OENOTHERA Once cultivated for its delectable roots, evening primrose (Oenothera) is now often grown for its omega-6-containing seeds. It’s also grown for its beauty. Oenothera displays large, ...
Jacob’s Ladder: Regal Shade-Blooming Perennial
POLEMONIUM CAERULEUM Jacob’s ladder, also known as Polemonium caeruleum (var. spelling coeruleum), is a hardy perennial herb of the Polemoniaceae family that includes phlox and gilia. It seems ...
A Medicinal and Visual Delight: How to Grow Feverfew
TANACETUM PARTHENIUM To many in the herbal medicine community, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is known as a natural headache remedy. But in the gardening community, this shrubby herb is appreciated ...
Persian Shield: An Exotic Specimen Plant
STROBILANTHES DYERIANUS Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a stunning ornamental plant that originates in the warm and humid nation of Myanmar, where it grows as an evergreen ...
Summer Snapdragon Loves Heat and Deters Deer
ANGELONIA ANGUSTIFOLIA Summer snapdragon, (Angelonia angustifolia), is a tropical perennial in the Plantaginaceae family, a very large group that includes plantain, penstemon, and ...
Anise Hyssop is a Honey of an Herb in Border Gardens
AGASTACHE FOENICULUM Anise hyssop, or Agastache foeniculum, is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae, or mint family. It’s native to the northwestern US, where it sprawls across prairies, creating ...
Delightful Dahlias: A Late Summer Standard
Dahlias are brilliantly colorful flowers that put on a delightful, splashy display from mid-summer until the first frost. Their pinwheel blossoms and eye-catching colors come at a time when ...
It’s Time to Plant Four O’Clocks
MIRABILIS JALAPA Did you know there’s a plant named after a time of day? And while you may recall the rather old-fashioned four o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) from visits to Grandma’s house, the ...
Cranesbill Geranium: How to Grow a Garden Classic
Cranesbills, or hardy geraniums, are perennial members of the Geraniaceae family, one of many flowering genera within the family tree, which includes geraniums as well as close family members ...
Stock: A Cottage Garden Staple
MATTHIOLA INCANA Stock, or Matthiola incana, is a member of the Brassicaceae family of plants that includes cabbages. Originating in the wild in England, it is a favorite of cottage gardeners, prized ...
