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 - 2o22
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
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.