Plants of Colonial Williamsburg: Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Karen Also called herb of grace, rue is an evergreen mounding subshrub and a member of the Rutaceae family that also includes oranges, limes, and skimmia. It is native to the…
Plant Profile: Spotted Emu Bush (Eremophila maculata)
Also known as spotted fushia-bush, this evergreen shrub is endemic to southern Australia, and a member of the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, that also includes mullein, butterfly–bush, and Diascia. The plants…
Plants for a Plants for a Plant Zoo: Chameleon Plant ‘Chameleon’ aka Variegata, Tricolor, ‘Court Jester” (Houttuynia cordata)
Don’t bother with the species if you want a chameleon plant in your garden as it is dull by comparison to the variegated cultivar ‘Chameleon’ aka Variegata, Tricolor, or ‘Court…
Plant Profile: Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Native to rainforests of Java, New Guinea and southeastern Australia, this epiphytic fern is a member of the Polypodiaceae, a fern family that also includes resurrection fern. The plants grow…
Plants of the Bible: Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Native to the eastern Mediterranean region including parts of North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, this evergreen coniferous tree is also known as Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress,…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Flowering Shrubs and Trees
Shrubs and trees are versatile and can add a lot to the garden. They can provide structure, define beds, serve as a backdrop or focal point, add color, create privacy,…
Plant Profile: Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant aka Struthiopteris spicant )
This evergreen perennial fern is native to Europe, northern Asia, Japan and western North America from southern Alaska to the central California coast, mostly west of the Cascades. It belongs…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bear’s Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa)
With woolly stems and velvety chunky leaves, this South African evergreen succulent shrub adds texture to the garden and is sure to grab the attention of little ones. The margins…
Plant Profile: Hens and Chicks (Sepervivum tectorum)
Native to the mountains of southern Europe and western Asia, this evergreen succulent perennial is a member of the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae, that also includes jade plant, kalenchoe, and Echeveria.…
Plants of the Bible: Syrian Thistle (Notobaisis syriaca)
Also known as horse thistle, this annual plant is native to the semi-desert areas of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. It is a member of the aster family,…