Golden marguerite, Cota tinctoria

The golden marguerite (Cota tinctoria), also known as dyer's chamomile, yellow chamomile, or oxeye chamomile, is a perennial flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia, and has been naturalized in scattered locations in North America.

The golden marguerite is a bushy, clump-forming perennial that typically grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. It has attractive, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals and yellow button centers. The flowers bloom in profusion during the summer months. The leaves of the golden marguerite are finely divided and feathery, and they are a bright green color.

The golden marguerite is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, but it will benefit from occasional watering during dry periods. The golden marguerite is relatively pest- and disease-resistant.

The golden marguerite is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is a great choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It also makes an excellent cut flower. The bright yellow flowers of the golden marguerite are a magnet for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Gloxinias, Sinningia speciosa

Gloxinias are beautiful flowering plants that are native to South America. They are related to African violets and have similar velvety leaves and vibrant blooms. Gloxinias come in a wide variety of colors, including red, purple, white, and pink. They are typically grown as houseplants, but they can also be grown outdoors in warm climates.

Here are some tips for growing gloxinia plants:

Light: Gloxinias need bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Water: Gloxinia plants should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. The soil should be moist to the touch, but not soggy.
Soil: Gloxinias prefer a well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercial African violet potting mix, or you can make your own mix by combining potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite.

Fertilizer: Gloxinias can be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Dormancy: After gloxinias finish blooming, they will enter a period of dormancy. The leaves will start to wilt and die back. At this point, you can reduce watering and stop fertilizing. You can either store the tubers in a cool, dark place over the winter, or you can repot them in fresh potting mix and start the growing season over again.

With proper care, gloxinia plants can bloom for many months. They are a beautiful addition to any home.

Cypress vine, Ipomoea quamoclit

Here are some facts about Cypress vine, Ipomoea quamoclit:

Fast-growing vine: They can grow up to 10 feet long in a single season, making them a great choice for covering fences, trellises, or other structures quickly.
Delicate star-shaped flowers: They come in red (most common), pink, and white and bloom profusely throughout the summer and fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Feathery green leaves: These complement the vibrant flowers and add a light, airy feel to the vine.
Warm weather annual: This means they will die with frost and need to be replanted each year.

Easy to grow: They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are moderately drought tolerant but prefer consistent moisture.
Self-seeding: The cypress vine can readily reseed itself in your garden if you allow the flowers to dry and turn to seed pods.
Deer resistant: This is a plus for gardeners who have problems with deer in their area.
Toxic: Be aware that all parts of the cypress vine are toxic and can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Here are some additional details to consider:

USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12
Native range: Tropical regions of the Americas
Common names: Cypress vine, cypress vine morning glory, cardinal creeper, cardinal vine, star glory, star of Bethlehem, hummingbird vine
Family: Convolvulaceae

Calla Lily, Zantedeschia aethiopica

The Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a flowering plant native to southern Africa. It is a rhizomatous perennial that can grow in a variety of habitats, including coastal marshes, grasslands, and old homesteads. Mature clumps can reach 2-3 feet tall and 1.5-2 feet wide.

The calla lily has large flowers, with a spathe (modified leaf) up to 10 inches long and a yellow spadix (flower spike) in the center. The spathe is often white, but it can also be yellow, pink, or purple. The leaves of the calla lily are arrow-shaped and green.

Calla lilies are popular cut flowers and can also be grown in pots or in the garden. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Calla lilies are not winter hardy in cold climates and should be dug up and stored indoors over the winter. They are also mildly toxic, so be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Brazilian plume, Justicia carnea

The Brazilian plume, known scientifically as Justicia carnea, is a beautiful flowering plant native to the Atlantic Forest biomes in eastern Brazil. It's popular in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world due to its vibrant and lush appearance. The plant typically grows as a bushy shrub reaching up to 1.5 meters in height and features dense, soft green leaves.

