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BY Sebastian Ortiz Muñoz

Passalong plants carry a rich legacy of gardening tradition, connecting generations through the simple act of sharing. These plants exchanged among friends, neighbors, and family often hold sentimental value, serving as living reminders of loved ones and cherished memories. Director of Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Urban Regional Extension Agent Hayes Jackson shares his insights and offers a glimpse of his upcoming workshop where participants will learn the techniques to pass along this tradition.

What exactly are passalong plants, and what makes them unique compared to other garden plants? 

Hayes: Passalong plants are typically not offered in nurseries and are best found in local gardens shared among friends and family. Some plants may have fallen out of favor with current gardening trends, but are still wonderful additions to any garden or landscape. Some may be difficult to grow or market in a typical wholesale or retail nursery…like crinum bulbs that love to burst out of their pots. Most nurseries prefer not to grow them.

Can you share the history or origins of the concept of passalong plants?

Hayes: Sharing plants and seeds is one of the oldest forms of gardening, long before the nursery industry even existed. In those days, it was the only way to get new plants. It’s a tradition that’s rooted in community—literally and figuratively.

Why do you think passalong plants have become a cherished part of Southern garden traditions?

Hayes: Southern culture is deeply tied to family, history, and storytelling, and passalong plants embody all of that. Every passalong plant has a story—whether it’s a tale of where it comes from or who it reminds you of. These plants keep those memories alive in a very tangible way. 

What are some of the most popular passalong plants gardeners should look for? 

Hayes: There are so many! Some examples are Lycoris, Narcissus, and crinum bulbs or perennials like ginger lilies, coral trees, and camellias. A passalong can be any plant, but in the South these classic varieties are often passed from gardener to gardener. 

What role do passalong plants play in preserving heirloom varieties and biodiversity in gardens? 

Hayes: They provide an avenue of preservation for many plant varieties and cultivars…from vegetables to daffodils. I always say it’s good to share plants because you may have to seek a replacement if something happens in your garden.

Can you share a personal story or memorable experience involving passalong plants in your garden?

Hayes: I have a couple of passalong plants that mean so much to me—an amaryllis and a crinum, one from each of my grandmothers’ gardens. I also have plants from fellow gardeners who have since passed away. I have a beautiful connection to them in my garden.

What advice do you have for beginners who want to start their own passalong plant tradition?

Hayes: Passalong plants are the perfect starting point for new gardeners. The plants are typically easy to propagate and grow, and they come with a minimal investment. 

At a time when trends come and go, passalong plants remind us of the significance of our history, how sharing can connect us to our loved ones, and the role we can play in the preservation of botanical heirlooms. Join Hayes Jackson in person at our upcoming passalong plants workshop. There you can learn how to take cuttings, grow seedlings, and share in abundance. Participants will each take home a plant!

Passalong Plants: Botanical Heirlooms:
Friday, September 27 | 10–11:30 a.m.
$35 Members | $40 Nonmembers