Photo: Plant of the Year. jpg: ‘Precious Pearl’, a flowering gum, has been named Plant of the Year in Australia for 2026.
The Plant of the Year for 2026 has been named by the Victorian nursery and garden industry. The newly crowned plant is an attractive native flowering gum, Corymbia ficifolia ‘Precious Pearl’.
It was named as a standout performer across judging criteria. ‘Precious Pearl’ is a medium-sized flowering gum (7m x 4m) described elegant yet hard wit a beautifully balanced canopy and masses of soft pink-to-white summer blooms. It is recommended for use in parks, streetscapes and modern garden designs.
This tree is produced by tissue culture, which ensures reliable growth, consistent form and uniform floral display, which say the judges makes it a versatile, high-impact choice for today’s landscapes.
Plant of the Year is a launchpad for industry-wide recognition and exposure. Plants are entered by growers. Winning plants receive extensive exposure through print and social media and with promotions in garden centres and at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Other winners
The Plant of the Year is selected from among winners of the other entry categories. ‘Precious Pearl’ also won Tree of the Year. Other winners for 2026 are:
Shrub of the Year Magical Lemon Lime (Nandina domestica ‘LemLim’). Highly Commended Cyclamen persicum ‘Illusia’.
Australian Native of the Year Chrysocephalum apiculatum ‘CAP07’ (intended trade name Aussie Reflection™). Highly Commended Chamelaucium floriferum ‘Pinnacle Pink’.
The Plant of the Year and the other category winners and runners up are announced to the public at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show which runs in 2026 from March 25-29 at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
