The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society recently released the list of its Gold Medal Plants for 2023:
Some of my favorites:
Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink)
This native has been my favorite perennial for many, many years. I had three of them in my old garden, attracting hummingbirds and flowering for most of the summer season. It's also deer resistant (a requirement for non-fenced gardens), and non-beatable for smaller spaces. Zones 6-9.
Juniperus 'Grey Owl' (Juniper)
There aren't that many needled evergreens that aren't green, and that's what makes this plant so special. The grayish-green color makes it a standout in almost any garden. It's a low-growing spreader that resists drought, tolerates poor soil, heat, and cold, and it will grow in full sun in most parts of the country (Zones 2-9). It has bluish-hued cones that attract birds, and it, too, is deer resistant.
Nyssa Sylvatica Green Gable™ (Tupelo or Black Gum)
I've never been able to figure out why more people don't plant this tree, if only for its spectacular fall color. There aren't many others that will give you such a great autumn display.
In spring and summer, its leaves are dark green and glossy, and the tree has a lovely upright shape with horizontal branching.
It is a slow grower, but it's a low maintenance plant that's well worth consideration. Zones 4-8.
See all of this year's Gold Medal plant winners here.
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