The Handpicked for You® Plant Certification Process
Plants certified with the Handpicked for You® trust mark are regionally tested and independently verified, through a rigorous review process, to be consistent top performers from a wide range of breeders and growers. Handpicked for You® certified plants provide a reliable promise of success and quality to new and experienced gardeners alike.
Initially, promising plants that have been introduced by hybridizers from around the world undergo regional trials at independent grower locations in the United States and Canada.
Potential new plants are tested on their performance and are evaluated frequently throughout the spring and summer growing season and at regular time intervals year-round. As they proceed through the evaluation process, their performance is measured and the data is regularly recorded for:
- Plant uniformity
- Height & width
- Bloom quality
- Bloom duration
- Floriferousness
- Foliage quality
- Pest & disease resistance
- Hardiness
- Overall plant performance
The plants are also evaluated on additional criteria designed to consider their overall suitability for today’s yards. This additional evaluation takes into account factors such as their: multi-season interest, native origins, maintenance requirements, water needs, deer resistance and pollinator friendliness.
Plants that show promise at the regional grower locations are then selected to move on to local evaluations at independent garden centers. These plant experts in your neighborhood understand the unique requirements for garden success in your area. As this local trialing advances, these independent retailers are able to sell, in some instances, limited quantities for feedback from customers such as yourself. This feedback is regularly shared as part of the testing process.
The local trials are a key part of the plant evaluation process that provides the final go-ahead for which plants receive the coveted Handpicked for You® trustmark.
