Genus Genistas for the Garden
Karen Genista is a genus of more than 144 species of shrubs and small trees in the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupines, mimosa, and black locust. They are native…
Genus Daphnes for the Gardens
The genus Daphne is made up of over 70 evergreen or deciduous shrubs native to Asia, Europe and north Africa and is a member of the family Thymelaeaceae, a group…
Plant Profile: Willow Bottlebrush (Callistemon salignus aka Melaleuca salicina)
Endemic to eastern Australia, this broadleaf evergreen shrub is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that also includes clove, allspice, and eucalyptus. Growing from a vigorous root system, plants…
Plant Profile: Chinese Abelia (Abelia chinensis aka Linnaea chinensis)
Native to the lower elevations in the mountains of southwest China, this semi-evergreen shrub is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigela, pincushion flower and teasel.…
Plant Profile: Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis aka Melaleuca viminalis)
Also known as prickly bottlebrush, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is native to Australia and is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that also includes clove, allspice,…
Book Review: OMFG, Bees!
Karen Meyers In spite of its irreverent name, OMFG, Bees!, Matt Kracht’s book is full of good information on bees. Covering a wide variety of topics about bees, Kracht manages to entertain…
Genus: Clethra for the Garden
Clethra is a genus 75 species of flowering shrubs and small trees in the Clethraceae plant family, in the order Ericales that includes azaleas. There are two recognized species native…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Annuals and Perennials with Blue, Lavender and Purple Flowers
Water is essential for plant growth but plants vary greatly in their need for it. Since the amount of water on earth is finite but the demand is not, we…
Plant Profile: Winter Flowering Clematis (Clematis cirrhosa)
Native to scrubby woodlands of the Mediterranean area, this delicate evergreen to semi evergreen woody vine is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes delphinium, columbine, and…
Genus: Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp)
Native to Australia, these broadleaf evergreen shrubs or small trees are members of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, that also includes clove, allspice, and eucalyptus. The common name, bottlebrush, comes from…