Nan Schiller 
When autumn leaves put on a spectacular display of browns, oranges, purples, reds, and yellows, do you wonder why they turn such vivid hues? You’re not alone. Ongoing scientific study points to reasons that may or may not tell the whole story. Read on to learn what we know to date about why autumn leaves change color.
To have healthy, beautiful roses, you need to grow varieties suited to your growing zone. And if you live where the ground freezes during the coldest months of the year, you may have to provide winter protection to get those beauties safely through to spring. Learn how to winterize your roses in this guide.
Both farmers and home gardeners are likely to find cover cropping a valuable practice. Sowing dense, fast-growing plants to cover fallow soil helps to control weed growth and inhibit erosion. The decaying plants improve soil structure and replenish nutrients. Read on and learn if it is beneficial to rotate cover crops.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a hybrid cultivar with a robust, pearlescent gray-green rosette and bell-like coral flowers on gracefully arching stems. It’s suited to cultivation in Zones 9 to 12 and also makes a striking houseplant. Learn how to grow and care for this charming succulent in this guide. Read more now.
Low-maintenance, water-wise succulents are popular houseplants, but did you know that you can also cultivate them outdoors in the garden? Read on to discover species suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone and create eye-catching arrangements that display the varied forms, colors, and textures of these quirky desert plants.
Sedum is a genus of flowering succulents, also known as stonecrop. Species and cultivars are available for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. Heights vary from three-inch ground covers to 24-inch bed and border specimens, and bloom times range from summer to fall. Read on for 31 of our favorite varieties of sedum for the home landscape.
The Christmas cactus is a rainforest plant that’s easy to grow at home in indirect sunlight and well-draining potting medium. Did you know that you can encourage it to bloom every holiday season with a few simple steps to mimic the natural dormancy process? Read on for instructions, and get set for a profusion of flowers.
Welcome autumn in brilliant style with late-season flora that showcases vivid flowers, foliage, and berries. Enhance an existing landscape or dedicate new areas of your outdoor living space to energizing pinks, purples, oranges, reds, and yellows. Choose your favorites from our list and prepare for a spectacular fall.
Powder puff cactus grows in Zones 9 to 11 or as a houseplant. Its stems have spring-to-summer crowns of white, yellow, or pink funnel-shaped blossoms. A mounding growth habit and prolific offsetting make for an attractive low-profile display. Learn how to grow and care for powder puff cactus in this guide. Read more now.
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of color, texture, and interest in the garden. Here are 15 cool-weather perennials that can invigorate your landscape with vivid blossoms and foliage as the days start to grow shorter. Extend the growing season with your new autumn favorites in this guide. Read more now.
The Mammillaria genus contains almost 200 species of flowering cylindrical and globular cacti with protuberances and straight or hooked spines. They’re suited to Zones 9 to 11, make easy-care houseplants, and pair well with other desert succulents. Learn how to grow and care for mammillaria in this guide. Read more now.
Aphids are a nightmare, leaving plants shriveled and dying after an infestation. Learn natural ways to keep them from making your backyard their home, plus ways to manage an onslaught without resorting to potentially dangerous chemical preparations. We’ve got gardening solutions you can use in this guide. Read more now.
Turning one succulent into a whole collection is easier than you might think. Create an enchanting low-maintenance array of colors, shapes, and textures by purchasing one of each of your favorites, and propagating the rest yourself. Learn how to propagate succulents in five easy steps in this guide. Read more now.
Vines like Chinese wisteria and evergreen Boston ivy may give a home a stately and elegant appearance. However, one can’t help but wonder if their winding ways are secretly causing damage to a home’s outer surfaces, like shingles and siding. Before you plant, read on to learn how vines may affect your home’s facade.
Tropical popcorn cassia has terminal clusters of bold yellow blossoms and upright stems that provide garden beds with a dynamic backdrop. A sun-loving perennial in Zones 9 to 11, this fast-growing species is suited to annual cultivation in Zones that freeze. Learn how to grow and care for popcorn cassia in this guide.
Tower of jewels, Echium wildpretii, is a biennial suited to cultivation in Zones 9 to 11. It is prized for its stunning display of deep pink to red flower cones above a rosette of silvery foliage. Cultural requirements include full sun and cool, dry air. Learn more about this fascinating species in this guide. Read more.
Quality garden implements constructed of steel and wood are made to last, but they require maintenance to keep them in good working order. Read on and learn how to care for and store garden hand tools. With these tips for cleaning, repairing, sharpening, and storage, your favorites will surely become family heirlooms.
