Angelonia, aka summer snapdragon, is a heat, humidity, and drought-tolerant annual in the snapdragon family growing in an upright habit 15-36 inches tall depending on the cultivar.
Annually the National Garden Bureau (NGB), a non-profit dedicated to educating, encouraging, and inspiring the public to use plants in homes, schools, public gardens, and workplaces, selects an annual, perennial, shrub, bulb, houseplant, and edible to showcase in “The Year of the Crop” program. Plants featured are easy to grow and propagate, adaptable and durable in a variety of growing conditions, genetically diverse, and perform multiple roles in the landscape. The 2024 selections debut below.
Angelonia, aka summer snapdragon, is a heat, humidity, and drought-tolerant annual in the snapdragon family growing in an upright habit 15-36 inches tall depending on the cultivar. Flower stems have a dozen 1 inch snapdragon like flowers in cool shades of white, blue, purple or pink. Some varieties are fragrant.
Angelonia blooms non-stop all summer in full sun and well-drained soil. Butterflies and bees love it. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. In the landscape angelonia are massed in beds and borders. Spreading varieties perform well in hanging baskets, window boxes, or as groundcover. parkseed.com/angelonia/c/angelonia/
Hostas are the most widely grown shade-loving ornamental perennial in the United States. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, they were introduced in the U.S in the mid-1800s. Hardy hostas thrive in USDA zones 3-9. Flower colors include white, lavender, and purple. Hybridizers are working to breed red, yellow, and pink flowers. Hostas are called friendship plants because they are easy to divide and share with family and friends. Digging them up and dividing every five to ten years improves vigor of the main plant. https:// www.provenwinners.com/plants/hosta
Lily, a perennial bulb originating in the Northern Hemisphere and hardy in zones 5-8, is in the genus Lilium with over 100 species. True lilies have six petals and six stamens with anthers. Many plants with lily in their name are not true lilies, including canna lily, day lily, water lily, and peace lily. Lilies thrive in sun or partial shade in deep, humus rich well-draining soil away from harsh winds. Lily flower shapes, colors, and scents have evolved to ensure successful reproduction through pollination. brentandbeckysbulbs.com/
African violets, one of the most popular houseplants worldwide, was discovered in the tropical rainforest mountains near the border of Kenya and Tanzania in eastern Africa in 1892. Botanist Hermann Wedland of Herrenhausen Greenhouse in Germany recorded the plant for the first time as a member of the Gesneriad family. In April 1893 the plant was introduced at the International Horticultural Exhibition in Ghent, Belgium and generated a great deal of excitement and shared the honor of being the most interesting new plant exhibited. africanvioletsocietyofamerica.org/
Squash, the edible of the year, includes summer, winter, pumpkins, and gourds. All have been grown in North America for thousands of years. Squash plants require full sun, sufficient moisture, and fertile, well-drained soil (pH 6.2- 6.6) containing high amounts of organic matter. Plant squash in spring after all danger of frost is past and soil temperature is 60°F. all-americaselections.org/growing-great-squash/
Buddleia, aka Butterfly Bush, is a magnet for pollinators with fragrant nectar-rich flowers in shades of white, pink, blue, yellow, lavender, and purple. Endemic to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, there are over 140 species. These hardy shrubs are drought tolerant and deer resistant, making them an excellent choice for many soil types and climates in the U.S. For best growth habit and flowering, plant in full sun. Since buddleia tolerate urban pollution, they are suitable for city landscapes and roadside plantings. www.americanmeadows.com/category/perennials/butterflybush
For additional information on NGB plants for 2024, visit ngb.org/2024-year-of-plants/.
Hostas are the most widely grown shade-loving ornamental perennial in the United States.
Lily, a perennial bulb originating in the Northern Hemisphere and hardy in zones 5- 8, is in the genus Lilium with over 100 species.
African violets, one of the most popular houseplants worldwide, was discovered in the tropical rainforest mountains near the border of Kenya and Tanzania in eastern Africa in 1892.
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