Division of Extension
Moss rose, Portulaca grandiflora. does well in hot dry conditions where other annuals fail. This semi-succulent annual native to South America has showy flowers that bloom all summer long. Learn more moss rose and its many cultivars and hybrids in this article.
Flowering tobacco offers dramatic foliage and sweet-scented flowers in late summer. This annual plant with clusters of tubular white flowers atop huge, chartreuse to green leaves is easy to grow and combines well with many other annuals. To learn more about Nicotiana sylvestris read this article.
‘Fireworks’ gomphrena is a tough, low-maintenance plant with long-lasting, intense hot iridescent pink blossoms with tiny yellow flowers that together resemble exploding fireworks. To learn more about this relatively new cultivar read this article.
The nemesis of almost everyone who tries to grow squash in the Midwest, squash vine borer is a difficult problem to control. The larvae of this day-flying moth tunnel in the stems of zucchini, winter squash and pumpkin, causing the plants to wilt and frequently die. To learn more about this native insect pest, read this article…
Caladiums are tropical perennials that are grown for their dramatic, brightly colored foliage. To learn more about these shade-loving “summer bulbs” read this article.
Gaura is an airy flowering plant with a long bloom period, making it useful as an annual in regions where it is not hardy. There are also many compact cultivars. Learn more about this native North American perennial in this article.
Sage may be best known as a flavoring but there’s much more to this aromatic plant, including attractive foliage and interesting flowers. Learn more about this versatile plant in this article.
Yellow flowers blooming individually on tall, scraggly stems or fluffy seed heads like extra-large dandelions along the roadside are one of two species of Tragopogon. These are introduced weeds with the common name yellow goatsbeard. Learn more about them in this article.
There are all kinds of beetles found in gardens. One common type are the ground beetles, which as the name suggests, are typically found under leaves or debris, in cracks in the soil, or running along the ground. Most of these are predators, consuming all sorts of other insects including pests. Learn more about these beneficial insects in this article…
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) is a pretty pink flowering native plant native ideal for natural woodland openings and in informal gardens. Learn more about wild geranium in this article.
Nicotiana langsdorffi is quick-growing annual that produces lots of pendant chartreuse flowers on branched flower stems at the top of the plant. This makes it a great filler among other herbaceous plants. Learn more about Nicotiana langsdorffii in this article.
Star magnolia is a great choice for a small tree or large shrub with large, showy white or pink flowers in early spring. Read more about Magnolia stellata in this article.