Heliotropes charm with clusters of fragrant purple, blue, or white flowers, with a fragrance often compared to vanilla or cherry pie. These sun-loving annuals or tender perennials attract butterflies and bees while filling the air with sweetness. Learn how to grow and care for heliotropes in this guide. Read more now.
Gryphon begonia is a shade-loving tropical hybrid prized for its glossy, silver-streaked green foliage with red undersides. The strikingly variegated leaves measure up to 10 inches across for a substantial annual, houseplant, or Zone 8 to 10 perennial. Learn how to grow and care for showy Gryphon begonia in this guide.
For an attractive indoor hanging plant, choose a variety of asparagus fern. Appreciated for its delicate and feathery leaves, this vigorous grower is easy to maintain and adds soft green color and textural interest to your indoor decor. Learn how to plant and grow this South African beauty. Read more now.
Chocolate cosmos flowers have velvety maroon petals that infuse late-day summer sunshine with the fragrance of chocolate. The species grows as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11 and can be enjoyed as an annual in cooler regions, lifting and storing the tubers at season’s end. Learn how to grow chocolate cosmos in this guide.
Do you enjoy the excitement of buying or receiving fresh cut flowers, then throw them away in disgust when they wilt in stagnant water? It’s time to learn how to make vase and dish arrangements last more than a few days. Learn seven useful tips for keeping your blossoms first-day fresh in this guide. Read more now.
When selecting landscape trees, it’s common to inquire about features like shape, mature dimensions, and spring flowering. But it’s just as important to ask what color the leaves turn in the fall. We’ve gathered 21 of the best trees for exciting yellow fall color. Read on to choose your favorites!
Perennials return year after year with none of the replanting work that comes with annuals. From easy-care classics to showstopping bloomers, the right varieties will thrive across a wide range of climates and conditions, filling borders and beds with color. Discover 17 of the best flowering perennials in this guide.
If you have only a small outdoor space and want to grow your own vegetables, container gardening is the perfect solution. Not sure where to begin? This guide will give you all you need to get started, including choosing and prepping containers, selecting appropriate plants, and routine care of your crops. Read more now.
Shooting star is an early spring wildflower native to eastern and central North America, where its rarity has earned it protected status in numerous regions. It prefers partially shaded fertile prairies and open woodlands, and is well-suited to Zones 4 to 8. Learn how to grow and care for Primula meadia in this guide.
Need an alternative to grass under a shady tree? Do you have a slope that’s hard to mow? Ground cover plants offer a low-maintenance alternative to the carpets of lawn to which we have become accustomed. Learn about 15 of the best flowering ground covers for your unique property in this guide. Read more now.
Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) is a beautiful Alpine wildflower, native to the rocky limestone slopes of the European Alps made famous by The Sound of Music. It produces clusters of woolly white star-shaped blooms in summer above silvery felted foliage. Learn how to grow edelweiss flowers in this guide. Read more now.
Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is native to the woodland floors of eastern North America. Its delicate, fern-like foliage and clusters of white pantaloon-shaped blooms emerge in early spring, disappearing by summer as the plant goes dormant. Learn how to grow this charming spring ephemeral in this guide.
‘Fairy Castle’ is a dwarf cactus suited to Zones 9 to 11 that makes an outstanding low-maintenance houseplant. It is noteworthy for having clustered, branching, columnar stems that resemble fanciful castle turrets. Discover all you need to know to grow this eye-catching triangle cactus cultivar indoors in this guide.
Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) is a flowering rainforest plant with translucent white berries that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity. It has segmented cylindrical stems that cascade attractively from hanging planters. Learn how to grow mistletoe cactus as a houseplant in this guide. Read more.
Having a varied kitchen herb garden is convenient, but did you know that some culinary and medicinal herbs have aggressive tendencies and the potential to crowd out neighboring plants and spread around the garden? Learn about 21 potentially invasive herbs and find helpful ideas for curbing unwanted growth in this guide.
Forsythia is a vigorous shrub that is best known for having bright yellow blossoms in early spring, when most plants are still dormant. But what happens when they fail to bloom? Learn about 7 of the most common reasons why your forsythia may not bloom, and what you can do about it in this guide. Read more now.
String of dolphins (× Bacurio delphinatifolius) is a whimsical succulent with leaves shaped like breaching dolphins. This intergeneric hybrid produces cascading stems ideal for hanging baskets. It thrives indoors with bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. Learn how to grow string of dolphins in this guide.
