Ageratum houstonianum (aj-eh-RA-tum hews-tun-EE-an-um) is an annual often used in garden beds or outdoor containers. It is a member of the genus Ageratum and the family Asteraceae. Ageratum houstonianum is native to southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, though it has spread to other areas. It grows naturally in forest clearings, pastures, and shrub-covered ground up … Read more
The passion vines are tropical gems at home in warmer climates, but also to be enjoyed the year-round ‘in the North where the winter temperature reaches 20° degrees Fahrenheit below zero and even lower. We propagate a succession of plants. Plants Grow in Greenhouse Gardens The new plants grew through the winter indoors in window … Read more
Abutilon is also known as flowering maple, Chinese lantern, parlor maple, or Chinese bellflower. While it is an erect, branching plant with maple-like leaves, Abutilon like Hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae, also known as the mallow family. The plants have mallow-like flowers, hence one of its common names, “Indian mallow.” These plants are mainly native … Read more
Here’s something different to add to your transplanting tools: one small compass. That’s right, the handy friend of every scout and a great help to the gardener too. If you have lived long in one place, you hardly need a compass. You already know where the sun rises and sets about your property, but how much … Read more
There are many reasons why people might want to get graptophyllum pictum. Maybe you like how it looks, or perhaps you’re looking for a plant to care for that is easy to keep alive. No matter what your reason, learning how to take care of this plant is essential if you want it to thrive. … Read more
If you’re someone who loves plants and wants to add a unique one to your collection, you may want to get a Musa plant. Musa plants are native to the Asia Pacific region. They’re easy to care for and can be wonderful additions to your home or garden. Let’s explore a few reasons why you … Read more
Asparagus meyeri is an evergreen perennial commonly referred to as the Asparagus fern. However, despite its common name, it is not a real fern. Instead, depending on the classification system used, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae). Several other Asparagus species are also called Asparagus fern, including: Asparagus plumosus … Read more
The Setcreasea pallida is an easy perennial plant that blooms with pretty purple flowers. Although the plant’s flowers are pretty, they’re not the main reason gardeners love the Setcreasea pallida. The plant has beautiful, soft, large purple leaves that look fantastic in a hanging basket. Because the stems aren’t rigid, they cascade over the edge … Read more
The day I took my grandson (then a second or third grader) to the garden to show him the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) and its reactions to the touch of one’s hands, I was greatly surprised to have him ask: “Is it a perennial or annual?”It was satisfying to know that youngsters were being taught … Read more
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