Part of the fun of gardening is imagining what to grow next. A colorful container, an early flower, or an interesting shrub can inspire a whole new planting plan. If you are already dreaming about next year’s garden, six plants deserve a closer look.
The National Garden Bureau, a nonprofit organization that promotes gardening, has selected coleus, hellebore, allium, buttonbush, basil, and ZZ plant for its 2027 “Year of” program. These plants represent annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, edibles, and houseplants. While they are established garden favorites, their recognition offers a timely opportunity to discover what makes each special.
1. Coleus: Colorful Foliage That Steals The Show
Who needs to wait for flowers when the leaves look this good? Coleus brings shades of burgundy, lime, pink, copper, and green to containers and garden beds. Its patterned foliage can tie a planting together or become the main attraction.
Usually grown as an annual, coleus appreciates warm weather, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. Light requirements vary: some varieties suit partial shade, while others tolerate more sun. Check the plant label before choosing a location, and pinch growing tips to encourage fuller growth. Try repeating one leaf color in nearby flowers for a coordinated combination.
2. Hellebore: Beautiful Blooms Before Spring Gets Busy
Hellebores offer something especially welcome: flowers when much of the garden is still resting. Depending on the species, variety, and climate, their blooms appear from winter into spring, with colors including white, pink, purple, and green.
These perennials are lovely beneath deciduous trees or along a shaded walkway where their flowers can be appreciated up close. Give them partial shade and organically rich soil that drains well. Start with nursery plants for a quicker display than seed-grown plants, and choose a variety suited to your hardiness zone. Their attractive foliage helps keep the planting interesting after flowering ends.
3. Allium: Flowers With A Little Architectural Flair
Ornamental alliums bring distinctive shapes to the garden, especially the rounded flower heads that seem to float above surrounding plants. Purple is familiar, but the group also includes white, pink, and yellow flowers.
Many spring-flowering alliums grow from bulbs planted in fall. Other types, including clump-forming perennial selections, flower later and are often sold as growing plants. Check the type and bloom season before purchasing. Most prefer sun and good drainage. Plant them in repeated groups among perennials for a display that feels both playful and organized.
4. Buttonbush: A Native Shrub With Personality
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) produces round, creamy-white flower clusters that resemble tiny pincushions. This North American native also provides food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Its preference for moist to wet soil makes it worth considering for a suitable rain garden or damp landscape area. Give it sun to partial shade and plenty of room: the species can become a substantial shrub. Gardeners with smaller spaces should investigate compact cultivars and confirm their mature dimensions. The right location allows this unusual plant to become a useful and eye-catching feature.
5. Basil: Fresh Possibilities For Garden And Kitchen
Basil earns its space with fragrant leaves and plenty of culinary possibilities. Beyond familiar sweet basil, gardeners can explore types with purple foliage or different aromas and flavors.
Grow basil from seed or starter plants after frost danger has passed and the weather has warmed. Provide sun, well-drained soil, and regular moisture. Harvesting shoot tips encourages branching and supplies fresh leaves for meals. Pinch off flower buds to prioritize leafy growth, or allow a separate plant to bloom for visiting pollinators. A container near the kitchen makes harvesting especially convenient.
6. ZZ Plant: Glossy Greenery For Indoor Spaces
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) brings upright growth and glossy leaves indoors. Its ability to store water makes it a practical choice for gardeners who sometimes forget to water.
Although it tolerates lower light, bright, indirect light supports better growth. Use a pot with drainage holes and let the potting mix dry between waterings; constantly wet roots can lead to rot. Keep it away from pets and young children who might chew the foliage, as the plant contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals.
Which Will You Grow In 2027?
You do not need to grow all six to find inspiration. Choose one or two that suit your space, growing conditions, and interests, checking variety-specific requirements and local availability.
Which of these plants already grows in your garden, and which would you like to try in 2027?