Rejuvenate the bare gardens of winter with the fresh blossoms of spring. Discover 25 of the best early spring flowering bulbs, perennials, and shrubs. Boost your curb appeal and welcome visitors with bold, vivid colors that invigorate, or pastels that soothe. Say goodbye to winter and find your new favorites now.
If your spring forsythia display isn’t up to par, it could be because the shrubs have suffered cold weather damage. Unusually low temperatures and frozen precipitation can wreak havoc on plant tissue. Read on to discover the warning signs and steps you can take to try to restore your forsythia to its former glory.
From a curtain of arborvitae around the pool to a knee-high boxwood square around the rose garden, hedging is a landscape technique that adds beauty and function to any garden setting. Whether you want privacy screening, windbreaks, or decorative borders, learn about 15 of the best plants for hedges in this guide.
Watch chain crassula, aka rattail cypress, is a succulent species native to Southern Africa. It has dense, short leaves and branching, erect stems that resemble the links in a pocketwatch chain. Low-maintenance and water-wise, it’s easy to grow indoors as a houseplant. Learn how to grow watch chain crassula in this guide.
The flapjack paddle plant is a striking succulent with vertically stacked foliage that shades to scarlet in bright sunshine. This South African native thrives in an arid climate, making an easy-care houseplant or vibrant addition to xeriscapes and water-wise landscapes. Learn how to grow Kalanchoe luciae in this guide.
Forsythia is an early spring flowering woody shrub with bright yellow blossoms on gracefully arching branches. Let it take its own shape, or prune it as desired, for the perfect backdrop to colorful bulbs, or a perimeter hedge. Read on to find all you need to know to cultivate and maintain forsythia in your landscape.
Put out the welcome mat for spring with an array of flowering bulbs and branches. Learn what forcing means, and how to select, prepare, and cultivate an indoor profusion of daffodils, forsythia, hyacinths, and branches like pussy willow. Learn everything you need to know about forcing spring blooms in this guide.
Are you itching to get into the garden, but it’s still too cold outside? Satisfy your craving to play in the dirt by starting seeds indoors. With an egg carton and potting medium, you can grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables to transplant outside when the weather warms. Learn how on Gardener’s Path.
Do you have a garden? If so, the makings of beautiful foliage arrangements are at your fingertips. Learn simple techniques for arranging flowers and greenery grown in your own backyard. From selecting containers to cutting focal flowers, this simple guide introduces the basics of creating your own arrangements. Read more.
String of nickels, Dischidia nummularia, is a perennial vine named for its coin-like foliage. The species is native to Australia and Southeast Asia. It is suited to outdoor cultivation in frost-free regions of Zones 10 to 11. Learn how to care for this semi-succulent as an attractive hanging houseplant in this guide.
Chinese evergreen is appreciated for its long and lush tropical leaves. Choose a cultivar with green foliage, or green brightly variegated with pink, red, or white. An excellent choice for a houseplant, it tolerates low light and needs little maintenance. Read on and discover how to grow your own Chinese evergreen now.
If you’re looking for unique perennial flowers, hybrid hellebores are for you. Also known as Lenten roses, they’re perfect for moist, shady locations in the garden, and reward with cheerful blossoms in late winter and early spring. Learn how to cultivate these evergreen early bloomers in this guide. Read more now.
Are you looking for a vibrant new plant for the house or garden that’s a cut above the rest? Consider Persian shield, a unique tropical variety with amazing, iridescent purple leaves. Learn all about this exceptional tropical plant in this guide. Read more now.
Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens created in transparent containers using layers of gravel, charcoal, moss, and soil. These self-contained ecosystems support moisture-loving plants in closed containers or cacti and succulents in open vessels. Learn how to create your own themed arrangements in this guide. Read more.
Forsythia is a deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers that have become synonymous with spring. One of the earliest shrubs to bloom, it is sure to chase the winter blues away. Learn about 13 of the best forsythia varieties and choose your favorites, for sturdy plants that will reward with vivid color. Read more now.
Lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo, but a type of dracaena in the asparagus family. From its native Africa, it made its way to ancient Asia, where it became a symbol of good fortune and a facilitator of the harmonious practice of feng shui. Read on to learn all about lucky bamboo and how you can grow your own indoors.
Aluminum plants, aka watermelon pilea, are tropical perennials with abundant clumping green foliage that is richly textured and accented by streaks of silver. Ideal for growing indoors in bright, indirect light, this foliage plant requires moderate maintenance and is an elegant addition to the home or office. Read more.
Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is a succulent species for Zones 11 and 12 that also makes an exceptional houseplant. It has fuzzy foliage edged in brown, for a rich two-tone look. A striking addition to succulent collections, it also makes an eye-catching standalone specimen. Learn how to grow your own in this guide.
Gloxinia is a flowering perennial from Brazil related to the African violet. It is suited to outdoor cultivation in Zones 11 to 12 and also makes an outstanding houseplant. Showy funnel-shaped flowers in purple, red, or white hues bloom above a rosette of fuzzy foliage. Learn how to grow gloxinia indoors in this guide.
If you grow Christmas cactus, the time may come when it needs repotting, and that means you’ll need an appropriate potting mix. There are many products available for cacti, but the ingredients vary. Learn what essential elements are required for healthy growth, and how to make your own perfect potting mix. Read more now.
For texturally-rich vertical interest among your succulent houseplants, consider introducing old man cactus. Covered in cascading hairlike white spines, this column-shaped desert species matures slowly. It requires a bright location, little moisture, and occasional maintenance. Learn how to grow old man cactus now.
Haworthias are succulents suited for outdoor growing in Zones 9 to 11 or as houseplants elsewhere. Most form rosettes featuring distinctive bumps, bristles, ridges, or stripes. Some species have translucent “windows” that enhance photosynthesis. Discover how to grow these favorites indoors in this guide. Read more now.
The baseball plant (Euphorbia obesa) is a water-wise, South African succulent with a rounded form and stitch-like ridges. It is well-suited to outdoor rock gardens or xeriscapes in Zones 9 to 12 and performs reliably as a houseplant. Learn how to grow and care for baseball euphorbia in this guide. Read more now.
Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ is a striking, sculptural succulent with curled, silver-blue leaves that form a tight rosette. It thrives in bright light and well-draining soil with minimal care, making it a good choice for containers indoors or outside in warm climates. Learn how to grow Topsy Turvy in this guide. Read more now.
Bright-light, sun-loving houseplants range from desert to tropical species and grow best near south- and east-facing windows with abundant light. If you have sunny rooms in your home, you have the perfect opportunity to keep your green thumb honed year-round. Read on for 21 of the best bright-light-loving houseplants.
If you’re looking for an indoor tropical tree consider ming aralia (Polyscias fruticosa), a broadleaf evergreen with deeply serrated foliage, multiple trunks, and an upright growth habit. Suited to outdoor cultivation in Zones 11 to 12, it makes an attractive houseplant. Learn how to grow ming aralia in this guide.
Many of our spring-blooming flowers sprout from bulbs planted in the fall. Favorites like crocus, daffodil, and tulip must spend the winter beneath the cold ground, storing energy for their debut when warm weather returns. Read on to find out how late you can plant bulbs in the fall for a spectacular spring display.
Money tree, aka Guiana or Malabar chestnut, is a tropical species for Zones 10 to 12. Elsewhere, it is a popular houseplant often sold with decoratively braided trunks. Cultural requirements include bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Discover how to grow money tree plants in this guide.
When the thermometer takes a sudden dive, you may wake up to a vegetable garden coated with frost. Some crops can tolerate it, but others are ruined instantly. Learn about the hardiness of vegetables, what to do when frost is in the forecast, and how to deal with the damage that may occur in this guide. Read more now.
Ghost plants, aka mother of pearl, have pale, silvery rosettes on cascading stems that bloom with delicate star-shaped flowers. Originally from Mexico, these succulents handle heat and drought well, making them suitable for outdoor gardens in Zones 8 to 11 or as houseplants. Learn how to grow ghost plants in this guide.
Your lawn may be dormant during winter’s coldest months, but proper care can save you time and money come spring. Even when growth slows, grass still needs protection and nurturing to emerge healthy and vibrant when warmer weather returns. Learn 11 essential winter lawn care tips in this guide. Read more now.
If you’ve always wanted lush greenery in your home but lack the daylight many plants crave, it’s time to try one or more of our favorite low-light houseplants. Indoor gardening is a fun and relaxing hobby when you choose varieties appropriate to your surroundings. Read on to find your new favorites from our list of 25.
Claret cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) is suited to Zones 5 to 10, where it thrives in full to partial sun with sandy, well-drained soil. Prized for its funnel-like scarlet flowers, it is an easy-care, water-wise addition to xeriscapes and patio pots. Learn how to grow claret cup cactus in this guide. Read more.
