Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)
Karen Laurustinus is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to shrubland and wooded rocky slopes of the Mediterranean area of Europe and northern Africa. It is a very attractive plant…
Plant Profile: Dalhia ‘Twynings After Eight’
Dahlias are tender herbaceous perennials native to the cool, moist mountains of Mexico and Central America. They are a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also include sunflower yarrow,…
Plant Profile: Corn Poppy (Papaver rhœas)
Also known as common poppy and Flanders poppy, this annual wildflower is native from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe. It is a member of the poppy family,…
Poisonous Plants: Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
A native of Greece and western Asia, the opium poppy is a member of the poppy family, Papaverceae, that also includes bleeding heart and corydalis. It is the oldest poppy…
Plant Profile: Sticky Phacelia (Phacelia viscida)
Also known as tacky phacelia and scorpion weed, this annual is native to the coastal hills and mountains of central and southern California and northern Baja California where it grows…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bunny Tails Grass (Lagurus ovatus)
The blooms of this perennial grass are just plain cute and are bound to attract children of all ages along with their parents. The plant grows 1-2′ tall and has…
Plants for a Plant Zoo: Bat- Faced Cuphea (Cuphea llavea aka C. blepharophylla)border
Whether you find the flowers of this evergreen sub-shrub scary or beautiful you will have to admit they are unusual and fascinating! With a hairy purple calyx and 2 upward…
Plant for a Plant Zoo: Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
Hens and chick is an endearing plant that is very easy to grow and does well even with neglect; a perfect plant for a children’s garden! The plants grow 4-12″…
Plant Profile: Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium aka L. tigrinum)
Native to China, Japan, Korea and far eastern Russia, this vigorous, easy to grow perennial bulb is a member of the Liliaceae family that also includes tulip, crown imperial, and…
Plant Profile: Common Ladybells (Adenophora confusa)
Native to China, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the bellflower family, Companulaceae, that also includes lobelia and balloon flower. The plants grow 2-2.5′ tall and have fleshy roots…