The most striking feature of the Brazilian plume is its flowers. These are rich, plume-like blooms composed of numerous small, tubular flowers that range in color from deep pink to light pink, and sometimes white. They are grouped in erect, spike-like clusters that emerge above the foliage, blooming primarily during the summer and autumn months. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, making it ideal for under-canopy conditions in gardens. It's also relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote flowering.

Unusal facts about Brazilian plume, Justicia carnea
The Brazilian plume, Justicia carnea, holds several fascinating and somewhat unusual attributes that contribute to its charm and appeal.

Hummingbird Attraction: Despite its origins in Brazil, where hummingbirds are abundant, the Brazilian plume is particularly adept at attracting these birds wherever it is grown. Its tubular flowers are perfectly shaped to accommodate the feeding habits of hummingbirds, making it a fantastic plant for bird enthusiasts wanting to attract these creatures to their gardens.
Shade Tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants that require full sun to thrive and bloom profusely, the Brazilian plume can bloom abundantly even in shaded areas. This makes it exceptionally valuable for gardeners who have limited light due to tree cover or other structures.

Medicinal Uses: In some traditional practices, parts of the Justicia carnea plant are used for medicinal purposes. The leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat conditions like headaches and fever, although there is limited scientific research to support these uses.
Survival Strategy: The plant’s ability to thrive in under-canopy conditions with high humidity and lower light levels is a survival strategy that stems from its natural habitat in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. This adaptation allows it to compete successfully in a crowded ecological niche.
Propagation Peculiarity: The Brazilian plume is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, which can be a fun fact for gardeners interested in expanding their plant collections without buying new plants. The ease of propagation also means it can quickly spread in garden settings if not managed properly.

These characteristics make Justicia carnea not only a visually appealing addition to many gardens but also a plant with interesting ecological and practical uses.

Blue Lechenaultia, Lechenaultia biloba

The Blue Lechenaultia (Lechenaultia biloba) is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to the southwest of Western Australia. It is a member of the Goodeniaceae family and is known for its stunning blue flowers.

Here are some facts about the Blue Lechenaultia:

Appearance: The Blue Lechenaultia is a spreading shrub that typically grows to a height of 100 cm (39 in), sometimes to 160 cm (63 in). It has grey-green to green leaves that are crowded, linear, 6–15 mm (0.24–0.59 in) long, about 1 mm (0.039 in) wide and fleshy. The flowers are arranged in compact clusters, the sepals 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) long and the petals dark blue to light blue or cream-coloured, the range of colours sometimes appearing in a single population of plants.
Habitat: The Blue Lechenaultia grows in sunny areas with sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. In its native habitat, it grows on hillsides and grasslands.
Climate: The Blue Lechenaultia is frost tolerant but thrives in warm climates. It is only hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Uses: The Blue Lechenaultia is a popular plant for rockeries, xeriscapes, and container gardens. It is also a valuable food source for nectar-feeding insects.

If you are looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance flowering plant for your garden, the Blue Lechenaultia is a great option. Just be sure that you live in a climate that is warm enough for it to thrive.

Firespike, Odontonema Strictum

A Showy Evergreen Shrub:Firespike is a beautiful evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy leaves that have wavy margins and pointed tips . It typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters) but can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall in ideal conditions.

Long Lasting Blooms:The most striking feature of Firespike is its long-lasting blooms. It produces vibrant red, tubular flowers in 12-inch (30-cm) spikes throughout fall and winter, and sometimes even into early spring in frost-free areas. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, adding to the beauty and liveliness of your garden.

Adaptable to Sun or Shade: Firespike is a versatile plant that can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. However, for the most flowers and the most vibrant blooms, it prefers to be planted in an area that receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.

Easy to Care For: Firespike is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought conditions once established. It's not particular about soil pH but will grow best in rich soil.

Fast Growing: Firespike is a fast-growing plant that can reach its mature size within a few years. It can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their landscape quickly.

