Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle, Flower-of-Death, Vinca minor Family: Apocynaceae (a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee) (Info) Genus: Vinca (VIN-kuh) (Info) Species: minor (MY-nor) (Info) Category: Groundcovers Perennials Height: under 6 in. (15 cm) 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) Spacing: 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) USDA …
Read More »Flowers
Tigridia
Introduction Tigridia pavonia, commonly known as the Tiger Flower, is a stunning bloomer that adds a touch of tropical beauty to any garden. Whether you’re planting it as an annual or cultivating it as a multiseason perennial, Tigridia pavonia is sure to captivate with its vibrant colors and unique markings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know …
Read More »Cleome – Senorita Rosalita
Spider Flower, Spider Legs, Grandfather’s Whiskers, Cleome houtteana Family: Cleomaceae Genus: Cleome (klee-OH-me) (Info) Species: houtteana (hoot-AH-na) (Info) Synonym:Cleome hassleriana Synonym:Cleome sesquiorygalis Synonym:Tarenaya hassleriana Synonym:Cleome spinosa Synonym:Neocleome spinosa Category: Annuals Height: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) Spacing: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) Hardiness: Not Applicable Sun Exposure: Full Sun Danger: Plant has spines or …
Read More »Pentas – Scarlet Red
Pentas are tropical blooming plants. When you know how to grow Pentas, you have a foolproof way of attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, too.
Read More »Blanket Flower – Fanfare Blaze
Blanket Flower, Indian Blanket, Gaillardia, Gaillardia aristata Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee) (Info) Genus: Gaillardia (gay-LAR-dee-uh) (Info) Species: aristata (a-ris-TAH-tuh) (Info) Category: Perennials Height: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) Spacing: 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) Hardiness: USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F) USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F) USDA Zone 3a: …
Read More »Dusty Miller
Dusty miller is a favorite because it looks good with everything. The silvery-white color is a great foil for any type of garden blossom and the fine-textured foliage creates a beautiful contrast against other plants’ green foliage. Dusty miller has also earned its place in the garden because it’s delightfully easy to grow, withstanding heat and drought like a champion.
Read More »Calandrinia Spectabilis
Calandrinia is a plant genus that contains many species of purslane, including the redmaids. The genus was named for Jean Louis Calandrini, an 18th-century Swiss botanist. It includes around 150 species of annual herbs which bear colorful flowers in shades of red to purple and white. Plants of this genus are native to Australia, Chile, and western North America. This …
Read More »Spirea – Blue Mist
The “Blue Mist” spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis “Blue Mist”) provides garden color from midsummer through fall. Also called blue beard and blue spirea, the plant earns its names from the fragrant, purple-blue flower spikes that adorn it for most of the summer season and that attract bees and butterflies. The low-maintenance deciduous shrub grows to only 2 or 3 feet …
Read More »Lily – Asiatic
Asiatic lilies (Lilium asiatic) produce showy blooms that range in color from pastel to brilliant shades of pink, red or orange and include every color except for blue. These flowers appear atop a tall stalk that resembles the top of a pineapple and form a cluster of blooms that open in late spring to early summer. With proper care, these …
Read More »Abutilon – Lucky Lantern Red
Various species within the genus Abutilon, including plants commonly referred to as flowering maple, Chinese lantern, Chinese bell flower and collectively as abutilon, are evergreen shrubs enjoyed for their maple-like leaves and bell-like, pendulous flowers. Hardiness varies by species, but most survive up to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8 or 9, and some cultivars are grown as …
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