading plant that features outstanding, rounded, golden-yellow leaves that light up the garden floor. A dependable, fast-growing groundcover that grows where other plants might fail. Useful as a groundcover, between stepping stones or in containers. Grows well in sun or shade and prefers well-drained soil....more about Creeping Jenny
#19 Indian Hawthorn 'Snow White' (Raphiolepis indica) - This hardy, dependable, flowering shrub makes our Top 20 every year! In Spring, it produces an abundance of white flowers. An excellent alternative for azaleas where there is too much sun. The dense, low and mounding form, and the hardiness makes this shrub a great selection for foundation plantings or in sunny to partially shaded landscape beds and islands. Also useful as a hedge or border, or in small groups or planted in mass. Very easy to grow in many varieties of well-drained soil. Exceptionally drought and heat tolerant. Leaf spot resistant...more about Snow White Indian Hawthorn
#20 Spirea 'Gold Mound' (Spirea japonica) A low and mounding shrub popular for its outstanding golden-yellow foliage throughout the season. These plants literally fly out of the nursery during the warm season. Fuzzy pink flowers are produced from late Spring into Summer atop the mounding foliage. If the faded flowers are sheared you can expect a repeat bloom. Useful as an accent, in small groups or massed or as a border in landscape beds, islands and foundation plantings. A low-maintenance plant that will grow in a wide range of well-drained soils. Best foliage color in full sun. Very drought tolerant once established...more about Gold Mound Spirea
SEE ALSO:
Top 20 Plants of 2008
Top 20 Plants of 2007