Euphorbia is a varied genus of about 2,000 species of annuals, biennials, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees. Members of the genus are widely distributed around the world. Herbaceous Euphorbias–commonly called spurge– are a diverse group of plants, included are the holiday poinsettia, the spiny crown-of-thorns, and green-and-white snow-on-the-mountain. Euphorbias are grown for their spring […] More
Verbascum — commonly called Mullein– produces spire-like bloom stalks covered with small flowers that have a short, tubular base and five spreading petals. Most species have hairy or woolly leaves borne in a large rosette at the base of the plant. Verbascum flowers are summer blooming. Verbascum grow from 1 to 6 feet (1.8m) tall. Taller mulleins make […] More
Thalictrum—commonly known as meadow rues—bear petalless flowers that create a showy and delicate effect in the gardens. Flowers are borne in large-branched clusters above handsome, lacy-textured, blue-green featherlike leaves. The flowers are simply clusters of prominent stamens. Thalictrum is best placed against a dark green hedge or border plants for best effect. The delicate flowers […] More
Santolina–commonly called cotton lavender–bears yellow pompom summer blooms that last weeks. Santolina is an evergreen perennial, sometimes grown as an annual. The plant has aromatic foliage that can be dried for potpourri. Santolina is suitable for a mixed border or shrub border or rock garden. It can be used as edging along a walk for […] More
Rodgersia are large, imposing plants with divided finger-like leaves and tall stems that bear star-shaped petalless, white or pink flowers in large, fluffy, pyramidal panicles. The leaves turn yellow to bronze in autumn. Rodgersia is a perennial that grows 4 to 6 feet tall. Grow Rodgersia in a moist border, a bog garden, or near water. Rodgersia […] More
Peonies are hardy, long-lived mostly herbaceous perennials. They are grown for their showy, often fragrant flowers that resemble rose or camellia flowers. Peonies bloom once a year. Plants bloom for six or more continuous weeks. Peony flowers are cup, bowl, or saucer-shaped. Single-flowered peonies have 5 to 10 petals surrounding a cluster of yellow or […] More
Oenothera–commonly called evening primrose– is a short-lived, clump-forming perennial with fragrant, saucer-shaped pure white flowers that age to pink. Leaves are spoon-shaped and deeply cut. Some Oenothera open in the late afternoon and close the following morning; some blossom during the day. Oenothera bloom best in full sun, but can withstand light shade. All flowers […] More
Macleaya–commonly called plume poppy–is a perennial cultivated for its foliage and graceful inflorescences. Erect stems bear heart-shaped, glaucous, gray-green to olive-green leaves. Numerous petalless, tubular flowers are borne on airy, plume-like panicles. Grow Macleaya in a mixed border or herbaceous border or as free-standing specimens. Macleaya can grow to 8 feet (2.5m) tall; it can […] More
Lamium, commonly called spotted dead nettle, is a demur low-growing evergreen in mild climates. Its silvery mottled leaves and trailing stems can highlight shaded beds and walkway edges. Clusters of pink, white, or yellow miniature snapdragon-like flowers give spotted dead nettle extra appeal. The genus from which spotted dead nettle comes includes some nasty weeds […] More
Kniphofia–commonly called red-hot pokers or torch lily–make a bold statement in the garden. Two-foot flowering spikes look like flaming torches rising above erect fountain-like clumps of grassy leaves. Kniphofia tolerates heat and drought but will survive sub-zero temperatures. Seed sown indoors in very early spring will sometimes produce flowering plants the following autumn. Give young […] More
Helenium–commonly called sneezeweed–is a genus of about 40 species of daisylike annuals, biennials, and perennials. There are numerous cultivars of the perennial Helenium that have been developed for gardens. Helenium were once–and in many places still are–wildflowers native to North America. The perennials in the genus are prized for their daisylike flower heads that bloom […] More
Filipendula–commonly call queen-of-the-prairie–is an upright moisture-loving perennial with deeply cut green leaves. From early to midsummer, it produces heads of fluffy pink flowers on tall slender stems. Filipendula is a favorite of bees. Plant Filipendula in full sun in cool-summer regions; plant it partial shade in hot summer regions. Filipendula grows best in soil that […] More
Stephen Albert