Genus: Illicium for the Garden
Karen Illicium is a genus of 40- 50 species of broadleaf evergreen shrubs and small trees and belong to the the starvine family, Schisandraceae. They are found principally in east and…
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: Large Flowered St. John’s Wort (Hypericum kouytchense aka Hypericum patulum ‘Sungold’)
Native to western China, this bushy, rounded, semi-evergreen shrub is a member of the Hypericaceae plant family, best known for the herb, H. perforatum (common St. John’s wort). The plant…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)
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…