Like plumed soldiers on parade, some garden geraniums (a form of Pelargonium hortorum) hold their heads erect, while others, with long-stemmed flowers, appear to nod in greeting. Whether bedded out in the open ground, lined along a walk, or placed as sentinels in selected spots, the geranium is a beloved plant everywhere. All are suitable … Read more
Can you imagine speckled and veined flowers in lilac-pink, scarlet-bronze, greenish-white, maroon, gray, and black? These are the exotic oncocyclus and regalia iris, called aril iris because their seeds have prominent white arils or collars. To some iris fanciers and discriminating gardeners, they are the bluebloods of the flower world. The colors of these iris … Read more
Knowledge of the natural habitat of these plants will increase your success with them in the garden. A cool soil with constant moisture under the light shade of deciduous trees is ideal. The use of various mulches will help to achieve this condition. Polyantha Primrose’s Ideal Growing Conditions Polyantha primroses are voracious feeders, and to … Read more
Plumbago (plum-BAY-go) is a genus of flowering plants in the Plumbaginaceae family with 10 to 20 species. It is native to South Africa and grows year-round in the southernmost areas of Texas and Florida because of the similar climates. The name plumbago derives from the Latin word plumbum, which means lead. According to Pliny the … Read more
The talinum paniculatum (tal-i-num pan-ick-yoo-lay-tum) is a succulent that is a perennial flowering plant. It is home to the Talinaceae family, which includes 28 other species of flowering succulents. The talinum paniculatum is native to the United States and the Caribbean. The plant is a shrub-type plant that blooms with bright pink flowers in the … Read more
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