Walters Gardens, headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, is a large-scale wholesale plant grower, a leader in perennial breeding and production known for developing innovative and resilient garden plants. Specializing in a wide range of perennials, including hostas, daylilies, and coreopsis, Walters Gardens combines cutting-edge breeding techniques with a commitment to sustainability and superior garden performance. Combining both the plants they grow under the Proven Winners label and their own introductions, they ship out over 19 million perennial liners (tiny plants in the initial stages of growth) to other wholesale growers, independent retail garden centers, landscapers, and municipalities across the US and Canada. Approximately 100 new items are added each year to their catalog of over 1,000 plant varieties.
 

The Walters Gardens Trials at Boone County Arboretum

At Boone County Arboretum, Walters Gardens conducts plant trials to evaluate the adaptability and vigor of their newest perennial introductions in a Midwestern climate. Through careful observation of growth habit, flowering, disease resistance, and seasonal durability over several growing seasons, the Arboretum helps Walters Gardens ensure their plants meet high standards before reaching gardeners and landscapers. This collaboration supports the ongoing mission to deliver exceptional, dependable plants that thrive in diverse environments.

Here are the plant cultivars we are currently testing:

(List coming soon.)