This year marks Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association’s Thirty-First Annual Plant of the Year selection.
The 2025 Herbaceous plant is Aster laevis ‘Bluebird’. The 2025 Woody plant is Corylopsis spicata ‘Aurea’ . These plants were chosen because they are particularly well suited to thrive in Delaware.
Corylopsis spicata ‘Aurea’ Spike Winter Hazel
This golden leaf form of spike winter hazel has twiggy zig-zag branches and grows 6-10 feet tall with a spread of 6-8 feet at maturity. In early spring, it is covered with 1 – 2” racemes of soft yellow fragrant flowers. Flowers are followed by the emergence of heavily corrugated golden leaves. It grows well in full sun to dappled shade and well-drained soil. Winter hazel is upright with a picturesque habit. This large shrub is a nice component of a shrub border or hedgerow but can also be planted as a specimen.
Photo credit goes to Rick Darke
Aster laevis ‘Bluebird’ Smooth Aster
Bluebird smooth aster produces abundant 1-inch diameter violet-blue flowers in the fall. Cloud-like clusters of flowers are born on the tips of 3-4’ arching branches. Its slightly glossy blueish-green foliage is virtually pest free. Bluebird aster thrives in full sun to light shade and a wide variety of soil types and moisture levels, making it a versatile addition to a perennial border. Its tall vase-shaped habit makes it a standout component of a meadow. It is a great nectar source for monarchs and other late season butterflies. Bluebird aster was ranked as the # 1 aster in a recent
Mt. Cuba Center study. Officially this plant is now called Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve ‘Bluebird’.
Photo credit goes to North Creek Nurseries.
