About the Plant of the Year

Each year, two plants (one woody, one herbaceous) are chosen as a DELAWARE PLANT OF THE YEAR. These plants were nominated and selected by a committee of green industry professionals, educators, writers and trade association executives. To be selected, plants must meet the following criteria: hardy in Delaware; few disease and insect problems; non-invasive; adapts to a variety of landscape uses; possesses horticultural assets such as flower, fruit, leaf, habit, structure, attractiveness to wildlife, etc.; currently under-used in Delaware landscapes; available from Delaware growers, nurseries, and garden center outlets.

2025 Plant of the Year

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.

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.