Tulips are a beautiful addition to any garden, and if you didn’t plant them in the fall, you can still plant tulip bulbs in the springtime. While they traditionally require a cold period to bloom fully, following a few simple tips can help you succeed in growing these striking flowers. Use these methods to enjoy … Read more
Citronella plant (Pelargonium citrosum) is a fragrant, scented geranium that is grown as an annual in most climates and as a perennial in warm climates. Also called mosquito plant or lemon geranium, it has a strong, citrus-like fragrance that quickly wafts from its crushed leaves. The scent of citronella plant is reminiscent of citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) or its cousin, lemongrass. Although … Read more
When you want to introduce a touch of the exotic to your landscape, make a statement with the showy, ornamental Heliconia rostrata. Each tall stem features lush, dark green, paddle-shaped foliage topped with a drooping inflorescence with bright red flowering bracts. The small, hanging yellow flower clusters stay around for weeks when in bloom. The dramatic … Read more
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a deciduous shrub that is native to the eastern part of North America. It grows in an upright and fairly rounded shape. Its glossy, dark green leaves are around 1 to 3 inches long and either lanceolate or elliptical in shape. The foliage turns red to reddish-purple in the fall, providing striking … Read more
The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a beautiful ornamental evergreen tree that produces delicious golden-orange fruit. Unlike other stone fruits, loquats are harvested in the spring after the tree has put on a show with stunning, sweet-scented white flowers in the late winter. Native to China and Japan, where it is called biwa, this adaptable … Read more
Aeoniums, also known as tree houseleeks, are a type of perennial succulent recognized for their striking, waxy leaves presented in vibrant rosettes. These plants can add both elegance and variety to indoor and outdoor gardens. By understanding how to cultivate and maintain different varieties of aeoniums, you can enjoy their unique beauty whether grown in … Read more
Orchids, known for their vibrant colors and ease of cultivation, are popular flowering plants that add a tropical touch to our interiors. If you desire an abundance of these beautiful plants, you’ll be pleased to know that orchids can be propagated from a leaf, using a technique called leaf cuttings. Read on to discover how … Read more
Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana), also commonly known as wild cherries or bitter-berries, are shrubs or small ornamental trees known for their purple-black fruit used for jellies, jams, and wines. Chokecherry trees grow well in a wide span of light, soil, and temperature situations and conditions but will thrive if planted near rivers or other readily accessible water sources. The … Read more
Jane magnolia is a smaller hybrid of larger southern magnolias, and it is a hardier choice for cooler temperatures, still providing signature blooms. It grows well in full sun, but in areas that get hot summers, it will benefit from partial shade in the afternoon. Jane magnolia also tolerates most soils, as long as they are well-draining. … Read more
Blackberry plants are hardy perennials that produce juicy fruit each summer or fall. Though native to many regions around the world, they have been primarily cultivated in North America and Europe. Today’s blackberry varieties result from careful breeding, leading to differences in size, shape, yield, growth habit, and harvest season among cultivars. Despite these differences, … Read more