Ligularia tussilaginea, commonly called leopard plant or leopard’s bane, is a rosette-forming perennial native to mountain regions of central and southwest China, Japan, and Taiwan. This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family. The genus name comes from the Latin word ligula, meaning strap, about strap-shaped leaves. The specific epithet resembles tussilago, a genus … Read more
After the summer perennial show is over, when even the sturdy annuals have lost their freshness, the quiet beauty of berried shrubs and vines begins to stand out in the garden. They make ideal background plantings to show off chrysanthemums and extend the autumn glow into the bleak months. On a few, berries persist throughout … Read more
I like to think of Cestrum Parqui, night-blooming jasmine, as nature’s own contribution to the air deodorant problem, one that is as effective as any I can purchase in an aerosol can. Small and insignificant though the individual blooms may be, they will make up for it with a sweet, all-pervading fragrance, so potent that … Read more
Ficus Pumila, also known as the creeping or climbing fig, is a fast-growing vine perfect for covering walls, fences, and trellises. Ficus Pumila is native to India and China. Though it can be an aggressive climber, its small leaves and delicate appearance make it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. If you’re looking … Read more
Plantain-Lilies are outstanding in two respects. They serve more purposes in shaded situations than any other kind of herbaceous perennial and they are known by a bewildering multiplicity of common and scientific names. Their greatest garden value is in their distinctive foliage, which is handsome from early spring until frost takes its toll in the … Read more
This month and next some important planting and gardening can be done here in the North, although not enough gardeners realize it. Garden plants are in good condition. Perennials, for example, are maturing after a long season of growth. Planting them now can be done with a minimum transplanting shock and practically no setback. All … Read more
It’s time to think of perennials, to brighten next year’s garden. Stokesia, blooming frilly sky blue daisies in May and June, is not only easily grown, but lovely and dependable. Veronicas in shades of dark and lighter blue bloom in spikes from May until frost. The older veronica, ‘Blue Spire,’ has royal blue blooms and … Read more
September is the last month for heavy rose feeding. Feeding now will stimulate new growth for bloom next month. The exhibitor who expects to enter October rose shows will need to get ready now. If liquid fertilizer is used, soak the soil before and allow one pint of solution per plant. Do not use a … Read more
Summary: A “dirt” glossary! Well, sort of glossary of terms for garden soils to help you while reading through some of the articles at BestPlants.com. Some words are older and seldom used and others we find used in our everyday “plant” vocabulary. We’ll be adding more and updating. Complete Fertilizer A complete fertilizer is one … Read more
The cliff-dweller turned suburbanite, stepping out of his comfortable dream house, is too often awakened to realize his out-of-doors are entirely barren. The bulldozer did not spare even a shade tree out of a rich woodland!’ Or, the nature-in-the-raw enthusiast, having chosen a thick woodland plot for his retreat, discovers that nature left to its … Read more