Warm Climate Plant: Firespike is not frost-hardy and is best suited for USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown as a container plant and brought indoors for the winter.

Firespike is a beautiful and low-maintenance flowering shrub that can add a touch of the tropics to your garden. With its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage, it's sure to become a favorite.

Fan Flower, Scaevola aemula

The Fan Flower, also known as the Fairy Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula), is a beautiful flowering plant native to Australia.

Here are some interesting facts about it:

Appearance:The Fan Flower is a sprawling perennial with ascending and/or procumbent stems that typically grows to 9-18 inches tall and spreads to 24 inches wide. It has small, bright green, oval leaves with toothed edges. The star of the show though are its dainty fan-shaped flowers that come in colors of blue, purple, pink, or white, with bright yellow-and-white throats .

Blooming: This profuse bloomer thrives in hot, humid climates where it produces a non-stop bloom of these fan-shaped flowers throughout summer to first frost.
Heat and Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Fan Flower is a champion when it comes to tolerating heat and drought. This makes it a perfect choice for hot summer climates.

Low Maintenance: Another perk? Fan Flowers are low maintenance plants. They are self-cleaning, meaning you don't have to deadhead the spent blooms, and they are generally resistant to pests.
Growing Conditions: The Fan Flower prefers full sun to part shade and moderately fertile, humusy soil with adequate moisture. You can sow seeds in spring or root softwood cuttings in late spring or summer.

Where to Plant: This versatile plant can be grown in hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, or as a bedding plant. In warm climates (zones 9-11), it can be treated as a tender perennial. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an annual.

Dusty miller, Artemisia stelleriana

Some facts about Dusty Miller, Artemisia stelleriana:

Silver and beautiful:Dusty Miller is known for its striking silvery-white foliage, which is finely cut and wonderfully textured. This unique color comes from a dense coating of white hairs on the leaves, which helps to reflect sunlight and insulate the plant.

A coastal dweller: This perennial plant is native to coastal regions of eastern Asia and North America, including China, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the Aleutian Islands. It thrives in sandy soils and can tolerate salt spray, making it a popular choice for coastal gardens.

Sun worshiper: Dusty Miller prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Established plants are drought tolerant, making them a good choice for low-maintenance gardens.

More than just looks: While the flowers of Dusty Miller are not particularly showy, they do attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant is also deer resistant, which is a plus for gardeners who have problems with deer browsing.

A variety of options: There are several cultivars of Dusty Miller available, with variations in leaf size, shape, and color. Some popular cultivars include 'Silver Brocade,' which has deeply lobed, silvery-white leaves, and 'Powys Castle,' which has finely cut, fern-like foliage.

Easy to grow:Dusty Miller is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that is suitable for beginner gardeners. It can be propagated by seed or division.

Great camas, Camassia

Introducing the Enchanting Camassia Flower

Prepare to be enchanted by the captivating Camassia flower! This stunning wildflower is a true gem that deserves a prominent place in your garden. With its delicate, star-shaped blooms and graceful foliage, the Camassia plant is a sight to behold.

Originating from the western regions of North America, the Camassia flower has a rich history and cultural significance. Native American tribes, such as the Camas people, have long revered this plant for its edible bulbs and medicinal properties. But the true allure of the Camassia lies in its breathtaking visual appeal.

Imagine a sea of vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers swaying gently in the breeze, each petal radiating an ethereal glow. The Camassia's delicate petals and slender stems create a mesmerizing display that will captivate any onlooker. Whether planted in mass or as a striking accent, this wildflower is sure to elevate the beauty of your outdoor space.

The Remarkable History and Cultural Significance of Camassia

The camassia plant holds a profound significance in the history and culture of indigenous communities across North America. This unassuming perennial herb, with its delicate purple or white flowers, has been a vital part of the traditional diets and practices of Native American tribes for centuries.

