Theodore Klein Plant Awards
Celebrating the Best Plants for Kentucky Landscapes
Theodore Klein
The Theodore Klein Plant Awards recognize top-performing trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in Kentucky’s unique climate.
Named in honor of Theodore Klein, a visionary plantsman and patriarch of Kentucky’s nursery industry, this annual program highlights exceptional plants chosen for their ornamental value, resilience and landscape performance. Each year, a panel of experts from nurseries, design firms, public gardens and universities selects standout species and cultivars to inspire both home gardeners and green industry professionals.
Explore the Theodore Klein Plant Award Winners
2026 Theodore Klein Plant Award Winners Announced
They’re here! Each year, a panel of Kentucky green industry professionals gathers to thoughtfully review and debate which plant nominees will earn a spot on the list. Since its beginnings in 1999, this curated selection has grown into a trusted guide to the best woody and herbaceous garden plants for our region.
Ulmus
Hybrid Elems
'Patriot'
- Cold Hardiness: Zones 4–9
- Size: 40'–50' tall and 30'–40' wide
- Light Requirement: Full Sun
- Flowering Time: Early Spring
- Kentucky Native: No
- Year added to list: 2026
The best hybrids show wide adaptability, excellent disease tolerance, quality summer foliage and bronze to golden fall color. Some of the the best performing selections include: ‘Frontier’, ‘Patriot’ and ‘Prospector’.
Aesculus pavia
Red Buckeye
- Cold Hardiness: Zones 4–8
- Size: 10'–20' tall and 15'–20' wide
- Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Kentucky Native: Yes
- Year added to list: 2026
10’ to 20’ foot tall tree/shrub grown for its red spring flowers that are a favorite flower of spring-migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Hydrangea paniculata
Panicle Hydrangea
- Cold Hardiness: Zones 3–8
- Size: 3'–15' tall and 6'–12' wide
- Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Flowering Time: Mid-summer - fall
- Kentucky Native: No
- Year added to list: 2026
A mainstay of the summer garden represented by a long list of established and new selections that range from 3’ foot tall to more than 15’ feet, and available in flower colors from green to white and deep pink depending on variety.
Phlox paniculata
Tall Phlox
'Jeana'
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-8
- Size: 4'–5' tall and 2'–3' wide
- Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Flowering Time: Mid to Late Summer
- Kentucky Native: Partially
- Year added to list: 2026
Considered the best tall phlox for mildew resistance, pollinator attraction, and overall garden performance. Top rated variety in trials at Mt Cuba Center.
Iris cristata
Dwarf Crested Iris
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-9
- Size: 6"–8" tall and about 6"–12" wide
- Light Requirement: Partial to Full Shade
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Kentucky Native: Yes
- Year added to list: 2026
Denizen of the eastern hardwood forest, this little iris tops out at about 8” tall with arching, gray/green foliage and blue flowers.