Plants of Merit are plants selected for their outstanding quality and dependable performance for the lower Midwest. They grow consistently well in Missouri, central and southern Illinois, and the Kansas City Metro area.

Plants of Merit Selection Criteria

  • Easy to grow and maintain
  • Not known to be invasive in our area
  • Resistant or tolerant to diseases and insects
  • Has outstanding ornamental value
  • Reasonably available to purchase

Plants of Merit selections by year (PDF): Plants of Merit: 2000 - 2022

Plants of Merit selections by botanical name: Go to Plant Finder and select "Plant of Merit" under the Quick Search section


Annuals


Joseph's coat
Alternanthera PLUM DANDY


False heather
Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Allyson Heather'

  

Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus SNAPTASTIC ORANGE FLAME



 
 

Bulbs


Edibles


Houseplants


Striped dracaena
Dracaena fragrans (Deremensis Group) 'Limelight'


Pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'


ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'


 

 

Perennials

 


 

Shrubs



 

Trees


Carolina silverbell
Halesia carolina



 

Vine


Spanish flag
Ipomoea lobata

 

For a listing of all the Plants of Merit, go to Plant Finder and select "Plant of Merit" in the Quick Search section.