Laurentia–commonly called blue star creeper–is a handsome creeping, spreading perennial plant that grows to not more than 3 inches (7.6) tall and bears star-like, light blue flowers in late spring and summer. It is commonly used as a groundcover. Blue star creeper, Laurentia fluviatilis, was formerly known as Isotoma fluciatilis and has been recently renamed […] More
Lespedeza–commonly called bush clover–is a woody-based perennial with arching branches of blue-green leaves that bear drooping 6-inch clusters of rose pink, sweet pea-shaped flowers in late summer. Lespedeza can endure hot, dry sites and soil of low fertility. It can grow to 6 feet (1.8m) tall. Lespedeza grows rapidly; flowers appear on new growth. Lespedeza […] More
Astrantia–commonly called masterwort–is a clump-forming perennial that bears buttonlike flowers. Each bloom consists of an umbel of small, tightly packed, five-petaled flowers surrounded by a showy ruff of papery, petal-like bracts. Astrantia flowers are borne on branched stems above loose mounds of lobed leaves. Flowers can be green or pink, occasionally deep purple-red. Astrantia grows […] More
Dendranthema is a genus of perennials that produce daisylike flower heads that can be white, yellow, pink, or purple. The ray florets (petals) are borne singly or in loose clusters. Dendranthema is a genus of 20 species that were once classified as chrysanthemums. Dendranthema bears aromatic, somewhat fleshy dark green leaves that are lobed or […] More
To attract hummingbirds to your garden provide a habitat that will give them food, water, shade, and shelter. Plant flowering shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, and vines on which they can perch and nest, and from which they can get the nectar they need to thrive. Hummingbirds rely on bright colors to find their food. Choose […] More
Ricinus — commonly called Castor bean–is a bold, striking plant grown for its large leaves and ability to grow quickly providing a tall screen or leafy background. Ricinus can grow to 15 feet (4.5m) tall and wide in one season. Ricinus is a perennial in warm-winter regions; otherwise, it is grown as an annual. Ricinus bears large, […] More
Valeriana — commonly called garden heliotrope–bears tiny, fragrant flowers that can be white, pink, red, or lavender blue. Flowers appear in rounded clusters at the ends of stems. Valeriana is suited for growing in an informal, cottage-style garden, herbaceous border, or herb garden, or for naturalizing in a wild garden. Valeriana is often used as a cut […] More
Coleus bears brilliantly colored leaves in swirls and stripes. Leaf colors include green, chartreuse, yellow, buff, salmon, orange, red, purple, and brown–and often many of these colors on one leaf. Coleus also bears blue flowers which appear in whorls. Many gardeners consider the flowers all but an afterthought next to the leaves. Gardeners often pinch […] More
Lewisia — commonly called bitterroot–produces clusters of funnel-shaped pink, magenta, white, orange, or yellow flowers in spring or summer. Flowers appear above low-growing rosettes or tufts of deciduous or evergreen leaves. Lewisia is native to western North America. The deciduous species occur in open, stony meadows, or grassland. Leaves die down after flowering. Evergreen species are commonly […] More
Helianthemum — commonly called sun rose or rock rose–includes both species and many hybrid sub-shrubs grown for their bright and pastel blooms above gray foliage. Helianthemum grows well in average soil and thrives even in dry soil making it a colorful ground cover for banks and sun-drenched beds. Helianthemum blooms from late spring into summer. Each flower lasts just […] More
Erodium — commonly called cranesbill or heron’s bills–is a genus of low-growing subshrubs that bear flowers similar to species geraniums. Erodiums are tough plants that form dense foliage tufts and can grow in rocky and other less favorable conditions. Erodiums are valued for their attractive foliage and long flowering period. Leaves are roundish and dark green with […] More
Asarum is a low-creeping plant grown more for its glossy roundish or heart-shaped leaves than for its flowers. It is a good ground cover for shaded or woodland gardens. Asarum–commonly called wild ginger–is not used for seasoning like true ginger. Asarum gets its common name from the scent of its crushed leaves and roots–which smell […] More
Stephen Albert