Discovered in 1908 in the Yunnan province of China, the Fairy Primrose or Primula Malacoides has become loved worldwide for its delicate and vibrant colors that grace cold winter months. Primroses have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past few years due to their ability to survive in low temperatures. Primulas are easy to … Read more
The lychnis (lich-nuhs) plant, also known as the rose campion, is an old-fashioned perennial flowering plant known for its bright magenta or white flowers. Lychnis grow in garden beds, indoor pots, or tubs. The lychnis is a species within the Caryophyllaceae (car-y-o-phyl-la-ce-ae) family. It is known as the “silene coronaria,” and the “lychnis caronaria” in … Read more
Have you ever wondered how your gladiolus would rate in a gladiolus show? Then why not judge your own? First, get out the catalog from which you ordered. It is the gladiolus fancier’s best friend and can help you considerably now. Perhaps the description of the spike which you are holding reads something like this … Read more
The Gesneriaceae family appeared in the social register of plant aristocracy when cousin saintpaulia, more commonly called the African violet, became the nation’s number one house plant. Since that time other deserving members of the family, such as Sinningia, achimenes, and episcia, have become better known. The streptocarpus member of the family makes an exceedingly … Read more
Tigridia pavonia is one of the most popular ornamental flowers in the Americas. Unfortunately, these popular flowers can be trickier than some other bulbs, especially for newcomers. Once you figure them out, you’ll have no problem growing some incredible plants! If you want to learn more or grow some glorious blooms for yourself, look no … Read more
Galtonia candicans, also known as the summer hyacinth, isn’t well known by most home gardeners. But this stunning South African flower is beloved by everyone who does know it. Topped with striking clusters of white flowers and offering a sweet scent, Galtonia candicans blooms in the late summer. It can be the perfect finale in … Read more
The colorful, Spring-flowering iris is one of the easiest plants for the average homeowner to grow. Its colorful, prismatic hues are a delight for all to behold, while its culture is well within the scope of any beginner. Hybridizers have extended the period of bloom to produce a much longer season than hitherto imagined. If … Read more
Our old garden had garnered, over 15 years, a nice casual collection of 55 hybrid tea roses and a half dozen climbers. Then we moved and left them all behind. We were in the new place for seven years without planting or growing a single rose. Suddenly last year we had to have roses and … Read more
Question: I have heard of miniature daylilies. Can they be used as a border on garden paths? Michelle, Morganton, NC Answer: Michelle, most people think of the modern daylily hybrid as a bright, colorful, robust, and vigorous perennial requiring a lot of space, but you can have daylilies in miniature, too! These daylilies “diminutives” began … Read more
The discovery of the Regal Lily (Lilium regale) in 1903 and its introduction into cultivation a year later stimulated great interest in lilies. Its discoverer, E. H. Wilson, wrote and talked about it. Stocks of bulbs were produced rapidly from seeds, and as it performed well in gardens, it soon became a common garden plant. … Read more