Variegated Bougainvillea Guide

Bougainvilleas are native to tropical South and Central America, these garden beauties are rapid growers and are also commonly called paper flowers. Bougainvillea belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae with approximately 18 species and is drought-tolerant making this plant low-maintenance.

A favorite of mine however is the variegated bougainvillea plant, this garden beauty is amazing. I came across this plant species many years ago and it was love at first sight. The variegated bougainvillea is a tropical beauty that will add that much-needed flavor to your garden and landscapes. I move around the country a lot and to my surprise, the more popular ones which are used are the non-variegated ones but the advantage with the variegated bougainvillea is that once the flower bloom ends you can still have a colorful garden because of the variegated leaves.

If you have a love for the variegated bougainvillea and would like to make this beauty a part of your garden and landscape giving that tropical look and feel then join me on this journey as we take a closer look at the variegated bougainvillea that is a showstopper which will light up your garden and landscape areas.

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How to Grow Juniper

Among the many garden plants that grace our gardens and landscapes, junipers have been one of the more popular ones, junipers are coniferous shrubs or trees belonging to the cypress family. What I found interesting about junipers is their ability to grow in most regions.

Junipers are native to The UK, Europe, and much of the northern hemisphere. In its natural habitat junipers can be found growing in old native pine woodlands, chalk lowland, rocky areas, and moorland. Junipers are highly prized for their foliage (leaves).

There are some 50-60 species of juniper giving a wide selection to choose from, junipers are also popular in helping to prevent soil erosion. Junipers can be grown as a screen, ground cover, or can be used in foundation plantings. Depending on the variety some species can reach heights of 20 ft or more. If you’re interested in learning more about juniper plant care continue reading as we take a closer look.

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Tips on Growing Healthy Spider Plants

The spider plant can be grown both out and indoors, this garden beauty is a low maintenance hardy plant belonging to the family Asparagaceae and is commonly known as an ornamental houseplant, these garden beauties also goes by the name ribbon plant, spider ivy and hen, and chickens, There is said to be about 150 species of flowering plant in this family. Spider plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions,  I have worked with the spider plant on many interior plant scape projects, what makes this plant so unique is the cluster of leaves that are produced which looks like little baby spider plants dangling or hanging from the parent plant.

The leaves of the spider plant are arched, long, and thin with variegated colors of light green and white or solid green. These plants look especially great when planted in a hanging basket so if you are a spider lover, not the insect but a lover of the spider plant then continue reading as we take a closer look at the spider plant.

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How to grow and care for coneflowers

Coneflowers are a weedy flowing plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae, the common name for most Echinacea species is ‘purple coneflowers’. Echinacea purpurea was the original coneflower that was discovered by European explorers in the forest of the southeastern US in the 17 century and in 1699 was sent to England.

The purple coneflower was believed to be popular in European gardens as an ornamental plant as well as a medical herb. This perennial plant is native to eastern and central North America.

What makes the coneflower a gardener’s favorite is its ability to withstand the heat as well as drought, attracts pollinators and birds, ease of growth, and blooms for months, and can also be used as cut flowers. The coneflower is a must and will go to work for you. For more on how to grow and care for coneflower let’s take a closer look.

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Air Plant Care Guide

Air plants have an unusual appearance like they have come from another planet and will catch your eyes, these garden beauties can be grown without soil hence the name (air plant). It is also believed that air plants may only flower once during their lifetime, the good news, however, is that the pups from the parent plant can be harvested giving yet another generation. In this group or family of air plants, we get the name tillandsia, tillandsia is a genus of about 650 species of flowering plants, evergreens, and perennials that receives the majority of their nutrients from the air that circulates around them.

These species of plants come from tropical climates and are native to the Caribbean, south-eastern United States, mid-Argentina, northern Mexico, and Mesoamerica growing in deserts, forests, and mountain areas. The varieties can either be trailing, furry, spiky, or fuzzy,  For more on the growth and care of tillandsia let’s take a closer look.

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Dianthus Planting and Care

Dianthus are low-maintenance plants giving your garden that color pop while attracting butterflies and other pollinators.  These garden beauties also go by the name Sweet William and are a real show stopper with their array of flowering colors which are so dazzling and will spice up your summer garden. Dianthus belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and is in a genus of 3000 species of flowering plants which include carnation. Dianthus are native to Asia, Northern Europe, China, Alaska, and South Africa. Dianthus produces a spicy fragrance, most species have an abundance of flowers that comes in many shapes and colors with simple narrow leaves.

