Purple Giant Hyssop

Single bloom Purple Giant Hyssop

Agastache scrophulariifolia

AKA:
Lavender Hyssop
giant hyssop
prairie hyssop

• Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a to 6b
• The purple giant hyssop usually are short-lived since they are easily overtaken.
• Is a nectar generator for pollinators.
• Is a native perennial and late-flowering herb of the mint family. 

  

  drawing of complete stem

• It might grow remarkably tall for a mint and grows up to 6 feet.
• May be touched by rusts and mildew.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and functional addition to your garden, look no further than the Purple Giant Hyssop. This stunning perennial herb is native to North America and is a favorite among gardeners for its attractive appearance, low maintenance requirements, and medicinal properties.

The Purple Giant Hyssop, also known as Agastache Scrophulariifolia, is a member of the mint family and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Its striking purple flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall and are a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant’s leaves have a distinctive anise-like aroma and can be used to make a delicious tea.

One of the best things about the Purple Giant Hyssop is that it is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It prefers full sun but can also thrive in partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. The plant is known to be drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry regions.

One important consideration when planting Purple Giant Hyssop is spacing. The plant should be given plenty of room to grow, with at least 2-3 feet of space between each plant. This will help to ensure good air circulation and prevent the plant from becoming overcrowded.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the Purple Giant Hyssop has a number of medicinal properties. Its leaves and flowers can be used to make a variety of remedies, including teas, tinctures, and salves. The plant is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and skin conditions.

If you’re looking to incorporate Purple Giant Hyssop into your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Second, be sure to give the plant plenty of space to grow. Finally, consider its medicinal properties and explore ways to use it in your home remedies.

In summary, Purple Giant Hyssop is a beautiful and functional addition to any garden. Its striking appearance, low maintenance requirements, and medicinal properties make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Purple Giant Hyssop is definitely worth considering for your next garden project.

Happy gardening! You can find the many variaties of Purple Giant Hyssop at Amazon. (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Salvia Redann

Photo taken at San Antonio Botanical Garden

Salvia vanhoutii
Salvia splendens


Synonyms:
Scarlet Sage
Scarlet Salvia
Red Sage
Red Salvia
Tropical sage

Salvia splendens  4.8 to 26.3 ft in height

Salvia vanhoutii  3.2 to 4.4 ft. in. height (dwarf).

Dwarf sizes go by names like as 'Sizzler' and 'Salsa'

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit winner.

Hardiness: USDA Zone 9a to 11

A perennial native to Brazil

Named about 1822. At that time it was known by the common name "Lee's scarlet sage".

I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about a plant that I’ve recently become enamored with: Salvia Redann. This herbaceous perennial has quickly become a favorite in my garden, and I think it’s worth exploring for any of you who love to garden as much as I do.

First off, let’s talk about what Salvia Redann is. This plant is a member of the Salvia genus, which includes over 900 different species. Salvia Redann is a hybrid variety, and is a cross between Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavandulaefolia. It’s a hardy plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with attractive green leaves and bright red flowers.

So why should you consider adding Salvia Redann to your garden? Here are just a few reasons:

It’s a pollinator magnet. Salvia Redann’s bright red flowers are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By planting this herb in your garden, you’re helping to support these important creatures and do your part to promote biodiversity.

It’s easy to care for. Salvia Redann is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require a lot of fussing. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also handle some shade. It’s drought-tolerant, too, and can withstand hot temperatures.

It has a variety of uses. Salvia Redann is not only a beautiful addition to your garden, it also has a number of practical uses. Its leaves can be used to make tea, which is said to have calming and soothing properties. It’s also a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a fragrant and slightly bitter flavor to meats, vegetables, and sauces.

It’s a tough plant. As a hybrid variety, Salvia Redann is particularly resilient and resistant to pests and diseases. It’s also a good choice for gardeners who live in areas with harsh or unpredictable weather, as it can handle both extremes of heat and cold.

If all of these reasons weren’t enough to convince you to try Salvia Redann in your garden, let me share a personal anecdote. Last year, I had a problem with aphids attacking my vegetable garden. I tried a number of different natural remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Then I remembered that Salvia is known for its insect-repelling properties, so I planted Salvia Redann along the borders of my garden. Sure enough, the aphids disappeared, and my vegetables thrived.

In conclusion, I highly recommend giving Salvia Redann a try in your garden. It’s a versatile, hardy plant that’s both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this herb is sure to provide you with years of enjoyment and benefits.

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide you with all the different Salvia Redann, check it out. (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Papaya

Papaya unripe fruit

Carica papaya

Also known as:
Mamão
Melon Tree
papaw or pawpaw
red papaya
yellow papaw

Photos from Kauai,Hawaii and from wikipedia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 9a to 11

Vulnerable to fruit flies

The bark and stem can be used in making rope.

