Highlights from Darwin Perennials Day 2025: New Plants and Proven Performers

By Melinda Taschetta-Millane|July 2, 2025

On June 18, 2025, perennial growers, garden center leaders, landscapers, and nursery professionals gathered in West Chicago, IL, for Darwin Perennials Day 2025 — a must-attend industry event hosted at The Gardens at Ball. The event offered a well-rounded experience for perennial professionals, featuring practical trials, new variety showcases, and the chance to connect directly with suppliers and industry experts. Attendees had the opportunity to see more than 500 perennial varieties in the gardens, including Zone 5 overwintered trials, container plantings, and display beds. Check out the slideshow below for a visual tour of top varieties and scenes from the event.

1 of 29

1 of 29

A bee on lavender. | All photos courtesy of Melinda Taschetta-Millane
2 of 29

Achillea comparison bed.
3 of 29

Achillea 'Moonshine'
4 of 29

Achillea 'New Vintage Violet'
5 of 29

Achillea 'Paprika'
6 of 29

Agastache 'Summerlong Lemon'
7 of 29

Brunnera 'Frost King'
8 of 29

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Gold Crest' (Darwin Perennials)
9 of 29

Coroepsis hybrida 'UpTick Cream and Red' (Darwin Perennials)
10 of 29

Deer resistant varieties bed.
11 of 29

Digitalis 'Camelot Lavender'
12 of 29

Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'
13 of 29

Heuchera x hybrida 'Carnival Fall Festival' (Darwin Perennials)
14 of 29

Heuchera x hybrida 'Carnival Watermelon' (Darwin Perennials)
15 of 29

Landscape varieties showcase.
16 of 29

Lavandula 'SuperBlue'
17 of 29

Leptinella 'Platts Black'
18 of 29

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Make My Daisy Happy'
19 of 29

Lysimachia 'Night Light'
20 of 29

Monarda 'Balmy Pink' (Darwin Perennials)
21 of 29

Monarda 'BeeMine Lavender'
22 of 29

Polemonium 'Golden Feathers' (Darwin Perennials)
23 of 29

Potted plants on the ground designed by Ball employees.
24 of 29

Pulmonaria hybrida 'Pink-a-Blue' (Walters Gardens)
25 of 29

Rudbeckia hybrida 'Suntacular'
26 of 29

Shade varieties bed.
27 of 29

Shade varieties showcase bed.
28 of 29

Standard varieties bed.
29 of 29

Thymus 'Highland Cream'

What Set This Year Apart

A first look at the 2026 New Variety Showcase, highlighting standout genetics from top global breeders.
Conversations with 25+ perennial suppliers, offering insights, solutions, and product previews.
Guided tours of The Gardens, plus a peek inside Ball’s new Seed Distribution Center.
An immersive virtual tour of the Darwin Colombia Vegetative Farm.
A packed panel discussion, “Stop Stressing About Perennial Production!” where leading growers shared how to simplify success using five core plant growth elements.

Attendees walked away with practical knowledge, fresh inspiration, and a clearer view of what’s coming down the pipeline for perennial production.

Melinda Taschetta-Millane is a seasoned, award-winning journalist with extensive and diverse experience as a progressive leader in B2B media brands. Melinda oversees the strategic planning and management of American Fruit Grower, American Vegetable Grower, and Greenhouse Grower. She has degrees in journalism/mass communication and art from Iowa State University, and is based in the Chicagoland area See all author stories here.