Plant of the Year acknowledges outstanding plant varieties, sparks innovation and interest in the industry, and celebrates exciting developments in the world of horticulture.
The criteria for evaluation encompass various aspects, from the aesthetic appeal of the plant to its growth and performance characteristics, as well as its innovative qualities and marketability potential.
Plant of the Year showcases the best and brightest in horticulture, from traditional favourites to groundbreaking newcomers. It aims to inspire growers, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our botanical world.
The 2026 Plant of the Year is…
Corymbia ficifolia ‘Precious Pearl’
Nominated category: Tree
A medium-sized flowering gum (7 m × 4 m) forming a neat, balanced canopy and producing masses of soft pink-to-white summer blooms. Hardy, low-maintenance and perfectly suited to parks, streetscapes and modern gardens, it combines elegance with strong performance. Tissue-culture production ensures consistent growth, canopy shape and flower display.
2026 Category Winners and Highly Commended Plants
Categories
Category winners are recognised as leaders in their nominated categories.
In the first stage of judging, plants that achieve a score of 80 % are highly commended. From these plants, the best plant in each category is named ‘[category name – below] of the Year’ and progresses to the second stage of judging.
Shrub
Of the Year
Herbaceous Plant
Of the Year
Annual, Perennial
Of these category winners, a single Plant of the Year is awarded.
Australian Native Plant
Of the Year – New Category for 2026
Tree
Of the Year
Specialist Plant
Of the Year
Climbers/vine, Edible, Succulents, Indoor/house, Groundcover
Of these category winners, a single Plant of the Year is awarded.
Shrub of the Year
Herbaceous Plant Of the Year
Annual, Perennial
Tree of the Year
Specialist Plant
Of the Year
Climbers/vine, Edible, Succulents, Indoor/house, Groundcover
Australian Native Plant
Of the Year – New Category for 2026
Only one will be Plant of the Year
Only one will be Plant of the Year
Only one will be Plant of the Year
Only one will be Plant of the Year
Only one will be Plant of the Year
Prizes
The winning Plant of the Year will be awarded:
Use of a licensed custom Plant of the Year badge/logo for promotion of the plant, including labels
Plant of the Year branded digital graphics and tiles for the winning plant and the applicant*
Plant of the Year point of sale for print and use at garden centres
Opportunity to display plant in prominent location at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, as well as associated media coverage
*Eligible growers to use the branding are determined by applicant if it is a licensed variety. For all others, usage of the Plant of the Year branding must be approved by the NGIV Board, taking advice from the Plant of the Year Governance Committee.
Enter Now
The criteria for evaluation encompass various aspects, from the aesthetic appeal of the plant to its growth and performance characteristics, as well as its innovative qualities and marketability potential.
Plant of the Year promises to showcase the best and brightest in horticulture, from traditional favourites to groundbreaking newcomers. It aims to inspire growers, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our botanical world.