Camassia's roots can be traced back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it has been a staple food source for indigenous peoples since time immemorial. From the Pacific Northwest to the Great Plains, the camassia bulb was meticulously harvested, processed, and consumed as a nutritious and versatile ingredient.

Beyond its culinary uses, camassia also held deep spiritual and ceremonial importance for many tribes. The plant was often incorporated into rituals, medicines, and other cultural practices, reflecting the reverence with which it was regarded. Even the act of harvesting camassia was imbued with sacred meaning, as it was seen as a way to honor the land and the ancestors who had relied on it.

Unlocking the Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits of the Camassia Plant

The Camassia plant, a member of the lily family, has long been revered for its nutritional and medicinal properties, yet its potential remains largely untapped. As we delve deeper into the wonders of this versatile plant, it becomes increasingly clear that unlocking its benefits can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.

Nutritionally, the Camassia plant is a powerhouse. Its bulbs are rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a slow-release energy source that can sustain us throughout the day. Additionally, they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, making them a valuable addition to any balanced diet.

But the benefits of Camassia extend far beyond its nutritional profile. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, and modern research is beginning to uncover its remarkable medicinal properties. Studies have shown that Camassia possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a potential ally in the fight against a wide range of health issues.

Beefsteak Tomato

Large and meaty:Beefsteak tomatoes are one of the largest varieties of cultivated tomatoes, regularly reaching up to 8 inches in diameter and weighing over 1 pound . They are known for their meaty flesh, which is perfect for slicing and eating fresh.

Flavor: Beefsteak tomatoes come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and orange. They have a richer, sweeter flavor than smaller tomato varieties, due to their higher sugar content.

Indeterminate vines: Beefsteak tomato plants are indeterminate, which means they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. They can reach up to 8 feet tall and require staking or caging for support.

Not ideal for commercial production: Because of their large size and irregular shape, beefsteak tomatoes are not grown commercially as often as other types of tomatoes. However, they are a popular choice for home gardeners who want to enjoy the taste of a homegrown tomato.

Varieties: There are many different varieties of beefsteak tomatoes available, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some popular varieties include Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Big Boy.

American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana

The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, northern Mexico, Bermuda, Cuba, the Bahamas, and other islands in the West Indies. It's a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive features and wildlife benefits.

Here are some facts about American Beautyberry:

Appearance: It grows to 3-8 feet tall with arching branches, large, light-green leaves, and lavender-pink flowers that bloom in late spring to late summer. The most striking feature is the abundant clusters of bright purple berries that appear in fall.
Wildlife benefits: The berries are a food source for many birds and deer, who help disperse the seeds. The aromatic leaves are said to repel mosquitoes.
Growing conditions: It thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It's adaptable, drought-tolerant once established, and requires minimal care.
Uses: The berries are astringent but can be used in jams, jellies, and wines in small quantities. The roots have been used traditionally to make herbal tea.

Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis

A beautiful and vigorous twining vine, Chinese wisteria is native to China and widely cultivated in temperate regions of the world for its stunning display of fragrant flowers in spring.

It's a deciduous vine, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall.

Chinese wisteria can grow to be 20-30 meters (66-98 feet) tall and has twisting stems that can twine around and climb structures.

The leaves are shiny green, pinnately compound, and 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) in length. Each leaf has 9-13 oblong leaflets that are 2–6 cm (0.79–2.4 in) long.

The fragrant flowers are white, violet, or blue, and produced on 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in) racemes (clusters) before the leaves emerge in spring. The flowers on each raceme open all at once, creating a dramatic floral display.

Chinese wisteria is considered invasive in some parts of the United States, so it is important to be aware of the potential risks before planting it. If you live in an area where Chinese wisteria is invasive, there are other types of wisteria that you may want to consider planting instead.

Bugleweed, Ajuga reptans

Bugleweed, also known as Ajuga reptans, is a popular perennial groundcover belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It's native to Europe but widely cultivated in many areas across the globe .

