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Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden
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Pullman Plant Evaluation Garden
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Field observation, years of experience and a passion for plants—all blend together in the Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Program. Since 1982, this program has been dedicated to the scientific study of perennials, vines, annuals, shrubs and trees.
With nearly 10,000 plants of 1,400 different kinds under evaluation, the Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. It is also one of the few U.S. programs that formally evaluates perennials.
The Plant Evaluation Program is dedicated to determining how adaptable select landscape plants are to the Midwest climate. Plants are rated on ornamental qualities, cultural adaptability, winter hardiness, and pest and disease resistance. Findings are reported to the nursery industry and the gardening public.
Two gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden serve as the program’s home. Lavin Plant Evaluation Garden, dedicated to the evaluation of herbaceous perennials, is a 2.5-acre site with uniform growing conditions that include full sun and exposure to wind in all directions. Pullman Plant Evaluation Garden, the Garden’s original test garden, houses perennials, vines, shrubs and small trees in a partially shaded landscape setting.
Chicago Botanic Garden evaluation studies are long-term:
- four years for perennials
- five to seven years for shrubs and vines
- seven to 10 years for trees
Find out about the plants and people in the Plant Evaluation Program.
