Signature Plants are a benefit of membership at the Contributor level and above. Plants are hand-selected by BBG’s Horticulture staff for their beauty and ability to thrive in a wide range of hardiness zones and light, soil, and moisture conditions, so you’re sure to find something perfect for your garden or home. Eligible members are invited to select their 2026 Signature Plant on one of two pickup dates: Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 6–8:30 p.m. Photos depict mature plants. You will receive a juvenile plant to grow and care for. Medium/bright indirect light, well-draining soil, grow in pot Approximately 1–3 feet tall USDA Zones 10–12 Family Araceae Description Aglaonema plants, also known as Chinese evergreens, are tropical houseplants from Asia and the Philippines and symbolize good fortune. The genus name Aglaonema derives from the Greek “aglaos” (bright) and “nema” (thread), referencing the brilliant stamens produced during flowering. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and this ‘Red Valentine’ cultivar is a vibrant hybrid selected for its dramatic pink-red foliage accented by green margins and occasional yellow-green flecks. Culture Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’ is shade tolerant but grows best in areas with bright, indirect light. Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter and allow top 10–15% to dry before watering. ‘Red Valentine’ thrives in moderate to high humidity (50–70%) and its ideal temperature range is 65–80°F; avoid drafts and cold spots. Pests, Pets, and Diseases Aglaonema are relatively resistant to pests, however potential pest problems include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. This plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Bright indirect light, well-draining soil, grow in pot Approximately 3 feet long USDA Zones 11a–11b Family Apocynaceae Description Dischidia ruscifolia is native to the Philippines and is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants such as trees or tree branches, much like orchids. This sprawling or climbing plant has slender stems adorned with pairs of succulent, heart-shaped leaves. Culture Dischidia plants thrive with bright, indirect or filtered light and can tolerate some direct sun, such as morning and evening sunlight. Be careful not to overwater; these plants are sensitive to overwatering and can experience root rot. Thus, they are fairly drought-tolerant. As their native habitat is the tropical underforest, they prefer temperatures around 65–80°F and humidity around 50–80%. Use potting mix created for epiphytic houseplants, such as orchid bark. Pests, Pets, and Diseases Dischidia are susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. They are considered nontoxic to humans and pets, however its milky sap can irritate skin or eyes and should not be ingested. Bright shade/shade, well-drained soil, grow in pot Approximately 1–2 feet tall USDA Zones 10–11 Family Lamiaceae Description Plectranthus hilliardiae is a semi-succulent herbaceous perennial native to coastal South Africa and belongs to the mint family. Lavender blooms appear in late summer to fall and will often continue into spring with adequate indirect light. Culture Plectranthus requires high humidity and warm, subtropical temperatures to thrive. This plant can be grown in light or deep shade with moderate watering and can be kept outdoors during summer. Does best in well-drained soil such as a mixture of bark, perlite, and compost. To prevent it from growing out of control, the plant should be cut back regularly. Pests, Pets, and Diseases No significant pest problems but watch for mealybugs and mites. It is not toxic to pets. Full/partial sun, medium-dry soil Approximately 2 feet tall USDA Zones 3–9 Family Apocynaceae Description Asclepias tuberosa is a species of milkweed native to eastern and southwestern North America. It is commonly known as butterfly weed because of the butterflies that are attracted to the plant by its bright orange color and copious production of nectar. Unlike many other milkweeds, this species does not have milky-sapped stems. Culture Butterfly weed grows best in sunny locations with well-draining, preferably sandy or gravelly soil. Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Avoid wet, heavy soils as these can lead to root rot. Does not need to be fertilized and do not use compost as rich soil produces weak, floppy plants. Mature plants may freely self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Butterfly weed does not transplant well due to its deep taproot and is probably best left undisturbed once established. Pests, Pets, and Diseases No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot can be a problem in wet, poorly drained soils. Susceptible to rust and leaf spot. Toxic to pets only if eaten in large quantities. Full sun, well-drained soil Approximately 3–4 ft tall USDA Zones 5–9 Family Onagraceae Description Gaura is an herbaceous clump-forming perennial in the evening primrose family that is native to Texas and Louisiana. In the breeze these flowers move constantly, looking like a cloud of small butterflies. Gaura is perfect for growing in an informal herbaceous border; its growth habit makes it particularly useful for filling in gaps and linking other planting groups together. It has a long flowering season that lasts from early summer well into autumn. Culture Best grown in sandy, loamy, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates heat, humidity and some drought. May self-seed if spent flower stems are left in place in the fall. Pests, Pets, and Diseases No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in heavy or poorly drained soils. Watch for aphids, whitefly, and flea beetles. It is not toxic to pets. Full sun/partial shade, well-drained soil Approximately 6–8 feet tall USDA Zones 4–8 Family Adoxaceae Description Viburnum × juddii, commonly called Judd viburnum, is a semi-snowball hybrid noted for its fragrant white flowers in spring, quality dark green foliage, black fruit in fall, and purple fall color. Its berries attract birds, while the flowers appeal to various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Culture Easily grown in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist loams but tolerates a wide range of soils. It attracts birds and is drought tolerant once established. Prune as needed immediately after flowering, however pruning off spent flowers will eliminate summer fruit display, which admittedly is not overly showy for this hybrid. Flowers are followed by berry-like fruit that ripen from red to black from late summer to early fall. Use as a hedge in the border. Pests, Pets, and Diseases No serious insect or disease problems. Not toxic to pets. Signature Plants is a benefit for Garden Circle (Contributor, Supporter, and Patron) and President’s Circle members. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of plants and the number of plants we have prepared has already been decided based on how many Garden Circle and President’s Circle members we have prior to the announcement of this event. But if you upgrade or join now you will be invited to pick up your Signature Plant next year! Contributor level members may pick up one plant, and members at the Supporter level and above may pick up two. Plants are offered per membership, not per person. Unfortunately, no; plant pickup is available only on designated dates and times. No; plants can only be picked up in person and we don’t currently have plans to bring back the option to ship plants. Friends are allowed to come and pick up plants in your stead. No; a limited quantity of plants are cultivated for this event and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.2026 Signature Plant Pickup Events
Savor a spring day in the Garden with coffee and morning treats.
Enjoy wine and light snacks during a spring evening.2026 Signature Plants
Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’
Dischidia ruscifolia (Million Hearts Plant)
Plectranthus hilliardiae
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Oenothera lindheimeri ‘The Bride’ (Gaura)
Viburnum × juddii (Judd Viburnum)
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a member. Why can’t I get a plant?
Can I upgrade/join today and get a plant?
How many plants can I pick up?
Can I pick up my plant(s) on a different day/time?
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My plant(s) died—can I get a replacement?
Signature Plant Pickup
Garden Circle Events
Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. & Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 6–8:30 p.m.
Preregistration Required
Houseplant
Houseplant
Houseplant
Herbaceous perennial
Herbaceous perennial
Shrub
Image, top of page: Michael Stewart