Division of Extension
Balloon plant is one of many common names for an African milkweed that develops showy, hairy, inflated seed pods that are a real conversation piece. Grown as an annual in our climate, learn more about this tender perennial in this article.
The annual purple fountain grass cultivar ‘Fireworks’ offers pink variegated foliage in an arching form that provides great contrast in color and form. Learn more about ‘Fireworks’ grass in this article.
Black-eyed Susan vine is a good choice for a vine with showy flowers in the yellow and orange range. Thunbergia alata is actually a tender perennial that grows fast enough to be used as an annual in cooler climates. To learn more about this African native, read this article.
Pink rain lily is a tender bulb easy to grow in containers that features grassy foliage and relatively large flowers. The common name comes from the color of the flowers that burst into bloom after a good rain. Learn much more in this article.
Susan Mahr, UW Horticulture Revised: 5/11/2010 Item number: XHT1163 What are ornamental cabbage and kale? Ornamental cabbage and kale (also known as “flowering” cabbage and kale) are in the same species (Brassica oleracea) as edible cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. While ornamental cabbage and kale are edible, they tend to have a bitter flavor and are […]
Euphorbia Diamond Frost® is a great little plant that requires little care yet continues to flower all season and combines well with almost any other garden plant. Learn more about this tough but dainty looking tender perennial in this article.
Elephant ears are tender perennials frequently grown as annuals here in the Midwest. Lots of new ornamental cultivars have been developed in recent years. Learn more about this group of plants with large, heart-shaped leaves in this article.
Scarlet runner bean is a multipurpose plant that can be used to cover a trellis or fence, provide some food, and have showy flowers. Learn more about scarlet runner bean in this article.
Cardoon, a relative of the artichoke, features large, spiny, blue-green leaves that provide huge contrast with most other garden plants. The purple thistle flowers can be a bonus. Learn more about Cynara cardunculus in this article.
Pineapple sage has been used as both an herb and an ornamental, with the name coming from the scent of the leaves when crushed. Learn more about Salvia elegans in this article.
Popcorn cassia is an unusual accent plant with bright yellow showy flowers contrasting with its striking black buds. This tender plant can provide seasonal vertical interest with its tall flower spikes and a tropical effect with its attractive foliage. To learn more about this small tree native to eastern Africa, read this article…
Tricolor is a stunning plant with dramatic variegated foliage with different colors on the upper and lower leaf surfaces. Although it is a tender tropical, it can be grown in the Midwest as a seasonal annual or year-round as a houseplant. To learn more about Stromanthe sanguinea in this article.
