National Garden Bureau reveals the 2026 Green Thumb Awards winners

National Garden Bureau (NGB) announced the winners of the 2026 Green Thumb Awards. This year’s recipients represent the pinnacle of horticultural innovation, recognized for their unique features, growth habits, resilience and aesthetics. 

The Green Thumb Professional’s Choice Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts based on innovation, garden performance, appeal, durability and reliability. Additionally, the Green Thumb People’s Choice Award winners are voted on by thousands of home gardeners to determine the People’s Choice winners. 

“This year’s winners showcase a shift toward ‘purposeful gardening,’” says NGB President Alicain Carlson. “From a disease resistant basil to plants for celebrations, these plants aren’t just beautiful—they also solve problems for the modern gardener.” 

The 2026 “Professional’s Choice” Green Thumb Award Winners Include:  

• Annual: Dipladenia Sun Parasol FiredUp Coral from Suntory Flowers 

• Edible: Basil Treviso from GardenGenetics and Seeds by Design 

• Garden Product: WaterPlants from Unique Gardener 

• Houseplant: Streptocarpus Lady Slippers Blue Vein from GreenFuse Botanicals 

• Perennial: Crocosmia Dark Fire from Monrovia Nursery 

• Shrub: Hydrangea Centennial Ruby™ from Monrovia Nursery 

The 2026 “People’s Choice” Green Thumb Award Winners Include:  

• Annual: Sunflower Sunfinity™ Yellow-Red Bicolor from Syngenta Flowers 

• Edible: Tomato BadaBing! From A.P. Whaley Seeds 

• Garden Product: Sunshine Black Bear Potting Mix from SunGro Horticulture 

• Houseplant: Pothos Yellow Sunrise from Costa Nursery 

• Perennial: Festuca Glow Sticks from Concept Plants 

• Shrub: Azalea Encore Autumn Kiss from Plant Development Services Inc.