Sponsor Program

Sign Up Before October 1st!

Established in 1998, the Plants of Merit™ program serves to promote plants that are proven to be well adapted in the lower Midwest for the purpose of increasing plant diversity in the home and commercial landscape. A Plant of Merit has performed well in one or more locations in the lower Midwest region (USDA Zone 5 and 6). These plants were chosen by sponsors and regional horticultural experts with the goal of making available to the public a range of plants for diverse settings that are attractive, disease- and pest-tolerant, non-invasive, and with outstanding ornamental value. 

If you're interested in being a Plants of Merit Sponsor, please use the application at the bottom of this page.

The Missouri Botanical Garden's William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, in partnership with Powell Gardens in Kansas City, University of Missouri Extension, Mizzou Botanic Garden, Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association, and the Illinois Green Industry Association, operates the Plants of Merit program, working with a broad array of industry and non-profit groups. An annual guide listing the Plants of Merit is widely distributed through the region. A network of retail nurseries and garden centers stock the Plants of Merit and promote the program with customers.

Plants of Merit™ Sponsor Benefits

You can help your business and your customers by becoming a Plants of Merit™ sponsor! Plants of Merit sponsors provide crucial annual financial support so that the Plants of Merit program can promote public awareness and use of Plants of Merit throughout the region. Funding from sponsors helps to underwrite plant trials, presentations at industry meetings, printing and distribution of program information materials, website development, and more. In turn, Plants of Merit sponsors receive many benefits, including recognition, publicity, program materials, and privileges at the Missouri Botanical Garden or Powell Gardens.

All Sponsors Receive

Click on the links above to learn about 'level specific' benefits.

Thanks for your interest in sponsoring Plants of Merit.