Signature Plant Pickup

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.

2025 Signature Plant Pickup Events

To show our appreciation of your generous support of the Garden, you are invited to select your 2025 Signature Plant at one of two exclusive pickup events. See Plant Choices ›

Take a stroll and enjoy the grounds during peak blooming season before you stop by the Signature Plant pickup table located at the nursery in the south end of the Garden.

Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Savor a spring day in the Garden with coffee and morning treats.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | 6–8:30 p.m.
Enjoy wine and light snacks during a spring evening.

Reserve Tickets

2025 Signature Plants

Photos depict mature plants. You will receive a juvenile plant to grow and care for.

• Houseplant

  Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas/Holiday Cactus)

  Indirect sun/partial shade, moist soil, grow in pot

  6–10 inches tall

  USDA Zones 10–12

  Family Cactaceae

  Description Schlumbergera is a small genus of cacti found in humid and somewhat shady areas of southeastern Brazil. They are known for their leaf-like pads, or stem segments, that connect from one to the other and trail.

  Culture Keep away from direct sunlight; extended periods of lower light in the early fall will help to encourage winter blooms. Water every 1–2 weeks, allowing the potting soil to dry out at least halfway down between waterings. They can benefit from higher humidity when in bloom. Buds may drop due to sudden changes in temperature or light or from lack of water.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases Potential pest problems include mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and aphids. Overwatering may cause root rot. It is nontoxic to pets.

• Houseplant

  Scutellaria javanica (Javan Skullcap)

  Full sun/partial shade, average soil, grow in pot

  18–24 inches tall

  USDA Zones 8–11

  Family Lamiaceae

  Description Scutellaria javanica is a perennial herb or subshrub with bright green leaves and two-toned blue and indigo flowers. The skullcap moniker derives from its seeds, which are shaped like a skull’s base. Scutellaria javanica grows in wet tropical biomes; it is native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea.

  Culture Scutellaria javanica does not tolerate low light and is sensitive to wet soil. Place it less than 1 foot from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth. To replenish nutrients, repot your plant after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. The leaves emit a subtle aromatic fragrance, especially when crushed.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases Javan skullcap can be susceptible to certain pests like aphids and spider mites. Overwatering may cause root rot. Leaf spot diseases may also occasionally affect it, particularly in overly humid conditions. It is nontoxic to pets.

• Houseplant

  Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’ (Lemon Button Fern)

  Partial sun/shade, moist soil, grow in pot

  Approximately 12 inches tall

  USDA Zones 9–11

  Family Nephrolepidaceae

  Description This compact, clump-forming, evergreen fern has masses of dark green, dense, sword-shaped, tripinnate fronds that are ruffled around the edges. The fronds have a mild lemony fragrance during the growing season. Lemon button fern is ideal for terrariums and bottle gardens.

  Culture Bright but indirect light is the gold standard, but it can tolerate a range of conditions. Aim for 60% humidity (50% at minimum). Lemon button ferns are notoriously slow-growing, and it may take a while before growth is noticeable.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases ‘Duffii’ is generally disease-free and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites if the air becomes too dry or if necessary conditions are not met. It is nontoxic to dogs and cats.

• Herbaceous perennial

  Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)

  Full sun/partial sun, moist soil

  1–3 ft tall

  USDA Zones 4–9

  Family Apiaceae

  Description Golden Alexanders is a short-lived perennial with branching, erect, reddish stems; it belongs to the carrot family. It is a carefree plant that occurs naturally in small colonies on wet soils but is also tolerant of dry summer conditions. Native to the United States and Canada, Golden Alexanders grows from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas, and west to Montana.

  Culture In late summer, Golden Alexanders forms oblong-shaped green fruit capsules that gradually turn purple as autumn approaches, as do the stems and leaves. Plants tend to bolt.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases Few pest and disease problems. Mild GI discomfort in cats and dogs is possible if ingested.

• Herbaceous perennial

  Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)

  Full sun, well-drained soil

  6–12 inches tall

  USDA Zones 3–9

  Family Brassicaceae

  Description Candytuft is a low-growing, spreading, evergreen groundcover that may be classified as herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub. It has a woody interior and is evergreen in warmer climates and semi-evergreen in colder climates. Small, white, four-petaled flowers emerge in dense clusters in spring. The leaves are narrow, dark green, and leathery. Candytuft is a native of southern Europe from the Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal to Turkey, and northwest Africa.

  Culture Candytuft prefers full sun locations; part shade is tolerated but it will flower less. Good drainage is essential. This plant is drought-tolerant once established but intolerant of wet and poorly draining soils.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases Candytuft’s biggest problem is usually root rot, which occurs when there is too much moisture in the soil. Fungal diseases can arise when it’s too humid or there is not enough air circulation. Candytuft is mildly poisonous to dogs, causing nausea and vomiting, but nontoxic to cats.

• Shrub

  Philadelphus ‘Natchez’ (Mock Orange)

  Full sun/partial shade, well-drained soil

  8–10 feet tall

  USDA Zones 5–8

  Family Hydrangeaceae

  Description Philadelphus ‘Natchez’ is blanketed in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers with yellow eyes at the ends of the branches in late spring. This hybrid plant originated from two other hybrids.

  Culture This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. It is not particular about soil type or pH and is highly tolerant of urban pollution.

  Pests, Pets, and Diseases ‘Natchez’ is not known to cause harm to pets. It may be susceptible to aphids, honey fungus (rarely), and powdery mildews.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a member. Why can’t I get a plant?

Signature Plants is a benefit for Garden Circle (Contributor, Supporter, and Patron) and President’s Circle members.

Can I upgrade/join today and get a plant?

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!

How many plants can I pick up?

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.

Can I pick up my plant(s) on a different day/time?

Unfortunately, no; plant pickup is available only on designated dates and times.

Can my plant(s) be shipped?

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.

My plant(s) died—can I get a replacement?

No; a limited quantity of plants are cultivated for this event and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.