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
 

New for 2022

Annuals


Bulbs


Devil's tongue
Amorphophallus konjac

large-cupped daffodil

 
 

Edibles


 

 

Houseplants


philodendron
 

Perennials


 
 

Shrubs


hibiscus
 
 

Trees


Vine


butterfly pea
Clitoria ternatea


 

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