The Best Perennials for Your Yard

Every year a group of plant breeders, nurserymen, and garden writers select a top-performing perennial as Perennial of the Year. Here are their picks since 1990; these plants are sure to be winners in your garden, too!

2013: Variegated Solomon's Seal

An easy-go-grow North American native plant for shade and woodland gardens, variegated Solomon's seal offers several seasons of interest. In spring, the white bell-shape flowers add interest; all summer long you'll enjoy the variegated foliage; and in autumn it turns warm shades of gold.

Name: Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'

Size: To 2 feet tall and wide

Zones: 3-8

Plant it with: Lungwort, Japanese painted fern, and bleeding heart