Here are the top-five perennials that we sold in 2023! Leading the pack is Imperata ‘Red Baron’, followed by Hakonoechola ‘All Gold’. Other popular perennials include Allium ‘Millenium’, Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’, and Asclepias tuberosa.
1. Imperata ‘Red Baron’ is an eye-catcher with its unusual color. Green blades at the base and red toward the tips of the leaves gives it the common name Japanese Blood Grass. Red color intensifies in summer and remains into the fall. Imperata ‘Red Baron’ spreads slowly by underground runners and is 18 inches tall. This variety is not considered to be invasive. It is hardy to Zone 5.
2. Hakonoechola ‘All Gold’ fell just short of the gold, but it is still one of our favorites (and our customers like it too!). The completely golden, cascading foliage of this Japanese Forest Grass brings a bright spot to shaded areas. Hakonoechola ‘All Gold’ prefers moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Grows 9-14 inches and is hardy to Zone 5.
3. Allium ‘Millenium’ forms a picture perfect, compact, upright clump of glossy green leaves. In mid-to late summer, a profusion of 2-inch bright rosy-purple flower clusters cover the top of the foliage. This Ornamental Onion variety grows 15-20 inches in full to partial sun and is hardy to Zone 5.
4. The 2023 Perennial of the Year, Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’ (Black-Eyed Susan) produces a dome of yellow daisy flowers from summer through fall atop a compact plant. Its resistance to leaf spot, even in humid conditions, makes this plant even better. This Black-Eyed Susan grows 20-24 inches in full to partial sun and is hardy to Zone 3.
5. Butterflies (and customers) love Ascelpias tuberosa! Butterfly Weed makes a fine border plant producing brilliant orange flowers, and it is a host plant for Monarch butterflies. In full sun, it will grow in a 2’ mounded habit. Leaves are narrow and dark-green. Large seed pods are used in dried flower arrangements. When left in the garden, seed pods will break open and self-seed. Ascelpias tuberosa breaks dormancy late in spring and is hardy to Zone 3.
Read about our popular Hostas and Trees & Shrubs on our Hornbaker Highlights page!