Here are some interesting facts about Bugleweed:

Appearance: Bugleweed is a low-growing creeper that forms a dense mat of foliage. It has shiny, dark green leaves that can sometimes have bronze or purple highlights, depending on the variety. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and have scalloped edges. In the spring, bugleweed produces spikes of small blue, purple, pink, or white flowers that rise above the foliage.

Spread: Bugleweed is a vigorous spreader that sends out runners that root as they creep along the ground. This makes it an excellent choice for filling in bare spots in the garden or suppressing weeds. However, its aggressive spreading habit can also make it invasive in some areas.

Growing Conditions: Bugleweed is a versatile plant that thrives in a wide range of conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate clay or sandy soil as well. It can grow in full sun to full shade, although the foliage color may be best in partial shade. Bugleweed is also very drought-tolerant once established.

Uses: Bugleweed is a valuable plant for many reasons. It's a beautiful low-maintenance groundcover that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It's also a great choice for erosion control on slopes. The flowers of bugleweed attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Deer and rabbits typically avoid bugleweed, making it a good choice for gardens where these pests are a problem.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planting bugleweed:

Bugleweed is best planted in the spring or fall.

Space plants 6-9 inches apart for quick coverage.

Water plants regularly until they are established, then only during dry periods.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.

Bugleweed can be divided in the spring or fall to create new plants.

Bugleweed is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can be a valuable addition to any garden.

With its attractive foliage and long-lasting blooms, bugleweed is sure to add beauty and interest to your landscape.

Daphes shrub, Daphne sericea

Facts about the Daphne sericea shrub:

Description: Daphne sericea is a bushy flowering plant in the genus Daphne. It typically grows to be around 30 to 40 cm tall, but can sometimes reach up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are small, only 2 to 4 cm long, and have a slightly hairy texture. The fragrant purple flowers bloom in clusters of 5 to 15 in late spring to early summer. Each flower is around 8 mm long.

Habitat: Daphne sericea is native to the woodlands and rocky areas of southern Europe and western Asia. It prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and full sun to partial shade.
Cultivars: Daphne sericea 'Collina' is a popular cultivar that is known for its compact growth habit and abundant flowers. There are also forms with pink flowers.

Toxicity: Be aware that all parts of Daphne sericea are poisonous if ingested. This includes the berries, which can be tempting to small children and pets. Wear gloves when handling the plant and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Care: Daphne sericea is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It does not need to be watered frequently, but it is important to make sure that the soil does not dry out completely. It can be pruned lightly after flowering to maintain its shape.

Pineapple sage, Salvia elegans

Here are some facts about pineapple sage, Salvia elegans:

Pineapple sage is a perennial shrub native to Central Mexico and Guatemala . It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to rosemary, lavender, and sage.

The plant grows to about 4-5 feet tall and wide, with square stems and ovate, hairy leaves that have a strong pineapple scent when crushed. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and have a fuzzy appearance.

Pineapple sage blooms in late summer and fall, producing clusters of bright red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The flowers are about 1-2 inches long and grow on long, graceful spikes.

Pineapple sage is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but will appreciate occasional watering during hot, dry weather.

The leaves and flowers of pineapple sage are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. The leaves have a sweet, pineapple-like flavor that can be used to flavor teas, salads, and desserts. The flowers can be used as a garnish or can be candied and used to decorate cakes or cookies. However, it is important to note that the leaves can lose some of their intensity when dried.

Pineapple sage is not winter hardy in cold climates and will die back to the ground after the first frost. However, it can be grown as an annual in these areas. In warmer climates (USDA zones 8-10), pineapple sage is a perennial and will come back year after year.

Here are some additional tips for growing pineapple sage:

If you live in a cold climate, you can overwinter your pineapple sage plant by bringing it indoors before the first frost. Place it in a sunny location and water it sparingly.

Pineapple sage can be propagated by seed or by cuttings.

Pineapple sage is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to prune it back occasionally to keep it in shape.