Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. Powdery mildew attacks beans, peas, lettuce, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash and other plants including many annual and perennial flowers and shrubs. Powdery mildew fungal spores germinate on the dry surface of leaves when humidity is high and […] More
Heteromeles is a genus of hardy and low-maintenance evergreen shrubs and small trees that can be grown in a variety of conditions. The most well-known species in this genus is Heteromeles arbutifolia, commonly called toyon, which is native to California and the western United States. Other common names for Heteromeles is California holly and Christmas […] More
Bedding begonias–also called wax begonias, fibrous begonias, or annual begonias–are colorful tender perennials commonly grown as annuals. One-inch pink, white, red, or bi-color blooms are either single or double. Flowers appear from spring through fall. There are many strains or cultivars of bedding begonias. Foliage is nearly as colorful as the blooms in some cultivars. […] More
Ceanothus, also known as California lilac, is a beautiful shrub that can be grown in a variety of climates and settings. Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is a genus of of about 50 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and small trees native to North America. They are known for their clusters of vibrant […] More
Nerium oleander – commonly called oleander – is a flowering shrub with a dense, bushy habit native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant in warm-region gardens and landscapes due to its beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage. Oleander is well-suited for warm and dry climates. It […] More
Nepeta, also known as catnip or catmint, is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow. Nepeta is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a bushy plant with gray-green leaves that have a pungent aroma when crushed. Nepeta produces small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spikes during […] More
Cheiranthus, commonly known as wallflowers, are perennial plants that are relatively easy to grow. Cherianthus bears showy, terminal spikes of bright, sweet fragrant flowers adding a pop of color to the garden. Cherianthus is a great cut flower than can be enjoyed indoors. It also attracts butterflies and pollinators to the garden. Cherianthus are small […] More
Texas Bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis, bears blue, pealike flowers in midsummer. Flowers are borne on long, graceful spikes from 1 to 3 feet tall. Bluebonnets are a good fit for meadows and long drives. They quickly reseed and naturalize. Get to know Texas Bluebonnet Where to plant Texas Bluebonnet When to plant Texas Bluebonnet Planting and […] More
Zinnia is a low, bushy annual with oval dark green leaves, and red, yellow, purple, pink, and sometimes green daisy-like flowers from summer to early fall. Zinnias offer masses of color in beds and borders and can be grown in small groups in containers and pots. Zinnias are hot-weather plants. They do best after the […] More
Poppy flowers–members of the Papaver genus–are bright additions to the summer garden. Poppy flowers bear solitary or double cup-shaped flowers from 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) across. Flowers often have a crepe-papery texture. Colors can be white, yellow, pink, red, orange, salmon, and purple. There are annual and perennial poppy flowers. Best known are the […] More
Veronica, best known as speedwell, is a vigorous, easy-to-grow plant with a rich palette of colors including true blue, violet-blue, pink, and white. Veronica is a group of long-blooming annuals and perennials. Speedwells grow 12 to 36 inches tall depending on the species. They bear colorful 6- to 8-inch spikes of tiny flowers mostly in […] More
Angelica is a herbaceous biennial-perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow. It is a beautiful and versatile herb that can be grown in your garden or in containers. Angelica is a tropical-looking plant native to northern Europe and western Asia. It has divided and toothed bright green leaves that grow two to three feet […] More
Stephen Albert