Dietes–commonly called fortnight lily or African iris–is a rhizomatous perennial cultivated for colorful iris-like flowers. All varieties grow quickly and produce flowers at two-week intervals throughout spring, summer, and fall. Dietes is an iris-like plant with fans of stiff narrow, evergreen leaves growing from dense long-lasting clumps. The flowers resemble small Japanese irises; each flower […] More
Asteriscus is an herbaceous perennial that bears a profusion of bright yellow-gold flowers in mid-summer. Asteriscus is low-growing from 12 to 24 inches tall and wide-spreading, 3 to 4 feet across. The leaves are silvery-green and flowers are 1 to 2 inches across. Asteriscus is tolerant of salt spray making it well suited for coastal […] More
Anigozanthos–commonly called kangaroo paw–is an herbaceous perennial that bears unique tubular in shape, fuzzy flowers that resemble a kangaroo paw. The flowers appear on branched or unbranched stems that grow several feet above the foliage. Flower colors range from red, pink, green, yellow, and orange. Anigozanthos has strap-like leaves and a clumping growth habit. Flower […] More
Cardiospermum–commonly called love-in-a-puff–is a tropical perennial climber that bears small white flowers followed by paper-like capsules that resemble paper lanterns–the puff in the common name. Cardiospermum attracts bees and is considered a very good pollinator plant. Cardiospermum uses tendrils to climb supports; it can grow to as much as 12 feet tall. Cardiospermum has attractive […] More
Stylophorum–commonly called Celandine poppy–is woodland perennial that produces clusters of saucer-shaped, four-petaled , poppylike flowers in shades of yellow or orange. Stylophorum diphyllum is an 18-inch species native to the eastern United States. The deeply lobed, scallop -margined leaves form 12 inch wide mounds. The flowers are 1- to 2-inches wide and appear spring to […] More
Physalis–commonly called ground cherry or Chinese lantern–is a rhizomatous perennial that bears inconspicuous yellow flowers that are followed by spherical red, yellow, or purple berries that are enclosed in decorative, paper lantern-like calyces. Physalis alkekengi known as Chinese lantern is a perennial cultivated for its decorative flowers. Physalis ixocarpa is an annual commonly known as […] More
Lachenalia–commonly called cape cowslip–is a tender bulbous perennial that bears showy, erect spikes or racemes of bell-shaped or tubular yellow or orange flowers. The flowers appear from autumn until spring; the plant is dormant in summer. Lachenalia flowers are arranged in whorls. They often have tips that are contrasting color. Flowers are carried on leafless, […] More
Hepatica is a spring-flowering perennial that bears bowl- to star-shaped flowers. The flowers usually open before the leaves have fully developed. Flowers can be white, blue, pink, or pale purple. Hepatica is native to woodlands in Northern temperate climates. It is a good choice for a shade or woodland garden or a shady spot in […] More
Veltheimia is a tender, bulbous perennial that bears clusters of pendent, tubular flowers carried on erect stalks above basal rosettes of wavy eaves. Veltheimia’s flowers resemble those red-hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.). Each small flower has six small lobes at the top. Veltheimia is native to South Africa. It is well adapted to the sun and […] More
Uvularia–commonly called merrybells–is a spring-blooming wildflower native to eastern North America that is sometimes grown in woodland and shade gardens. Uvularia is a rhizomatous perennial with pendent, bell-shaped flowers consisting of six tepals. The flowers bloom atop erect branched or unbranched stems with lance-shaped leaves. Uvularia grows best in partial to full shade with rich, […] More
Dodecatheon–commonly called shooting stars–is a perennial that bears shuttlecock-shaped flowers in spring. The pendant flowers are borne on arching stems; the petals are acutely reflexed, displaying long, beadlike stamens. Dodecatheon is native to damp meadows and high alpine meadows. It prefers full sun where summers are cool. It can be grown in partial afternoon shade […] More
Aegopodium–commonly called bishop’s weed–is a ground-covering perennial that will grow where many other plants will not. It can be used as spreading ground cover but should be grown apart from most other plants; it spreads via rhizomes and can be invasive when grown near other plants. Aegopodium bears deep green leaves; each leaf consists of […] More
Stephen Albert