Ixora is a genus of flowering shrubs native to tropical regions of Asia suited to Zones ranging from 9 to 12. There are numerous species and cultivated varieties with clusters of bold flowers in orange, pink, red, white, or yellow hues. Learn how to grow this ornamental shrub in your outdoor living space in this guide.
Affectionately known as the elephant-foot plant, evergreen ponytail palm has a fountain of backward curving, strap-like foliage. The trunk has a large base called a caudex that stores water. This showy specimen is an elegant, easy-care houseplant. Learn how to grow ponytail palm as a houseplant in this guide. Read more.
Nothing says “tropical” like the colorful foliage of garden croton, with its leathery evergreen leaves and bright red and yellow accents. If your climate zone is a cool one, you can grow it in a sunny indoor location for a lush island vibe. Learn about this easy-to-grow, long-lived plant in this guide. Read more now.
Grow cauliflower for a healthy garden-to-table experience. Choose white snowballs, Italian greens and purples, and orange “cheddars.” Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, raw and cooked dishes showcase its mild, sweet-to-nutty flavor. Find the best varieties and where to buy them, here on Gardener’s Path.
Annuals provide some of the most vibrant fall color in gardens when perennials are fading and trees haven’t yet turned. Popular choices include chrysanthemums, bright pansies, and celosia. Ornamental kale and Swiss charge add foliage interest. Learn about 15 of the best annuals for vivid fall color in this guide.
Nothing shows that spring is on the way like the nodding heads of hellebore flowers in the snow. If you eagerly anticipate these hardy late-winter perennials, prepare to fall in love. Read on to discover 15 of the best double hellebore varieties with robust blossoms in irresistible colors. See our favorites now.
Perennial hellebores add color to the late-winter garden, when many plants are still dormant. There are numerous varieties and each has unique characteristics. Some are more common in the home garden, while others are quite rare. Learn more about the classification of the Helleborus genus in this guide. Read more now.
Broccoli is a cool-season crop grown for its crisp stems and tightly packed florets. With many cultivars available, you can choose from compact heading types, long-season hybrids, or sprouting varieties that produce an abundance of side shoots. Learn about 19 of the best broccoli varieties (plus 3 bonus options) now.
The aster is a daisy-like perennial that adds height and texture to gardens from late summer to fall. You may be aware that these flowers are available in shades of blue, pink, and purple, but did you know that you can also find white varieties? Learn about 11 of the best white asters for your garden in this guide.
The easy-care, water-wise bunny ears or polka-dot cactus (Opuntia microdasys), has pairs of tapered green paddles dotted with glochid spines that resemble spotted rabbit ears. In Zone 9 to 12 gardens, it grows in dense clumps. Elsewhere, it’s a robust houseplant. Learn how to grow bunny ears cactus in this guide.
If you want to add a touch of pink to your landscape, vigorous asters bring bold swaths of color, texture, and vertical interest to late summer and fall gardens. Discover 11 outstanding varieties, from ballerina pink to sizzling magenta, for beds, borders, containers, and carefree meadows in this guide. Read more now.
Need a quick fix for barren ground? Plant yarrow. This low-maintenance, sun-worshiping perennial thrives in poor soil and rewards with vivid color. Choose low-profile or statuesque cultivars in colors like salmon pink, burgundy, neon yellow, and rusty orange from our list of 13 of favorites in this guide. Read more now.
Kale is a leafy vegetable in the brassica family that’s related to the cabbage. It thrives in the coolest temperatures of the growing season. Read on for 13 of our favorite types. Choose cultivars with exceptional heat or cold tolerance to suit your needs, and grow the most flavorful and tender kale you’ve ever eaten.
Coral bead (Nertera granadensis) is an evergreen perennial that grows outdoors in Zones 9 to 11 and as an annual or houseplant elsewhere. It requires a moderate level of care and displays a profusion of bold red-orange ornamental berries. Learn how to care for this low-profile, semitropical species in this guide.
Blue native wildflowers bring vibrant color to gardens while supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity. These hardy plants are adapted to local climates, making them easier to grow and maintain than many non-natives. Discover 15 of the best native blue wildflowers in this guide. Read more now.
Add some funky fresh flora to your indoor decor with Tillandsia, or air plants. They need indirect sunlight and no soil. Arrange and rearrange them as often as desired using creative supports such as crystals, driftwood, metal stands, and terrarium globes. Read on and discover 17 of our favorite Tillandsia species now.
Shrubs are plants that work hard to fill mid-height positions in the landscape. However, when they are not blooming or sporting autumn hues, they often fade into the background. Not so with variegated types. Read on to discover 23 of the best variegated shrubs that make a bold statement throughout the growing season.