Dianthus can be classified as perennials, hardy annuals, or biennial, these plants can get up to 6-18 inches tall. Liven up your spring and summer gardens with dianthus as you work on the great outdoors, if you are interested in the growth and care of dianthus continue reading as we take a closer look at the world of dianthus which can transform your garden with so much color pop.

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How to Grow and Care for Yarrow Plants

The Yarrow plant is easy to care for, this garden beauty attracts pollinators is drought-tolerant, and insect resistant. Yarrow plants are aromatic or fragrant. This garden beauty is native to Eurasia and is found widely from the UK to China and North America, yarrows can be found commonly growing in grassland and open forest.

Yarrows belongs to the family Asteraceae, they were described as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753, the genus was named after the Greek mythological character Achilles. Sunflowers, aster, zinnias, and chrysanthemums also belong to this family.

What also makes yarrow a must-have is its healing properties that aid in reducing fever, treating muscle cramps or muscles that are swollen, and minor wounds.  This perennial can grow in your flower or herb garden and can be used as a ground cover or border plant.

The flowers of the yarrow plant are showy and come in colors of pink, yellow, red, gold, or orange improving the appearance of your garden and landscapes however, this North American plant is invasive which is why it’s important to give yarrows space to go for themselves. For more on how to grow and care for yarrows continue reading.

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 Cast Iron Plant Grow Guide

Cast irons are low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and will go to work for you by bringing that much-needed flavor into your outdoor as well as indoor living space.  The five-star resort where I once worked as an interior plantscape designer had these plants installed in the lobby areas as well as garden walking pathways. There are many varieties to chose from which some include’ Hoshi-zora’, ‘ Variegata’, ‘Lennon’s Song,’ Asahi’ etc…

The cast iron plant is known for its durability, it is a tough hardy plant that can survive under just about any condition. The cast iron ( Aspidistra elatior ) or bar-room plant by which it is name is native to Japan and Taiwan, this plant has tough leathery foliage and is a popular house plant.

Cast iron is also cultivated to be grown outdoors, in some parts of the United States cast iron is used as a ground cover in shaded areas. The cast iron is family to lilies and produces small purple flowers that grow near the soil’s surface and are hidden by the leaves. Even when neglected the cast iron will still thrive. For more on this hardy plant which has been widely accepted growing both commercially and in many home gardens, let’s take a closer look.

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Tips on How to Care for Dusty Millers

Dusty millers are herbaceous sub-shrub in the Asteraceae family and are native to the Mediterranean regions. There are many types of dusty millers that include ‘New Look’, ‘Cirrus’, ‘Silver Lace’, ‘Silver’ Dust’etc… these garden beauties that produce beautiful yellow flowers are commonly used as an annual bedding plant and grow from 6 t0 12 inches. What I also love about the dusty miller is that it is drought-tolerant and not fussy at all when it comes to maintenance.

Deers and rabbits avoid dusty millers so planting them along the edge of your planters and pots will keep them away because they (dusty millers) are deer and rabbit resistant.

As far as I can remember I first saw this plant I believe while in a neighborhood passing a home that was nicely landscaped many years ago. I was so impressed by the appearance of dusty millers that I went and did research to find out what plant species this was, I was even taken by the name of this plant that stuck with me from that day until now.

The dusty miller does not only have a unique name but also an appearance that will have heads turning. This garden beauty can stand out among garden plants becoming a real show stopper. Since that day I have seen dusty millers all over the country in garden and landscaping designs. The dusty miller leaves are a gray-silver color with a velvety texture that is so stunning. For more on how to care for the dusty miller let’s take a closer look.

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 Growing and Caring for the Agave Plant

Agave belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is a genus of monocot native to regions that are hot and arid, this drought-tolerant plant dates back as far as the Aztec Civilization that is now northern Mexico. The sap called pulque was central to religious rituals rights and sacrifices, agave or the century plant is used widely in low maintenance gardens because of its ability to go weeks without water. This garden beauty is native to South and Central America and also Mexico.

American Indians use agave fiber to make twine, today the fiber is used by manufacturers in the textile industry, other companies use the fiber of agave in green products to make slippers, washcloths, spa products, belts, and artisan crafts.

There are more than 450 species of agaves, some of them have spiny thorns that are dangerous and can cause server injury which we will be discussing a bit later. Agaves are succulent plants that have long leaves, some species of agaves display a beautiful flower that really stands out but the flip side of the coin is once the flower is produced the parent plant dies leaving behind pups. Agaves are a must-have for your garden and landscape areas. For more on the installation and care of agave continue reading.

