Shrub Madness returns for a third year

Shrub Madness, horticulture’s original bracket competition, returns for its third year, just in time to lift spirits as gardeners begin planning for spring.  Spanning March 1-31, this basketball tournament-style bracket will move through six rounds of competition at www.ShrubMadness.com, using popular vote to determine the winner of each match. The user-friendly website allows consumers to fill out their bracket predictions online.

There are three ways in which the voting public will have the opportunity to score dozens of prizes. Every day, a voter will be drawn to win competing plants. At the end of the competition, five voters will be randomly selected to win a collection of the last four plants standing, known as the Floral Four.  The bracket prediction closest to the tournament’s results will also win a grand prize pack: the Floral Four and Plant Geek swag bag. To qualify for the grand prize, brackets must be submitted on www.ShrubMadness.com by February 29, before the start of the competition.

“Shrub Madness is a fun and unique way for us to welcome in spring with our fans and introduce them to newer and lesser known varieties,” said Stacey Hirvela, Social Media Specialist for the brand. “New varieties like At Last™ rose, Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea, Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac, Double Play Red spirea, and a new southern series, Jazz Hands loropetalum, will be introduced to the general public through the competition. It’s always interesting to see the reactions and how they fare against well-known varieties with established fan bases.”

Last year, over 83,000 votes were cast over the course of the competition, and over 2,500 gardeners registered to win.  The Floral Four included Let’s Dance Diva! Hydrangea, Pinky Winky hydrangea, ‘Sweet Summer Love’ clematis and National Champion Fire Light hydrangea.