The genus name “Rudbeckia’ honors Olof Rudbeck (1630-1702), a Swedish botanist and founder of the Uppsala Botanic Garden in Sweden where Carl Linnaeus was professor of botany.
Rudbeckia fulgida was first described by William Aiton in 1789 in Hortus Kewensis, a catalog of the plants cultivated in the Royal Botanical Garden at Kew. In 1945, Arthur Cronquist recognized four varieties of Rudbeckia including var. sullivantii, var. umbrosa, var. fulgida and var. missourriensis. Then in 1957, Robert Perdue, Jr., contributed a new scheme to Rhodora excluding var. missourriensis but adding four more varieties including vars. deamii, speciosa, palustris, and spathulata.
In 2013 the description of the Rudbeckia fulgida complex was revised again by Campbell and Seymour.
As spring arrives and gardeners start planning for the upcoming growing season, the Perennial Plant Association’s Perennial of the Year is an eagerly anticipated announcement. For 2023, Allium ‘Millenium’ takes the coveted spot.
With its decorative pom-pom blooms and long flowering period, it’s easy to see why this ornamental onion was selected Keep reading to learn why this perennial allium is poised to be the star of gardens across North America this year and beyond.
Allium ‘Millenium’ is a hybrid ornamental onion developed by Mark McDonough and patented/released by Brent Horvath of Plant Delights Nursery in 2000. It’s a cross between Allium nutans and Allium senescens var. glaucum.
Some key traits that make ‘Millenium’ a standout choice:
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Long bloom time. The 2-3 inch lavender globes appear in mid to late July and last for weeks.
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Attracts pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to the nectar-rich blossoms.
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Deer and rodent resistant. The strong onion scent deters deer and rodents from munching on this allium.
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Tolerates a wide range of conditions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and average to dry soil.
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Provides interest into fall. The flowers are followed by attractive seed heads. Foliage turns golden yellow in autumn.
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Compact size. ‘Millenium’ stays tidy at 12-15 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide.
This versatile perennial packs a lot of ornamental punch in a petite package!
Why ‘Millenium’ is the 2023 Perennial of the Year
The Perennial Plant Association selects their Perennial of the Year based on several criteria:
- Low maintenance & pest/disease resistance
- Good performer across North America
- Multiple seasons of ornamental interest
- Easy to propagate & grow
- Readily available in the retail market
‘Millenium’ checks all those boxes and has proven itself a garden staple across diverse regions and conditions over the past 20+ years.
Its benefits include:
Low Care Needs
Once established, ‘Millenium’ is drought tolerant and doesn’t require much water or fertilizer. The compact clumping form means it doesn’t need staking. The foliage stays looking fresh, with no serious pest or disease problems.
Long Season of Interest
This allium starts the show in midsummer with profuse flower production. It continues into fall thanks to the decorative seed heads and yellow foliage. The neat clumps provide structure during the winter as well.
Pollinator Magnet
Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees flock to the nectar-filled blooms. Planting this allium provides an important midsummer food source for pollinators.
Deer & Rodent Resistant
The strong onion scent of the foliage deters deer, rabbits, rodents, and other wildlife from disturbing this plant. That makes it a great choice for gardens plagued by hungry critters.
Thrives Across North America
This ornamental onion performs well across USDA Zones 4-8. It can handle cold winters, hot and humid summers, drought, poor soils, and more. The flexibility makes it widely adaptable.
Easy Availability
This perennial has been on the market for over 20 years now. It’s widely available at garden centers and nurseries, making it an accessible addition to gardens across North America.
How to Use Allium ‘Millenium’ in Your Garden
One of the best qualities of Allium ‘Millenium’ is its versatility. Here are some ways to showcase it:
Cottage Gardens & Borders
The domed blooms and grassy foliage blend beautifully into informal garden beds and borders. Plant it with heirloom roses, catmint, yarrow, and other cottage garden favorites.
Pollinator Gardens
Attract more bees, butterflies and hummingbirds by including ‘Millenium’ in a designated pollinator habitat area. The late summer bloom period is perfect for sustaining pollinators when other flowers wane.
Rock Gardens
This compact, drought-tolerant allium is right at home among rock garden plantings like sedums, thymes, lavender, and ornamental grasses.
Containers
Use several bulbs of ‘Millenium’ in mixed planters or standalone pots for decks, patios, and porches. Combine it with annuals, herbs, and other perennials.
Edging & Front of Borders
The tidy, mounded shape makes it ideal to line walkways, edge beds, or place at the front of garden borders.
Cut Flowers
Snip a few flower stems to add unique, long-lasting texture and color to bouquets.
No matter how you use it, Allium ‘Millenium’ earns its place as a garden staple. It’s one of those “plant it and forget it” perennials that requires minimal care while providing abundant flowers and curb appeal.