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Growth and Care of Philodendron

Philodendrons are perennial plants that are native to the Caribbean, Venezuela, Asia but also grow in Colombia. Philodendron dates back hundreds of years as far back as 1644, there are said to be 450 species of these garden beauties. The philodendron belongs to the family Araceae, the shape, size, and texture of foliage (leaves) vary while the leaves may be either green, red, purple, or copper color.

The leaves of some species are broad and will give your garden good coverage by covering large empty spaces or closing in large empty spots. Because of their ability to adapt in low light areas in the rainforest the philodendron makes a great indoor plant as well. For more on the growth and care of philodendron continue reading.

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 How to Successfully Grow and Care for Hosta Plants

Hosta has been traced back as far as 800 years growing in China’s shady forest, there are said to be about 40 species of these perennial beauties that belong to the family Asparagaceae. Some species and cultivars are grown for their beautiful foliage (Leaves) which range in colors from variegated, yellow, light-to-dark green, or blue.

The hosta plant has left its mark and found its way into the hearts of many gardeners from the amateur to the professional, these garden beauties can thrive either in partial or full shade, what I love about hosta is the beautiful flowers which are produced, the variegated foliage is an added bonus that will provide that much-needed color.

Hosta comes in many shapes, sizes, and textures, there are said to be 2,500 cultivars which is a wide selection to choose from, installing hosta in your outdoor or indoor living space will brighten your day, with a hosta plant your work will be made easy as these garden beauties are so simple to grow and maintain. For more on how to grow and care for hosta continue reading and find out why the hosta plant has caught the attention of persons from all walks of life.

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 Tips for Successfully Growing Zinnias

Installing zinnias in your garden and landscape area is a creative way to create that color pop while encouraging wildlife ( butterflies and bees). Creating a garden paradise should be the desire of every homeowner, including zinnias can help to meet that goal, there are many varieties of zinnias. These garden beauties are native to North America and are a favorite of gardeners producing flower bloom in such abundance that it is eye-popping.

Zinnias are drought-tolerant plants that produce daisy-like flowers which sit atop a single stem, while the leaves are simply arranged opposite each other being oblong, lanceolate, or ovate in shape hairy dark green with veins that are prominent the flowers come in an array of colors ranging from white, red, pinks, green, purple, yellow, etc…

Zinnias are a must for the home garden so continue reading and see why zinnias have such a high score when it comes to making them a part of garden and landscape designs.

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Gardening Tips on the Care of Caladiums

A fun plant that is easy to grow and care for is caladiums, these drought-tolerant plants belong to the family Araceae with 1000 new cultivars. Caladiums also go by the common names angles wings, elephant ears, etc… caladiums are one of gardeners’ choices and will Enhance your garden and interior plantscape living space.

These garden plants produce beautiful heart-shaped multi-color leaves that are so amazing. I have worked on many interior plantscape projects with caladiums and have seen the amazing change they bring to any outdoor and indoor living space. What I love about caladiums are the different patterned designs that are found on the leaves which is truly a work of art.

These tropical plants are native to South Africa and can be found growing on the banks of the Amazon river but also believed to hail from Central and South America. Caladiums, however, cannot tolerate the cold and are tuberous plants meaning spring to autumn is the only time for them to show their beauty but despite that, they are still worth the investment, these garden beauties are a show stopper bringing that color pop to your spring garden. To spruce up, your spring continue reading to learn more about caladium plant care.

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A Guide to Growing And Caring for Liriope

Liriope is a ground cover that is popular among garden plants, this flowering herbaceous evergreen is native to East Asia and is grown on a wide scale in tropical and sub-tropical regions. These garden beauties are highly disease tolerant, liriope is a grass-like hardy plant with rich dark green slender leaves and purple flowers that can withstand drought conditions.

Liriope don’t get that tall growing from 10 to 18 inches with a spread of 12 t0 18 inches, once this plant is established it is very low maintenance, not fussy at all bringing that much need flavor makes the liriope a must-have in your home garden.

Liriope commonly goes by the name blue lily turf or turf Lilly, this perennial is famous for growing in clumps and looks great when using as a low border hedge. There is also a dwarf and variegated species that can be used as a part of a garden and landscape design, liriope is a high prize that will go to work for you so if you are interested in the growth and care of the liriope then stick around as we take our journey into the world of this hardy type plant that is not only a show stopper but is easy to grow and care for.

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How to Grow and Care for Black Eyed-Susan Flowers

A splash of yellow here and there in a garden setting can really brighten up a dull area, while there are so many flowering plants that produce gorgeous yellow flower blooms there is a plant that is popular among garden lovers and has made a name for its self that is the Black-Eyed Susan Flowers.

