Plant Profile: Mirror Plant (Coprosma repens)
Karen Although mirror plant is considered a weed in its native New Zealand, it has naturalized in California where it is grown for its orange-red berries in late summer and its…
Plant Profile: Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri)
There is probably no more beautiful sight in the garden than a golden chain tree in bloom with its long dense pendulous chain of yellow pea-like flowers in spring. As…
Plant Profile: Siberian Peashrub (Caragana arborescens)
“Underwhelming” is probably the best adjective to describe this extremely hardy plant. Neither the small yellow-pea like flowers nor the pods or leaves will probably excite you, but if you…
Plant Profile: Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica)
This deciduous shrub offers masses of yellow flowers on upright and arching green stems for two or three weeks in April or May and may rebloom in the summer. The…
Plant Profile: Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
The reddish-brown flowers of this deciduous bush are loaded with a spicy fragrance that will fill the air with their pleasant aroma when they open in late spring. A native…
Plant Profile: Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa)
This evergreen shrub has shiny dark green leaves, sharp spines, and fragrant white or pink fragrant flowers that are followed by edible red fruit. The sweet cranberry flavored fruits are…
Plant Profile: Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
You can’t beat perennial ryegrass for quick germination, when you want to start a new lawn or fix holes in an old one. Added to that, it is easy to…
Plant Profile: Crabapple (Malus hybrids)
The ornamental crabapple is a beautiful spring flowering tree that brings color and delicacy to the garden when it blooms and has attractive fruits enjoyed by birds in the fall…
Plant Profile: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is a low growing, fine textured evergreen shrub that is native to northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America. It is a member of the heath family, Ericaceae,…
Plant Profile: Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
Valued for its bright yellow flowers, Cornus mas is a spring time favorite. It is a small multistemmed deciduous tree with a round shape and dense compact branching that reaches…