When you sow cold-hardy culinary and medicinal herbs, you don’t have to plant them every year. From bergamot to wintergreen, there are sweet and savory perennial and biennial species and cultivars for use in a variety of dishes. Learn about 23 of our cold-hardy favorites to grow at home. Read more now.
Burning bushes are deciduous shrubs that light up autumn landscapes with their scarlet foliage. However, in some states, non-native species have been declared invasive. Read on to learn how to grow burning bushes, and get a recommendation for a beautiful native variety to cultivate where non-native species are banned.
Hollow joe-pye weed is a native perennial with pinkish-mauve flower clusters atop distinctive hollow stems that grow up to seven feet tall. This impressive plant blooms from midsummer through fall, attracting butterflies and beneficial pollinators. Learn how to grow Eutrochium fistulosum in this guide. Read more now.
Japanese skimmia is a compact shrub that thrives in partial shade, offering year-round interest with evergreen foliage, fragrant white spring flowers, and vibrant red berries. Ideal for borders, containers, or woodland gardens, it adds bold texture and color to the landscape. Learn how to grow skimmia in this guide.
Golden garlic (lily leek) is a stunning ornamental bulb with vibrant yellow, star-shaped blooms that rise above clumps of blue-green foliage. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in sunny spots and naturalizes beautifully in borders, rock gardens, and woodland edges. Learn how to plant and grow Allium moly in this guide.
Sweet almond bush is suited to cultivation in Zones 8 to 11 and prefers full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. The terminal ends of the slender arching branches display spiky clusters of fragrant white blossoms from summer to fall. Learn how to grow these ornamental shrubs in your outdoor living space in this guide.
Zucchini is a prolific warm-season crop with large, leafy foliage that’s key to fruit development. But when those vibrant leaves turn yellow, it can signal issues ranging from pest infestation to poor drainage. Learn how to diagnose and resolve seven common causes of yellowing leaves on zucchini in this guide. Read more.
The Mickey Mouse plant is a South African native for Zones 9 to 11. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and average soil. The shiny black berries and bold red petal-like sepals resemble the famous cartoon character’s outfit. Learn how to grow this semi-evergreen ornamental shrub in this guide. Read more now.
Texas sage (Leucophyllum) is a tough evergreen shrub with silvery-green foliage and purple flowers that bloom in response to barometric changes. Native to the arid southwest, this species thrives in full sun and sandy, well-draining soil, and is ideal for xeriscaping. Learn how to grow Texas sage in this guide. Read more.
Coleus is a shade-loving perennial with vivid, eye-catching, variegated foliage. It’s hardy in Zones 10 and 11 and can be cultivated as an annual or houseplant elsewhere. In late summer, bluish-lavender flower spikes rise from the mounds of colorful leaves. Learn what to do when coleus blooms in this guide. Read more.
The crepe-like, sky-blue flowers of the Himalayan blue poppy are a focal point in the early summer garden. These herbaceous ornamentals prefer a shady setting in Zones 5 to 7 with well-draining, organically-rich soil. Learn how to cultivate Meconopsis species in your outdoor living space in this guide. Read more now.
Carolina allspice is a native flowering shrub for Zones 4 to 9 that prefers full sun and fertile loam but tolerates partial shade and clay. This easy-care shrub is water-wise once established and resistant to pests and pathogens. Learn how to grow and care for sweetshrub in your outdoor living space in this guide.
If you are looking for perennials for the summer-to-fall landscape, New York asters have plenty to contribute. In white, as well as bold shades of pink and purple, they are star attractions in mixed mass plantings that include black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Read on to learn how to grow Michaelmas daisies.
The California tree poppy is a woody perennial suited to Zones 8 to 10 that prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained loam. Plants grow up to eight feet tall and sport whimsical white ruffled blossoms with golden centers resembling fried eggs bobbing in the breeze. Learn how to grow this Pacific Coast flower in this guide.
Are your tomato plants flowering but failing to produce fruit? It’s a common issue with several possible causes, from poor pollination and heat stress to excess nitrogen. Whether you’re growing in containers or garden beds, learn about seven common reasons why this happens and what do to about it in this guide. Read more.
Coneflowers are daisy-like perennials for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9. They bloom from late spring to early fall in an array of colors, and attract a host of pollinators and birds. Read on to learn if it’s beneficial to deadhead spent blooms to promote more flower production, or if you can skip this chore altogether.