The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has released the list of its Gold Medal plants for 2022. Plants are selected for the mid-Atlantic region, but many will be fine in other parts of the country. Winners are noted for their suitability for home gardens, ease of cultivation, and weather tolerance.
This year's list:
Abelia x grandiflora 'Little Richard'
(glossy abelia)
This small shrub has white flowers that appear in spring and last for most of the summer. In the fall, the leaves turn an orange-pink hue. It grows fast, works well in containers, and is deer resistant as well. 3-4' high or less. Zones 6-9.
Ilex opaca 'Maryland Dwarf'
(American holly)
This native holly is a low-growing shrub that does best in sun, but also tolerates shade. For small garden spaces that need evergreen presence, this plant is a winner. It's deer-resistant, spreads broadly, and does well in average soil. Two-3' tall x 4-6' wide. Zones 6-9.
Cornus kousa 'Scarlet Fire'®
(Kousa dogwood)
With deep pink to fuchsia blooms, this kousa dogwood stands out in the garden and is a great candidate for a medium-sized tree used as a focal point in almost any garden. It's deer resistant and is also resistant to many diseases that plague dogwoods, including anthracnose and powdery mildew. About 20-25 feet high, 15-20 feet wide, zones 5-8.
Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'®
(Freeman maple)
You can't beat the fall color on this native shade tree -- spectacular shades of orange and red. This maple attracts native birds, is tolerant of wet or dry soil, and is deer resistant. A great tree for a large yard. 50-60 tall x 40 wide, Zones 4-8.
For all the gold medal plants, including this year's gold medal perennials, see the PHS website here.
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