Each year the members of the Perennial Plant Association select a new Perennial Plant of the Year based on the following criteria:
- suitable for a wide range of climate types
- low maintenance
- easily propagated
- easily comes true from seed or vegetative propagation
- exhibits multiple seasonal interest
2007 Nepeta faassenii WALKER'S LOW
2006 Dianthus FIREWITCH
2005 Helleborus xhybridus
2004 Athyrium niponicum PICTUM
2003 Leucanthemum BECKY
2002 Phlox DAVID
2001 Calamagrostis x acutiflora KARL FOERSTER
2000 Scabiosa columbaria BUTTERFLY BLUE
1999 Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii GOLDSTURM
1998 Echinacea purpurea MAGNUS
1997 Salvia MAINACHT (May Night)
1996 Penstemon digitalis HUSKER RED
1995 Perovskia atriplicifolia
1994 Astilbe SPRITE
1993 Veronica SUNNY BORDER BLUE
1992 Coreopsis verticillata MOONBEAM
1991 Heuchera micrantha PALACE PURPLE
1990 Phlox stolonifera