2025 Cream of the Crops
Every year the National Garden Bureau names their plants of the year. They select one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible, one houseplant, and one shrub to be featured as their “Year of the” crops. Let’s take a closer look at their selections for the perennial, annual, and edible of the year.
Year of the Asclepias – 2025 perennial of the year
Known by the common name Milkweed, the Asclepias are an herbaceous, perennial named for the milky secretions that flow from their stems and foliage when damaged. There are over 100 native varieties across North America, and they play an important ecological role. Milkweed is an important food source for many pollinators, including Monarch butterflies, for which it is the sole habitat and food source for larval young. The milkweed plant contains components called cardiac glycosides that are toxic to humans and most animals. Not to Monarchs however, who reap the benefits of munching on the Milkweed plant by becoming toxic themselves. This paired with their “Danger! Stay away!” warning color patterns help protect Monarch caterpillars and butterflies alike, from would be predators, such as birds. These beautiful medium tall flowers are a perfect layer in a dynamic landscape and help turn your garden into a pollinator haven!
Common milkweed
Native to southern Canada and most of the United States East of the Rocky Mountains. AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV.
Butterfly Milkweed
Native to AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WI , WV.
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Showy milkweed
Native to western United States and Canada. AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY.
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Swamp milkweed
Native to wetlands of North America. AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY.
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Year of the Calendula – 2025 annual of the year
This stunning annual is a member of the Daisy family – Asteraceae. Calendula is loved for its bright, beautiful aesthetics as well as it medicinal and culinary uses. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties lend themselves to a number of therapeutic uses, and it is used to add flavor and color to foods. These cut and come again flowers will bloom again and again until a hard frost, bringing beauty to your garden all summer long.
Year Of The Pea – 2025 edible plant of the year
As one of the first cultivated plants, humans have long fancied the flavor of peas. Given their long history, it is surprising that, only in the most recent handful of centuries did fresh garden peas become a dietary staple. Peas come in a multitude of varieties and can be canned, frozen, dried, or eaten fresh. Snow and Snap Peas are varieties that began being developed in the 16th century, that have edible shells, great for munching right out of the garden! You can also choose from pole and bush varieties. Bush Peas tend to be more compact, making them perfect for container or small space gardening. Pole varieties on the other hand, have a tendency to wander and stretch, making them a great choice for dense, layered planting or living fences. With so many varieties it’s easy to find the perfect pea for you garden. Plus, as a member of the legume family, peas add nutrients back in to your soil by fixing nitrogen from the air. Win-win!
So what kind of year will you have? Let us know what you most looking forward to planting in 2025. Leave a comment below or connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
If you’d like to learn more about the National Garden Bureaus other “Year of the…” plants, you can find the here.
