And the Award Goes to . . .

Perennial of the Year - Allium 'Millenium'

The ornamental onion has long been used in the garden for it's whimsical purple globe-shaped flowers. Though it shares the same family name as the common chives, most ornamental onions used in the landscape are sterile and will not spread prolifically by seed. From the hundreds of Allium varieties, the Perennial Plant Association has named A. 'Millenium' as the 2018 Perennial of the Year.  Developed by Mark McDonough, fondly known as the onion man, 'Millenium' has neat and tidy mounds of shiny, deep green foliage. In mid summer, a profusion of rose-pink globes will attract butterflies to your yard. Alliums in general are deer and rabbit resistant, love the sun, and mix well with other perennials and ornamental grasses. 

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photo credit: hostalibrary.org

Hosta of the Year 'World Cup'

Hosta 'World Cup' has been deemed worthy of this title for 2018 by the American Hosta Growers Association. This golden-colored hosta has deeply-cupped, wavy foliage that reaches upright to the sky. It grows 23" tall and 43" wide. It's pale purple flowers make an appearance in late June.  Plant H. 'World Cup' with other shade lovers such as a fine-textured fern and varietgated hosta varieties. 

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photo source: pinterest.com

Annual of the Year - Supertunia 'Bordeaux'

For all of you annual lovers, Proven Winners has not let you down with their 2018 pick: Supertunia 'Bordeaux'.  It's floriferous, mounded habit makes this petunia perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or in the landscape. Planted in full to part sun it will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.  'Bordeaux' is also heat and drought tolerant and requires no deadheading.  It is perfectly happy in its own container, but looks stunning with deep purple lantana and the chartreuse leaves of the sweet potato vine. 

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photo credit: richters.com

Herb of the Year - Hops

Rounding out our stellar performers is the award-winning herb, Hops, Humulus opulus, chosen by the International Herb Association. Hops are useful for more than beer-making. For ages it's shoots and roots have been used medicinally having a natural sedative quality. It's also an attractive ornamental vine. Some varieties can grow 25' in one season making it useful for providing a shady spot in which to relax. 

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Tracy Hankwitz
Horticulturist & General Manager of Burlington Garden Center