ELLEN PEFFLEY
National Garden Bureau’s 2023 Plants
The National Garden Bureau has published their winning 2023 “Year of the” plants.
Each year the National Garden Bureau (NGB) selects one annual, one perennial, one shrub, one edible, one houseplant, and one bulb crop as their “Year of the” crops. Plants chosen as winners are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. The winning plants in each of the six classes featured in 2023 are:
• Annual, Celosia
• Perennials, Rudbeckia
• Shrub, Spirea
• Edible, Broccoli
• Houseplant, Orchid
• Bulb, Amaryllis Columns in upcoming weeks will give information and growing guides for each of these crops. In today’s column are the annual and perennial of the year.
Celosia. The Celosia genus has 45 different species in the Amaranthaceae family. Celosia argentea cultivars are grouped into 3 different categories: Plumosa types, Cristata types, and Spicata types.
Plumosa types (Celosia argentea var. plumosa), called feather or plumed celosia. Varieties range in size from 8” to 36” in height, with bold flower colors and soft green or burgundy foliage. Cristata types (Celosia argentea var. cristata) are known as Cockscomb, varieties range from 6” to 24”. Spicata (Celosia argentea var. spicata) plants are known as wheat celosia because of their cylindrical flower spikes, varieties range from 5”-24.”
Celosias are full sun plants that grow in summer gardens. Place plants in well-drained soil amended with compost or sand. Once plants are established, fertilize monthly. Stake tall plants to keep them upright.
Rudbeckia. Rudbeckias are also called Black-eyed Susans. Most frequently now, they are referred to as their generic name, Rudbeckia. have a lot going for them. They are tolerant to heat and have staying-power in our hot summers. Pollinators are attracted to them, especially when grouped as a planting. Plants are often placed into the garden as transplants but are easily established from seed. Plant seeds after all danger of frost has passed in full sun. Plants bloom when receiving 13 hours of light each day.
Work the seedbed to remove clumps, leaving soil lightly packed. Seeds are small; scatter seeds or plant 4 to 6 inches apart; cover lightly with soil; keep moist until seedlings emerge. Once established, provide consistent moisture; avoid over-watering or letting plants become too dry. Apply water to the soil in the morning; late afternoon or evening waterings promote fungal disease. Fertilize monthly with a well-balanced fertilizer.
Some information from the National Garden Bureau
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
