Tradescantia is a genus of creeping, trailing, or tuft-forming tropical foliage plants. One species, Tradescantia fluminensis–commonly called wandering Jew–has handsome iridescent green and purple striped leaves. Another, T. andersoniana–known as spiderwort–looks like a small corn plant with numerous iris-like blossoms. Tradescantias are evergreen perennials in warm-winter regions, mostly short-lived. They are suitable for herbaceous borders […] More
Cimicifuga–commonly called Bugbane–is a long-lived perennial with wand-like spires of creamy white flowers. Cimicifuga is also called black snakeroot. Cimicifuga makes a bold statement in bloom at the back of shady borders. It is a good choice for woodland gardens interplanted with ferns. Cimicifuga can grow to 4 feet tall. Slim spikes of small white […] More
Sisyrinchium – commonly called Blue-eyed grass–bears star, cup, or shallowly trumpet-shaped flowers that can be blue, yellow, mauve, white, and occasionally pink. The flowers appear in summer and are borne singly or in umbel-like clusters. Sisyrinchium despite its common name is not a grass; it is a relative of the iris. Sisyrinchium produces clumps of linear […] More
Platycodon–commonly called balloon flower–is a perennial that bears mostly purple-blue flowers opening from balloon-like buds from spring through early fall. The inflated flower buds that look like balloons split open into broad, shallow, bell-shaped flowers. A single species comprises the genus Platycodon, however, there are several cultivars; some may bear white or pink flowers. Flowers […] More
Myosotis–commonly called Forget-me-not–bears tiny, saucer-shaped, yellow-eyed, blue, or occasionally white or pink flowers from spring to early summer. Myosotis is a tufted plant with ovate to lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. Plants grow erect or sprawling. Myosotis is a good choice for shady flower beds and moist places near water. They spread rapidly by seed and with […] More
Monarda–commonly called bee balm–bears hooded red, pink, white, or lilac summer trumpet-shaped flowers borne in whorls. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Monarda is a tall clump-forming perennial with, aromatic lance-shaped green leaves. Monarda has dark green leaves with a strong pleasant odor of mint and basil. Monarda is a perennial; it is not long-lived […] More
Liriope–commonly called lilyturf or blue lilyturf–bears lavender or purple-blue, thickly clustered flower spikes in fall, followed by black berries. Liriope is a spreading evergreen perennial that forms dense clumps of grass-like glossy dark green leaves. Liriopecan be invasive in some areas. Liriope is a genus of stemless, smooth, evergreen perennials; they are members of the […] More
Hostas are large-leaved plants that add texture and color to the front of shady beds and borders. Spikes of blue, lavender, or white trumpet-shaped flowers rise above mounds of leaves. Leaves may be heart-shaped, lance-shaped, oval, or nearly round. Foliage runs from lime to dark green, greenish-gold, gray, and blue with many variegated forms. Most […] More
Hardy hibiscus, also called perennial hibiscus and rose mallow, is a woody-based perennial that bears widely funnel-shaped flowers with spreading petals that are white, pink, or crimson. The flowers are borne on erect stems with broadly ovate to lance-shaped mid-green leaves. The botanical name of the hardy hibiscus is Hibiscus moscheutos. The hardy hibiscus has […] More
Cushion spurge – botanical name Euphorbia epitbymoides – creates symmetrical dense mounds of pale green leaves topped with chartreuse flowerlike bracts. Cushion spurge brings a splash of bright color to the garden from spring well into summer. Foliage turns deep red foliage in autumn. Cushion spurge is one of the longest lived and easiest-to-care-for perennials. […] More
The Crown of Thorns plant, Euphorbia milii, gets its common name from the sharp spines that protect the thick stems of this cactus-like plant. A relative of the poinsettia, the crown of thorns has small grayish-green leaves that provide year-round color, while bright red flower bracts appear in fall and winter. Crown of thorns thrives […] More
Lychnis bears bright summer flowers often pink or red. Flowers are carried singly on branched stems or in small, rounded clusters. The Lychnis genus contains about 20 species of biennial and perennials. Lychnis coronaria is an old-fashioned favorite often planted in borders. Other species are suited for rock gardens and containers. Lychnis bears five-petaled flowers […] More
Stephen Albert