What Is the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year?
July 27, 2023 
Photo: Saunders Brothers, Inc.
The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) announced the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year, Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’, during its National Symposium this week in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ is an exceptional garden phlox reaching 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, although size will geographically vary. It is known for its impressive flowers, held on tall and sturdy stems from midsummer to early fall. Hummingbirds, butterflies – especially Eastern Tiger Swallowtails – and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers.
‘Jeana’ was discovered by Jeana Prewitt along the Harpeth River near Nashville, TN. Recent breeding in Phlox paniculata focused on a shorter, retail-friendly series in a range of colors.
“If I want undistinguished moundy-poundy Phlox paniculata meatballs in my landscape, I have lots of options,” says Paul Westervelt, Annual and Perennial Production Manager and Head Grower at Saunders Brothers, Inc. “If I want a classy standout with squeaky clean foliage that attracts 10 times the butterflies, I choose ‘Jeana’”.
PPA members voted Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ as the 2024 PPOY and find it makes an excellent bridging plant between early and later flowering perennials. It is also highly resistant to powdery mildew, which makes it look great, even without flowers. Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ performs best when regularly deadheaded as it promotes blooming. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding, avoiding inferior seedling production.
“Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ was hands-down the top performer in Mt. Cuba Center’s trial and continues to be a powerhouse in our gardens,” says George Coombs, Director of Horticulture at Mt. Cuba Center. “Not only does it remain sturdy and disease-free all season long, but the beautiful floral display attracts more butterflies than any other phlox we have ever grown.”
The Perennial Plant of the Year program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen for this honor are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. The PPA Board of Directors reviews the nominated perennials and selects three or four perennials to be placed on a voting ballot. PPA members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year and nominate additional plants for the following year’s ballot. In addition, PPA members have access to marketing materials to assist with promoting the Perennial Plant of the Year. Learn more about ‘Jeana’ at https://perennialplant.org/page/2024PPOY.
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