The group is made up of environmental horticulture professionals from across the state. Each year they select an annual flower, a herbaceous perennial, a shrub and a tree to receive its Georgia Gold Medal Awards. To be considered for an award, a plant must meet stringent criteria. It must have traits that make it superior to other plants in its class. It must be durable, low-maintenance and able to withstand many planting situations and soil types.
Seasonal interest is a big factor, too.
For instance, if a plant has showy flowers as well as attractive bark, pest-free foliage and brilliant fall color, it moves higher on the list. For growers and retailers to meet the demand for award-winning plants, they must be easy to propagate, too. New Gold lantana is one of the hottest summer annuals on the market today. It has brilliant gold flowers that blanket the plant from spring until fall frost. Its pest-free foliage and drought tolerance are a plus in Georgia.