If you don’t already grow this gem in your garden, now is the time! Check for it at garden centers this spring or order bulbs online for fall planting. Let this 2023 Perennial of the Year elevate your landscape with carefree elegance.
THE 2023 PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR®
Rudbeckia X American Gold Rush PP28498 (Black-eyed Susan)
Description from the Perennial Plant Association:
FROM THE BREEDER Brent Horvath
Facts and Data according to the PPA:
USDA Zones 4 to 9; AHS Heat Zones 9-4
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Size: 22-27 inches tall and up to 40 inches wide
Soil: Average, well-drained soils. Adaptable to clay, alkaline or acid pH, and gravelly soils. May flop in rich, fertile soils.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance perennial plant. Cut back in late winter to early spring. Good heat- and drought-resistance once established. Reseeding does occur. Divide as needed to maintain robust habit.
The genus name “Rudbeckia’ honors Olof Rudbeck (1630-1702), a Swedish botanist and founder of the Uppsala Botanic Garden in Sweden where Carl Linnaeus was professor of botany.
Rudbeckia fulgida was first described by William Aiton in 1789 in Hortus Kewensis, a catalog of the plants cultivated in the Royal Botanical Garden at Kew. In 1945, Arthur Cronquist recognized four varieties of Rudbeckia including var. sullivantii, var. umbrosa, var. fulgida and var. missourriensis. Then in 1957, Robert Perdue, Jr., contributed a new scheme to Rhodora excluding var. missourriensis but adding four more varieties including vars. deamii, speciosa, palustris, and spathulata.
In 2013 the description of the Rudbeckia fulgida complex was revised again by Campbell and Seymour.
OK, so where did ‘American Gold Rush’ come from: (Hint, it’s NOT a cultivar of ‘Goldsturm’!)
From the Plant Patent:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to a new and distinct hybrid of Rudbeckia plant named ‘American Gold Rush’ characterized by the combination smaller hairy foliage and shorter height, compared to the seed parent. The new Rudbeckia was raised as a seedling from open pollinated seed sown from the seed parent Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, not patented, in Hebron, IL. The selection of the new plant was due to its smaller hairy foliage and shorter height compared to the seed parent.
Parentage: Male or pollen parent an unknown Rudbeckia, female or seed parent Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii.
Root description: Fibrous, medium thickness, brown in color.
Root habit: Moderate branching, moderate density.
Plant description: Herbaceous perennial. Overall habit of the new Rudbeckia is a mound shaped clump, with branching stems topped by gold inflorescences starting in mid June.
Flowers:
• Single, composite on branched flowering stems.
• Position.—Borne on both terminal and axillary peduncles above the foliage.
• Number of inflorescences per plant.—Approximately 150.
• Arrangement.—Disc and ray florets.
• Bloom period and duration.—Mid June through mid-September. 4-6 weeks on the plant.
• Reproductive organs:
Androecium.—Quantity per disc floret, 5.
Pollen amount.—None observed.
Gynoecium present on ray and disc florets.—
Scent.—No scent noticed.
• Seed and fruit: None observed.
• Hardiness: Plants of the new Rudbeckia have been observed to be hardy to USDA Zone 5.
Plants of the new Rudbeckia can be compared to plants of Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii the seed parent, not patented.
1. The new Rudbeckia plant has a mature size measuring 36 cm high and 39 cm wide while Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii measures 120 cm high and over 60 cm wide.
2. The new Rudbeckia plant has a naturally mound shaped habit while Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii has an upright open habit.
3. The new Rudbeckia plant has smaller foliage approximately 25 cm long and 5 cm wide while Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii has foliage that reaches approximately 35 cm long and 10 cm wide.
2023 Proven Winners® Plants of the Year
FAQ
What is the perennial of the year 2023?
The Perennial Plant Association has named ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan its Perennial Plant of the Year for 2023. A hybrid between several species of Rudbeckia, ‘American Gold Rush’ is an easy grower with a compact habit, long late-summer bloom time and foliage that stays healthy.
What are the longest blooming perennials?
Several perennials are known for their extended blooming periods. Coneflowers (Echinacea), particularly the ‘Magnus’ and ‘White Swan’ varieties, can bloom from early summer into mid-autumn with regular deadheading, according to Savvy Gardening. Other long-blooming options include Catmint (Nepeta), especially ‘Walkers Low’, which can flower for up to 8 weeks, according to a gardening blog.
What is the flower of the year 2023?
Orchid – Flower of the Year 2023.
What is the easiest perennial to take care of?
- Yarrow. Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is a garden stalwart that won’t bat an eye if the weather turns dry. …
- Threadleaf Coreopsis. …
- Shasta Daisy. …
- Daylily. …
- Black-Eyed Susan. …
- Purple Coneflower. …
- Helen’s Flower.