Plant Profile: Cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus)
Karen Native to the forest edges of tropical areas in Southeast Asia, this herbaceous perennial shrub is also known as Java tea, and is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Beebalm aka Bergamot (Monarda didyma)
Grow beebalm and introduce children to wildlife, butterflies and American history. Also known as oswego tea, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to eastern North America from Maine to northern…
Plant Profile: Aegean Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri aka Cheiranthus cheiri.)
Native to Greece, this perennial subshrub is often grown as an annual or biennial. It is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, alyssum, and common…
Plant Profile: Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatum)
Also known as sanddune wallflower and prairie rocket, this herbaceous biennial or perennial is native to central and western North America and is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae,…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Also known as catmint, this short-lived herbaceous perennial is bound to entertain both your cats and children. Once the cats get a whiff of of the delectable scent from the…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Shrubs and Trees Grown for Foliage
Shrubs and trees are versatile and can be an important part of the garden. They can provide structure, define beds, serve as a backdrop or focal point, add color, create…
Plant Profile: Foxtail Lily (Eremurus robustus)
Also known as giant desert candle, this perennial bulb is native to central Asia and is a member of the Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker…
Plant Profile: Beebalm aka Bergamot (Monarda didyma)
Also known as oswego tea, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is a member of the deadnettle family, Lamiaceae, that also includes mint, basil, and adjuga. It is native to eastern North…
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…
Plant Profile: Antelope-Horns Milkweed (Asclepius asperula)
Also known as spider milkweed, this clump-forming herbaceous perennials is native to southwestern US and northern Mexico, and belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes bluestar, periwinkle, and…