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 - 2o20
Plants of Merit selections by botanical name: Go to Plant Finder and select "Plant of Merit" under the Quick Search section
New for 2021
Annuals
lantana
Lantana camara LITTLE LUCKY SERIES
stonecrop
Bulbs
winter aconite
Edibles
Houseplants
Perennials
Shrubs
Trees
Vine
rex begonia vine
Cissus javana
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.