Articles

Castor Bean, Ricinus communis

Looking to add drama to your landscape? Castor bean is a fast-growing tender perennial with huge leaves that can be used as a seasonal annual in cooler climates. Choose from a number of varieties of this East African native selected for their ornamental value to make a bold statement in your garden. Learn more about this plant in this article.

Spinach, Spinacia oleracea

Spinach is a quick and easy crop perfect for the home garden, and there are many cultivars of this cool season plant. To learn more about growing this leafy green, read this article…

Henbit, Lamium amplexicaule

Henbit is a common weed with pretty pink flowers. This introduced relative of the more-refined, perennial spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) that is commonly cultivated in gardens. Learn more about henbit in this article.

Erythronium ‘Pagoda’

With big yellow flowers, Erythronium hybrid ‘Pagoda’ was developed from two species of native North American wildflowers. This spring bloomer will naturalize in woodland gardens and shade areas. Learn more about this garden ornamental in this article.

Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis

Bloodroot is one of the first wildflowers to open its bright white flowers in Midwestern woodlands. This native plant is at home in deciduous forests and shade gardens with well drained soils. Learn much more about this spring wildflower in this article.

Asparagus fern, Asparagus densiflorus

Asparagus fern is a South African native which is not a fern, but is related to the edible asparagus. The bright green, ferny foliage of this tender perennial makes it a nice houseplant and a good counterpoint to brightly colored flowers in an outdoor seasonal planting. To learn more about this plant, read this article…

Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a plant family containing a wide variety of species. Many are easily grown indoors if you choose a type adapted to your conditions. Learn more about this interesting group of plants in this article.

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’, Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year in 2012, features light blue flowers in spring and bright, silvery, crackled-looking foliage. This plant is a great addition to most gardens. Learn more about this special cultivar in this article.

Persian Shield, Strobilanthes dyerianus

Persian shield is a tender perennial grown as an annual in our climate that has been used since Victorian times for its very attractive ornamental foliage. To learn more about this exotic, but easily grown plant, read this article.

Dendrobium lindleyi

If you’re lookign for a miniature orchid with a big flower show Dendrobium lindleyi is the one for you. This compact epiphytic species native to Southeast Asia produces spectacular showers of golden flowers. To learn more about this exotic yet easy-to-grow plant, read this article…

Cycads

Cycads are an ancient group of plants no longer as numerous as they once were. These cone-bearing plants hail primarily from the tropics, but many are easily grown as container plants. Learn more about cycads in this article.

Golden Shrimp Plant, Pachystachys lutea

Pachystachys lutea, Golden shrimp plant, is native to the tropics that can be grown as an annual or houseplant. Upright, bright yellow to orange inflorescences contrast nicely with glossy, dark green foliage. Learn more about growing it this article.