Pachystachys lutea (puh-KISS-tuh-kiss LOO-tee-uh) is a tropical, evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Pachystachys and the Acanthaceae family, also referred to as the Acanthus family. The genus Pachystachys came from the Greek word “pachys,” which means thick, and the other word “Stachys,” meaning spike. Therefore, the Pachystachys means “with thick spikes,” referencing the plant’s flowering … Read more
It’s fun to grow perennials from seed. And besides, it’s bright! You can have more of them and a far greater variety at a meager cost. Of course, raising perennials from seed takes a little more care than it does to set a purchased plant in the ground. But to a natural gardener, that too … Read more
These days, when time seems so limited, many gardeners believe that starting and caring for a perennial garden is just about impossible. They look upon the perennial garden as something belonging to large estates of the past and heave a nostalgic sigh—perennials, with all their glorious colors, are not for them! However, it takes no … Read more
I’ve often wondered why so many gardeners neglect balloon flowers. The only reason I’ve found is that you often find statements that they won’t do well in either stiff clay or light sandy soil. But, to my way of thinking, the sooner such warnings are discounted, the better. I can’t speak from experience regarding stiff … Read more
Vinca major ‘Variegata’ is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Vinca and from the Apocynaceae, commonly known as the dogbanes family. It’s a popular cultivar of the Vinca major species. The genus name Vinca is derived from the Latin word “vincere”, which means “to bind,” and references when Romans used this creeping vine to … Read more
April is daffodil time. When the bright flowers appear, appraise the varieties you have and look over the plantings of friends and neighbors for ideas on the new kinds to plant next fall. Many brilliant ones have been put on the market in recent years. Be on the lookout for the short-cupped type, which comes … Read more
Summary: Discover the unique characteristics and growth habits of the Leatherwood shrub (Dirca palustris), an American native plant that blooms early in spring, with tips on how to care for and incorporate it into your garden landscape. Leatherwood is one of the earliest shrubs to bloom in spring. They are distinguished by their complete lack … Read more
These are by no means all of the flowers available for strong early summer bloom. Omitted, for instance, are the true lilies and the hemerocallis, both such staples for color that they are in classes by themselves. In the photograph are Depending on your latitude and climate, you will probably have these flowers in bloom … Read more
Photographers might be amazed to learn that a very old garden perennial could furnish enough light to be photographed at night long before the modern flashbulb or speedlight was invented. Such a plant is the Dictamnus albus, appropriately called the “gas-plant” or “burning bush.” The flower stalks of Dictamnus (pronounced dick-TAM-nuss) are heavily coated with … Read more
Few plants have everything— neat foliage, fragrant, attractive flowers, the possibility of fruit, and the case of culture. Yet the one which comes closest to this perfection, in my opinion, is Carissa grandiflora, specifically its variety, Nana compacta, the dwarf, spineless Natal plum. Carissa Grandiflora’s Striking Features This particular variety of carissa has dark, shiny, … Read more