May 14, 2026

Top 6 in 2026: PHS reveals Gold Medal plant winners

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society named six plants as 2026 Gold Medal winners for Mid-Atlantic gardens. Explore the selections and learn their landscape benefits.

3 minute read

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) announced six plants as winners of its 2026 Gold Medal Plant Awards, recognizing varieties selected for performance in Mid-Atlantic gardens. 

The annual program, established in 1979, highlights plants chosen for durability, ease of cultivation, multi-season interest and value to wildlife. The 2026 selections include the perennial Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, tree Chionanthus retusus ‘Tokyo Tower’, shrub Daphniphyllum macropodum, tree Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’, perennial Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’ and perennial Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird.’

blue flowering amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Storm Cloud’, commonly known as bluestar, is a native perennial that is one of the first Amsonia to emerge and bloom in the spring.
purple flowering aster
Symphyotrichum laeve ‘Bluebird’, smooth aster, is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family that is native to central and eastern U.S.
white flowering tree
Chionanthus retusus ‘Tokyo Tower’, Chinese fringetree, is a small to medium-sized upright tree with an abundance of fluffy white flowers in the spring.
red stemmed plant
Daphniphyllum macropodum, also known as false Daphne, has shiny green leaves with attractive pink petioles, the stems that attach the leaves to the main branch.
tall juniper tree next to a brick building
Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’ is known for its drought tolerance and resistance to deer, making it a relatively low-maintenance option.
landscape grass
Sorghastrum nutans ‘Golden Sunset’ is a native grass with olive-green foliage and golden yellow flowers that attract butterflies.

According to PHS, all 2026 selections have an indication for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, making them appropriate for a wide range of Mid-Atlantic growing conditions. Several selections were noted for drought tolerance, deer resistance and pollinator support. 

“The PHS Gold Medal Plant program provides gardeners with trusted plant recommendations that are both reliable and visually compelling,” Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at PHS, said. “This year’s selections offer strong seasonal interest, adaptability across a range of garden conditions, and meaningful ecological benefits.” 

PHS said the program has recognized more than 150 plants since its launch. Winners are selected by a panel of horticulturists, growers and garden experts evaluating both new and established varieties for landscape performance and commercial availability. 

Photos courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

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