Genus: Abelias for the Garden
Karen Abelia is a genus of about 30 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs native to eastern Asia and Mexico. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigela,…
Plant Profile: Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa)
The evergreen shrub is a member of the boxwood family, Buxaceae, and probably native to western China. It grows 3-5′ tall and wide, is densely branched and has glossy leathery,…
Plant Profile: Water Hyssop (Bacopa monniere)
Also called thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, this herbaceous perennial is native to moist to wet places such as on streams, river and pool margins, and in…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Also known as bay laural, this aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the laurel family, Lauraceae, that also includes sassafras,…
Plant Profile: Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana alata)
Also called jasmine tobacco, sweet tobacco, winged tobacco, tanbaku, and Persian tobacco, this annual or tender herbaceous perennial is native from southern Brazil to northeastern Argentina and is a member…
Plant Profile: Night Scented Stock (Matthiola longipetala aka Cheiranthus longipetalus)
Native to Eurasia, this cool weather annual is a member of the mustard family, Brassicaceae, that also includes cabbage, broccoli, and Alyssum. It may be upright or sprawling, and has…
Plant Profile: Tuberose (Polianthus tuberosa aka Agave amica)
Native to Mexico, this tender perennial is in the asparagus family, Asparagaceaea, that also includes bluebell, yucca, and hosta. With a tuberous rhizome, the plant grows 2-3′ tall and forms…
Plant Profile: Chilean Glory Flower (Eccremocarpus scaber)
Also known as Chilean glory creeper, this half hardy perennial vine is native to the Chilean Andes and is a member of the trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, that also includes…
Plant Profile: Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium aka Phyllitis scolopendrium)
This perennial evergreen fern is a member of the spleenwort family, Aspleniaceae, that also includes maiden-hair fern, bird’s nest fern, and eared lady fern. It is native to central and…
Plant Profile: Perez’ Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii)
Also known as marsh rosemary and sea foam, this herbaceous perennial is native to the coasts of the Canary Islands but is valued as a garden plant worldwide. It is…