The tree's latex and the green papaya fruit is used as a meat tenderizer.

a source of nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, provitamin A carotenoids(beta carotene) and dietary fiber.

Showing the seeds of Papaya

The papaya's black seeds are edible with a spicy, sharp taste. They may be ground up and used as a replacement for black pepper.

I want to talk to you today about a fruit that I think deserves more attention in the gardening world: the papaya. This tropical fruit is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients and surprisingly easy to grow. So, let's dive into everything you need to know about growing papayas in your own backyard.

First, let's talk about the basics. Papayas are native to Central and South America, but they are now grown in tropical regions all over the world. They are typically grown from seed, and they require a warm, sunny location with well-draining soil. Papayas are also somewhat finicky when it comes to temperature, and they can be damaged by cold weather.

When it comes to planting, it's important to remember that papayas are dioecious, meaning that they have separate male and female plants. If you want to grow your own papayas, you'll need at least one male and one female plant. You can tell the difference between the two by looking at the flowers – female flowers will have a small fruit at the base, while male flowers won't.

One of the great things about papayas is that they grow quickly and produce fruit relatively early. You can expect to see fruit on your papaya trees within a year or two of planting. The fruit itself is oblong and usually weighs between one and 10 pounds. When ripe, the flesh is sweet and juicy, with a slightly musky flavor.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about papayas is their nutritional content. They are loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Papayas also contain enzymes that help with digestion, making them a great addition to any diet.

So, now that you know a little more about papayas, let's talk about how to care for them. As I mentioned earlier, papayas need warm, sunny conditions to thrive. They also need regular watering, but be careful not to overwater them – papayas are susceptible to root rot. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you may want to consider planting your papayas in containers so you can bring them inside when temperatures drop.

Another thing to keep in mind is that papayas are prone to a few pests and diseases. The most common problem is papaya fruit fly, which can damage the fruit and make it inedible. To prevent fruit fly infestations, you can cover your papaya trees with netting or use insecticides.

In terms of pruning, papayas don't require much. You can remove any dead or damaged branches as needed, but otherwise, just let them grow. Papayas can get quite tall – up to 20 feet – so if you're growing them in a smaller space, you may want to keep them pruned to a manageable size.

In conclusion, I think papayas are a fantastic fruit for gardeners to grow. They are relatively easy to care for, produce delicious and nutritious fruit, and add a tropical touch to any garden. So, if you're looking for a new fruit to add to your garden, give papayas a try. You won't be disappointed.

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Papaya. (I will receive compensation if you buy).

Garden Phlox

garden phlox

Phlox paniculata


Aka:
perennial phlox
summer phlox

• Hardiness: Zones 4a to 8b
• Flowers in summer through fall

Are you looking to add some colorful and attractive plants to your garden? If so, I have just the plant for you. The phlox plant is a real gem that brings a burst of color to any garden. I am going to walk you through everything you need to know about the phlox plant.

Phlox plant is a popular perennial plant that is known for its bright and vibrant colors. This plant is native to North America and is commonly found in meadows, fields and along stream banks. Phlox plants come in a wide range of colors, from pink, purple, red, and white, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add vibrant colors to their garden.

One of the great things about the phlox plant is that it is easy to grow and maintain. Phlox plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and require full sunlight to thrive. These plants are also tolerant of a variety of soil types and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soil.

Phlox plants can grow up to two feet tall and spread out to about three feet wide, making them an excellent option for gardeners who want to create a low-maintenance border or groundcover. These plants bloom from early summer to fall, providing you with months of beautiful blooms.

If you are interested in growing phlox plants in your garden, here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the right location - Phlox plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive, so choose a location in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Prepare the soil - Phlox plants prefer moist, well-drained soil. Add organic matter to your soil to improve drainage and water retention.

Planting - Plant phlox plants in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist and the temperatures are mild. Make sure to space the plants at least 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Watering - Phlox plants need regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plants deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.

Fertilizing - Phlox plants benefit from organic fertilization. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring and again in the summer.

Pruning - Prune phlox plants back in the fall after they have finished blooming. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent the plants from becoming too woody.

Phlox plants are also known to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees to your garden, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a wildlife-friendly garden.

In conclusion, the phlox plant is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add a burst of color to any garden. With its vibrant colors and ability to attract wildlife, the phlox plant is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden. So, why not add a few phlox plants to your garden today and enjoy months of stunning blooms!

Happy gardening! Amazon can provide any need for Phlox. ( I will receive compensation if you buy).