This charming perennial gets its name in part from its black center or eye and attracts butterflies, bees, and birds creating a garden wonder when planted in masses. Black-eyed Susan produces a golden to yellowish flower that is so beautiful, this garden beauty is classified as a wild flowering plant and can be found growing in open fields. The black-eyed Susan is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and is native to North and Eastern America, this perennial is a drought-tolerant plant that can withstand extreme heat blooming mostly during the summer months.

It’s believed that the black-eyed Susan was used as a medical herb during the early days of its discovery. This garden beauty will make the perfect plant for your summer garden. For more on how to care for black-eyed Susan that has so much to offer let’s take a closer look.

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How to Grow and Care for Cosmos

Cosmos is native to the southwestern desert and Mexico but can be found growing in Europe and all over the United States. This low maintenance plant produces clusters of showy flowers, cosmos grows 2-3 feet tall and is in the family Asteraceae. There are dozens of cultivars of annuals cosmos but at least four species.

These garden beauties can also give your indoor living space that color pop as cut flowers, the flowers are daisy-like ranging in colors from orange, maroon, red, pink, white, yellow, purple, etc… cosmos produces nectar and pollens that attracts wildlife such as bees, birds, and butterflies along with predator insects ( hoverflies, wasps, parasitic and tachinid flies).

What I love also but cosmos is that they are self-seeding meaning once the season starts again the seeds will germinate. It’s believed that the “leaves of cosmos represent peace and love”. Cosmos will give your summer garden that much-needed flavor so continue reading to see how easy it is to grow these garden beauties.

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Oregon Grape Care and Maintenance Guide

Oregon grape also called holly grape is a drought-resistant evergreen shrub that is native to western North America and is the state flower of Oregon, other common names for Oregon grape are mountain grape, holly-leaved barberry, Oregonholly grape, and Oregon grape holly.

This evergreen shrub can grow up to 6ft tall and 3ft wide with some reaching up to 10ft in height, the berries from this plant attract birds and wildlife. The leaves of Oregon grape are beautiful dark green holly-shaped leaves that turn bronze during autumn. This garden beauty also produces bell-like flowers that are small and yellow.

The Latin name for this plant species is Mahonia aquifolium, there are 6 species of Oregon grape that belong to the Berberidaceae family. What has also been said about the Oregon grape is that” the root and root-like stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine to cleanse the bowels, for gastroesophageal reflux disease, to treat infections, for upset stomach, for stomach ulcers, and as a bitter tonic”.For more on how to grow and care for Oregon grape along with proper placement in your landscape and gardens continue reading.

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Lantana Grow and Care Guide

The lantana is a tropical plant that is known for its versatility thriving in the most adverse conditions. This hardy perennial is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and Africa being used in many home garden designs as well as commercial landscaping projects.

Lantanas belong to the family Verbenaceae and go by the common names wild sage or button sage. The genus includes both herbaceous plants and shrubs growing to 0.5-2 m ( 1.6-6.6 ft) tall.

Lantanas are beautiful plants that produce small clusters of flower blooms, there are many varieties that will give your gardens and landscapes that color pop. The lantana which is an evergreen runs like a vine as it matures although it has been classified as a shrub.

This garden beauty will attract wildlife such as butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other bird species withstanding the drought as well as salt sprays in coastal areas. Lantanas carry an aroma that is mild and pleasant although the fragrance may not appeal to some.

From my personal experience, I believe that this plant makes a great choice for your spring and summer gardens with its stunning multi-colors. In warmer climates, lantanas can be grown as a perennial but in colder climates as an annual. To successfully grow and care for the lantana plant continue reading to see how easy it is.

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 Kalanchoe Grow and Care Guide

Kalanchoe belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is in a genus of 12 species of succulent flowering plants this garden beauty is native to Madagascar. Kalanchoes are available in a wide range of shapes, colors, and sizes, these plants are famous for their showy colorful bloom and their thick leather leaves.

What I love about kalanchoes is their ease of care as they bring that much-needed color pop to your indoor living space. Most kalanchoe species are perennial herbaceous plants, though some are shrubs and a few are annuals. For more on the care of this evergreen continue reading.

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How to Plant, Care and Grow Phlox Flowering Plant

Fill your garden with amazing colors and fragrance this spring and summer with the phlox flowering plants, this garden beauty is native to Arkansas, New York, Mississippi, and Iowa south to Georgia. Phlox belongs to the family Polemoniaceae and is a genus of 67  species of annuals and perennial plants thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.

Phlox flowering plants are low maintenance nectar-producing plants that are used in wildlife gardens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds and are also animal resistant. Phlox can be used as fresh-cut flowers or to create a perennial border, this garden beauty is showy in the landscape bringing that much-needed color and life.

