This year marks a milestone for Plants Nouveau, as the company celebrates its 20-year anniversary. Since sprouting in 2005, Plants Nouveau has introduced some of the most beloved plants to the North American market—and they're just getting started.
Founded by horticulturist and industry visionary Angela Treadwell-Palmer, Plants Nouveau quickly became known for its eye for innovation and commitment to quality. In 2011, the company doubled its impact by welcoming a new co-owner; renowned Southern plantswoman Linda Guy, along with the genetics from her former nursery, Carolina Nurseries. Together, this dynamic duo has introduced hundreds of novel, resilient, and garden-worthy plants that have delighted growers, retailers, and home gardeners alike.
"Twenty years ago, we set out to shake up the plant world," said Treadwell-Palmer. "We wanted to bring fresh, exciting, and reliable plants to market—and support the brilliant breeders behind them. It's been an incredible ride, and we're more energized than ever for what's next."
© Plants Nouveau
Key milestones in the Plants Nouveau 20-year journey
2005 – Plants Nouveau is born, introducing its first standout: the double coneflower 'Pink Double Delight'.
2007 – Breakthrough moment with national attention for early introductions from breeder partner AB-Cultivars.
2010 – Global expansion begins with breeder partnerships across Europe and Asia.
2013 – Launch of the hydrangea lines from breeder partner Kolster B.V, in the Netherlands and Hortensia France (HoKo), redefining hydrangeas. Hydrangea Revolution introduction. This is the hydrangea that changed the way gift plants are grown and marketed around the world.
2016 – A big year. Pollinator-friendly perennial collections take root, including vibrant Monarda, Helenium, Echinacea, and Nandina 'Lemon Lime' takes the horticulture world by storm, outselling any other Plants Nouveau variety worldwide. New partnerships for supplying exclusive genetics to the Monrovia and Bloomin' Easy brand develop.
2019 – Reached 300+ plant introductions and counting—spanning perennials, shrubs, trees, and ornamental grasses.
2021 – Digital transformation with a sleek new website and growing social media presence. Beginning to represent the Kolster cut flower genetics for North American specialty cut flower growers. The cut flower side of our licensing business took off after the COVID outbreak as floral suppliers could not get imported products. This remains one of their largest growing segments.
2022 – Thuja 'Junior Giant' hits the market, revolutionizing the world of compact evergreens.
2023 – Fruit Snack brand debuts, bringing backyard-friendly columnar apple trees to home gardeners. Began a partnership with Chicagoland Grows to introduce their super hardy trees, shrubs and perennials.
2024 - First-ever series of ITOH peonies bred in the US debuts as the Carden Candy Series.
2025 – 20th anniversary celebration. Featuring the North American debut of the Magical hydrangea brand.
A year of celebration
To honor this milestone, Plants Nouveau is rolling out a year-long celebration filled with:
- New plant introductions
- Behind-the-scenes stories from breeders and growers
- And a look ahead at the next generation of garden game-changers
- Many champagne toasts with the people who helped them along the way
As Plants Nouveau looks to the future, its mission remains rooted in passion, partnership, and the power of plants to transform spaces and lives.
For more information:
Plants Nouveau 
https://www.plantsnouveau.com/
