Emerald Coast Growers has expanded the number of Native Wonders plants in its 2010-2011 starter plant catalog. The collection now consists of 27 ornamental grasses and 41 perennials. Seven perennials in the collection have been selected as Perennial Plant of the Year by members of the Perennial Plant Association, including the 2010 winner Baptisia australis and 2011 winner Amsonia hubrichtii.
Emerald Coast marketing manager John Friel said native plants have emerged as a popular, fast-growing segment of the perennial market. He said some of the plants may be unfamiliar to growers, while other growers may not know the plants are considered to be natives.