Sep 1, 2020

PPA Names Perennial Plant of the Year for ’21

The Perennial Plant Association has named Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta as the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year.

The Perennial Plant of the Year program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors.

Perennials chosen for this honor are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest and are relatively pest/disease-free.

The Perennial Plant Association Board of Directors reviews the nominated perennials and selects three or four perennials to be placed on the ballot. Perennial Plant Association members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year and nominate additional plants for the following year’s ballot.  In addition, Perennial Plant Association members have access to a flyer, poster and bench card to assist with promoting the Perennial Plant of the Year.

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta looks like a cloud of confetti, with tiny white flowers (sometimes touched with pale blue) that appear from early summer to fall on this plant.

Undemanding and dependable, it provides the perfect foil for other summer bloomers and foliage. This full-sun perennial has a low mounding or bushy habit, ideal for the front of the border, rock gardens and more.

While durable and pest-free, Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta also checks two important boxes for gardeners: bees and other pollinators work the flowers throughout the summer and the aromatic foliage is deer-resistant.

Learn more about the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year at perennialplant.org/page/2021PPOY.

Photo credit: Stonehouse Nursery