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.

Mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea

Here are some facts about mealycup sage, Salvia farinacea:

Appearance:

A herbaceous perennial native to Texas, Mexico, and parts of the southwestern United States.

Grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall with upright or sprawling bushy form.

Features narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a slightly rough texture and medium to dark green color.

Showy flowers bloom in elongated spikes, with colors ranging from deep violet-blue to purple, lavender, white, and even bicolor varieties.

The calyx (flower sepals) have a powdery or grainy texture, resembling flour or meal, which gives the plant its common name.

Growing Conditions:

Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, tolerating poor soils and some drought.

Considered a low-maintenance plant, relatively pest and disease resistant.

Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, but often grown as an annual in colder climates due to its fast growth.

Can be propagated from seeds sown indoors or directly outdoors after the last frost

Other Interesting Traits:

Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar, making it a valuable pollinator plant.

The aromatic leaves have a similar scent to culinary sage, but are not typically used for cooking.

Dried leaves can be included in potpourri for a subtle fragrance.

Deer resistant.

Siberian larkspur, Delphinium grandiflorum

Origin: The Siberian larkspur, also known as the Chinese larkspur (Delphinium grandiflorum), is a flowering plant native to Russia and China .

Description: This perennial plant is known for its stunning blooms that come in various shades of blue, with some cultivars boasting white or pink flowers. The flowers are typically large and single, with four to five spurred petals surrounding a cluster of stamens. Unlike its taller cousin, the Delphinium elatum, the Siberian larkspur features shorter and more compact stems, reaching around 18 to 24 inches tall.

Habitats: In their natural habitat, Siberian larkspurs thrive in cool, dry meadows and grassy slopes.

Cultivation: Siberian larkspurs are popular ornamental plants due to their attractive flowers and ease of care. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are also relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate some drought conditions.

Toxicity: It's important to note that all parts of the Siberian larkspur are poisonous if ingested. This is due to the presence of alkaloids, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and even paralysis. Therefore, caution is advised, especially around children and pets.

Varieties: There are several popular cultivars of Siberian larkspur available, each offering unique flower colors and growth habits. Some well-known cultivars include 'Blue Butterfly' with its vibrant blue blooms, 'Summer Morning' with its soft lavender flowers, 'Blue Mirror' known for its deep blue, almost purple flowers, and 'Summer Stars' with its striking bicolored flowers of white and lavender.

Flaming Katy, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Some facts about Flaming Katy, also known as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana:

A succulent plant native to Madagascar .

It's a popular flowering houseplant known for its clusters of bright red, pink, yellow, or orange flowers that last for weeks .

The plant has dark green, scalloped leaves and an upright, multi-branched growth habit.

Flaming Katy is a low-maintenance succulent that is easy to care for.

It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

The plant should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Flaming Katy can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

Flaming Katy is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can add a pop of color to any home. With proper care, it can bloom for weeks on end.

If you want your Flaming Katy to rebloom, you will need to give it a period of long nights (at least 14 hours of darkness) for 6-8 weeks. This can be done by placing the plant in a dark room or covering it with a cloth at night.

After the flowering period is over, you can prune the plant to encourage new growth.

Flaming Katy is generally considered safe for pets and humans. However, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach of children and pets.flaming katy plant

Japanese andromeda, Pieris japonica

Origin: Despite its name, the Japanese andromeda is not actually native to Japan. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it grows in mountain thickets .

Description: The Japanese andromeda is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that typically grows to 9-12 feet tall with a spread of 6-8 feet. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are obovate to oblanceolate in shape, with serrated margins. New growth emerges a conspicuous bronze or red, eventually turning green. It blooms in early to late spring with drooping trusses of fragrant, white or pink urn-shaped flowers about 10 cm long hanging from the tips of the branches.

Cultivation: The Japanese andromeda is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated in gardens. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to part shade. It is also tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for planting in many climates.

Varieties: There are a number of cultivars of Pieris japonica available, with variations in flower color, foliage color, and size.
Some popular cultivars include:
'Forest Flame': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a fiery red and matures to a deep green.
'Mountain Fire': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a bright orange and matures to a green with a bronze tinge.
'Variegated': This cultivar has green leaves with white margins.

Toxicity: Be aware that all parts of the Japanese andromeda are toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Jalapeños Peppers

Origin: Jalapeños are medium-sized chili peppers, originally cultivated in Mexico . Their name comes from Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. They have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of cultivation by indigenous peoples as early as 8000 BC.

Heat: Jalapeños are known for their moderate heat, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville scale. For comparison, a bell pepper measures 0 SHU, while a habanero pepper can reach over 200,000 SHU. The heat comes from a compound called capsaicin, which is concentrated in the pith and seeds of the pepper.

Health benefits: Jalapeños are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and folate. They also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.

Versatility: Jalapeños are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, canned, or smoked. They are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but they can also be added to a variety of dishes, including pizzas, salads, and burgers. Jalapeños can also be stuffed with cheese or meat and fried.

Texas’s official pepper: Jalapeños are not just delicious, they’re also the official state pepper of Texas! The pepper was adopted as the state pepper in 1995.

Nemesia

Nemesia is a charming flowering plant known for its colorful blooms and versatility in gardens and containers.

Here are some key facts about the Nemesia plant:

Origin and Habitat: Nemesia is native to South Africa, thriving in a variety of habitats from sandy flats to rocky slopes.
Variety of Species: There are about 50 to 70 species of Nemesia, each boasting different characteristics. The colors of Nemesia flowers can range from white, pink, and red to purple and blue, often with contrasting centers.
Flowering Season: Nemesia generally blooms during spring and early summer, although in cooler climates, the flowering may extend further into the summer months.

Plant Size: These plants are typically compact, growing between 6 to 24 inches tall, making them ideal for borders, ground covers, and container plantings.
Sunlight and Soil: Nemesia prefers full sun to partial shade and flourishes in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.

Maintenance: Nemesia plants are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from deadheading to encourage prolonged flowering. They are also frost-sensitive and may need protection in colder climates.
Uses: Due to their vibrant and plentiful blooms, Nemesia is popular in ornamental gardening. They are also used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and as edging plants.
Propagation: These plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. However, many hybrid varieties are sterile and must be propagated from cuttings.
Attractiveness to Wildlife: The colorful flowers of Nemesia attract bees and butterflies, making them excellent plants for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Nemesia adds a burst of color and is valued for its long blooming period and ease of care, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking to add life and color to their outdoor spaces.