Growing and caring for phlox flowering plants has its benefits as you get the best of both worlds and these plants are so easy to maintain. If you are interested in joining the many homeowners who are having much success with this garden beauty then continue reading to find out how it’s done.

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A Complete Guide on the Growth and Care of Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum commonly called golden pothos or creeping charlie belongs to the family Araceae and is native to the Solomon Island. This hardy plant whether growing in or outdoors cannot be killed easily, I have worked with the golden pothos on many garden projects and have seen how well they perform.

The golden pothos is a popular indoor plant, this plant looks great especially when used at the base of palms and other garden plants which was one of my specialties when creating both indoor and outdoor garden designs. For more on golden pothos plant care continue reading and find out how easy it is to grow and care for this plant.

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Japanese Anemone Flower Grow Guide

Eriocapitella hupehensis (Japanese anemone flowers) belongs to a species of about 200 flowering plants in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, these wildflowers though native to China have been cultivated in Japan for hundreds of years. The Japanese anemone flower can also be found growing worldwide including North America, Europe, the U.S., etc… the name of this plant is derived from the Greek word anemōnē which means the daughter of the wind.

The Japanese anemone flower is given this name because of the delicate flowers that are blown open by the wind which also blows away the dead petals. This perennial produces flowers that resemble a saucer with glossy foliage (leaves) the flowers ranges in many colors including creamy pink, white, purple, etc…

This garden beauty is salt tolerant, attracts butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant along with being popular in wedding bouquets and is a favorite choice among garden and landscaping specialists, bring your garden to life by making the Japanese anemone flowers a part of your garden design. For more on how to successfully grow the Japanese anemone flowers continue reading as we take a closer look.

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How to Care for and Grow Calathea Ornata Plant

Calathea Ornata also called the prayer plant, pine-stripe, zebra plant, peacock plant, etc… is native to South America (Colombia, Venezuela) and is a genus of plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. There are said to be over 300 species of these garden beauties of which many can be found growing in tropical regions such as Thailand, Africa, the West Indies, and Central America.

This low-maintenance plant that is non-toxic to humans and pets will put on a show for you with its pinstriped leaves that are so stunning. The calathea ornata brings a tropical flavor that is worth the investment so give it a try and see for yourself. You will be so happy that you did, with that said let’s take a closer look as we venture into the world of this garden beauty.

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How to Grow and Care  for Weigela Bush

Weigela bush is a beautiful low-maintenance shrub that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds, this plant can be grown with much success in the home garden, and is a member of the honeysuckle family. The weigela shrub is native to Asia comes in many varieties including, ‘Wine and Rose’, ‘Crimson Kisses’, ‘Czechmark Sunny Side Up’, ‘Sonic Bloom Pink’, ‘Golden Jackpot’ etc…

Weigela Bush/shrub grows dense and is a Deciduous plant reaching heights from 6-10ft. tall and 9-12ft. wide while the dwarf grows to about 3 ft. These bushes are easy to transplant and are used mostly for mass planting in a shrub border or as a foundation plant.

If you have an interest in how to grow and care for weigela bush then continue reading as we take a more in-depth look at this amazing shrub that is a garden wonder.

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Blue Daze Seeds Planting

The blue daze is a tropical beauty perennial plant that is grown as an annual in summer gardens. The attractive slivery-greenish leaves with their beautiful flower bloom make this plant a must for the home garden. In previous articles, we have looked at propagating blue daze and blue daze care. This garden beauty is worth our attention because the blue daze has made a name of itself and is used on a wide scale to bring that much-needed flavor with its charm.

In this article however we will be looking at how to grow blue daze from seeds, blue daze is so easy to grow, and care for filling your home garden with much flower bloom. If you want to fill your days with blue daze, not blue days then let’s take a closer look at how to grow blue daze from seeds.

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Propagating Blue Daze the Right Way

The blue daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a beauty that produces stunning blue flowers and narrow silvery-green leaves which is a bonus complementing flower beds and is also great for container gardening. This heat- sun-loving plant that is a herbaceous perennial is widely used in home gardens as a summer annual in tropical regions.

Blue daze can also withstand some afternoon shade and can reach heights of 12 inches with a width of 2-3 ft and grows well in zones 8-11. What I found so amazing about blue daze is new flowers are consistently produced each morning. This flowering beauty is a must for your summer garden however in this article we will be taking a closer look at how to successfully propagate blue daze so you can have an abundance of these flowering plants grown and cared for with your very own hands. For more on how this is done continue reading.

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