Plants

Easy to grow and tolerant of poor soils, this perennial bears brilliant yellow, daisy-like flowers from June until August. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 7 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Allow to dry out between waterings. FERTILIZER: Use a general mild fertilizer regularly. FLOWERING: Blooms through out the summer. SOIL: Tolerates droughty soil but requires well drained soil. DISEASE: May be infected by to powdery mildews. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding and encourage continued blooming. Plants can put so much energy into seed production that they die. Cut back in late summer to encourage basal growth for overwintering.

Growing Asters is easy. Perennial Aster flowers grow well in average soils, but needs full sun. Blooms are 2 inches in diameter, and are wilt resistant. Aster flowers come in blues, purples and a variety of pinks. All. Asters are yellow in the center of the flower. They are daisy-like in appearance, even though they are a member of the sunflower family. Did you know? The yellow center of Asters is actually comprised of many tiny flowerets. Asters come in a wide variety, with some less than a foot tall, while others are two feet tall or more. Both large and smaller varieties make good cut flowers for vases and arrangements. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 8 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. FERTILIZER: Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. FLOWERING: Summer/Fall. SOIL: Aster flowers grow well in average soils, but needs full sun. DISEASE: Asters are somewhat resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is a creeping evergreen plant that produces small, five-petaled flowers with golden centers from late spring to first frost. A perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11, it is often used in hanging baskets, where it can spill over the sides, or as a groundcover. In cooler climates it is often used as an annual. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8b through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Bacopa requires regular water; allowing it to dry out or wilt can be fatal for the plant. FERTILIZER: Feeding at least once a month with a side dressing of compost or a foliar spray of liquid fish emulsion will keep it lush and green. FLOWERING: Depends on variety. SOIL: In soils with poor drainage, it can easily rot. DISEASE: Clear away the dead foliage and cut the stems back to 5 or 6 inches. Leaving the dead material in place can hold in too much moisture and lead to rotting.

Now here's one of America's favorite flowers. With lots of variety, Begonias are popular in flowerbeds, hanging baskets, as container plants, and as indoor house plants. That's one versatile plant! Begonias are prized equally for their flower, as well as their showy leaves. When they are not in bloom, which is infrequent once established, their attractive, waxy green or chocolate colored leaves show themselves off wherever you have placed them. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water container-grown begonias when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. FERTILIZER: Fertilize your begonias less frequently during the wintertime when growth is slowed. Follow the instructions provided with your houseplant fertilizer. FLOWERING: Several begonia groups feature bright, colorful flowers, while others are grown primarily for their decorative leaves -- which can be textured, colored and ornamental due to their various shapes. SOIL: Use well drained soil. DISEASE: Depends on variety.

The original English Daisy is the wildflower Daisy that is often seen growing in lawns throughout the world. This rosette forming, low-growing biennial has now been hybridized to include double flowering, aster-like varieties in shades of white, pink, rose-red or purple. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly and thoroughly. English Daisies do no like to dry out! FERTILIZER: Feed monthly during the growing season using any good, all-purpose fertilizer. FLOWERING: Blooms in Spring and Summer. Removing faded flowers regularly will help keep plants blooming well into the summer. SOIL: Use light, rich, moisture retaining soil after all danger of frost has passed. DISEASE: Refer to growers instructions.

Bells of Ireland are distinctive and stately plants, grown for their tall, dark green spires, thickly covered by lighter green, bell-shaped calyces (leaves). This annual plant grows 2-3 feet tall. The leaves are so lush, they all but hide the small white or pink flowers. Flowers bloom once during the season, with a pleasant scent. Surprise, surprise. Bells of Ireland are not native to Ireland. They are native to Syria, Turkey and the Caucuses. Bells of Ireland plants are a lucky symbols, perhaps linking their name to the luck of the Irish. They are also not related to the Molluca Islands, which their botanical name might otherwise suggest. The spikes of Bells of Ireland are used fresh or in dried arrangements. They are widely used for St. Patrick's Day arrangements. As a lucky symbol, they are also popular in wedding bouquets and arrangements. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 4 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep soil evenly moist. Water frequently in dry weather. FERTILIZER: Add a high nitrogen fertilizer once a month, to promote lush, healthy growth. FLOWERING: Spring thru Fall. SOIL: They do best in rich, loam soils, but will grow in average soils . DISEASE: Refer to growers instructions.

Bidens is a perfect container plant. It spills down the edges of windowboxes, large pots, and planters with starry, yellow flowers and ferny, green foliage. Some varieties are fragrant so plant them where you can enjoy their sweet scent. Bidens likes rich, well-drained but moist soil. While it's a perennial in Zones 8-10, it's usually grown as an annual. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Bidens require good moisture levels but must be well-drained. It is important to ensure good drainage in both containers and landscaping, to prevent diseases like root rot.  FERTILIZER: Fertilizer or compost application will ensure optimal plant performance. Be sure to apply low to the ground, near the plant's main stem ( in order to avoid wetting the plant's foliage) for quick absorption and utilization. FLOWERING: Blooms in Spring, Fall and Summer. SOIL: Use well drained soil. DISEASE: Refer to growers instructions.

Brunnera macrophylla, commonly called Siberian bugloss, is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial that is primarily grown in shady areas for its attractive heart-shaped, dark green, basal foliage. Small, forget-me-not-like flowers of light blue with yellow centers bloom in airy, branched racemes rising well above the foliage on slender stems to 18" tall in spring. Basal leaves form a foliage mound which remains attractive throughout the growing season. Smaller upper leaves are elliptic. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 10 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep soil moist but not soggy. FERTILIZER: Fertilize every 2 weeks with Bordine's Better Blooms or similar, 20-20-20. FLOWERING: April to May with intense blue flowers. SOIL: Prefers rich soil that is kept moist but not soggy. DISEASE: No serious insect or disease problems. Slugs and snails are occasional visitors.

The calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a cool-season annual or biennial plant from the Mediterranean region that grows well across the United States. Also known as the pot marigold, this daisy family (Asteraceae) member bears bright yellow to deep orange flowers from late fall through early spring in mild-winter climates. The large, showy, edible flowers and fragrant, grayish-green leaves make calendula a favorite for borders, herb gardens and flower beds. Calendula plants are easy to grow and require little care. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: All zones. CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Give your calendulas 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water once a week during hot weather. Although these plants can tolerate low-water conditions, regular irrigation encourages summer blooms. FERTILIZER: Mix 2 to 4 inches of compost into the planting soil to promote optimal plant health. Although fertilization isn't necessary for calendulas, incorporating an all-purpose fertilizer into the soil promotes vigor and flowering. The Utah State University Cooperative Extension recommends using 1 to 2 teaspoons of a 16-16-8 fertilizer for each square foot of planting area. FLOWERING: Blooms yellow and white. SOIL: Mix 2 to 4 inches of compost into the planting soil to promote optimal plant health. DISEASE: Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes patches of white, powdery growth to appear on the calendula foliage. Remove any affected plant tissue and dispose of it immediately.

Calibrachoa or trailing petunia is a tender perennial which produces flowers that look like small petunias. These are compact, mounded plants which grow 3-9” tall on mostly trailing stems. Sometimes commonly called million bells, these plants are prolific bloomers that produce hundreds of 1” wide flowers from spring to frost. Flower colors include shades of violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, and white. Calibrachoa is not recognized as a separate genus by many authorities including the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Hortus Third. It is sometimes sold in commerce as Petunia ‘Million Bells’. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: The soil should be kept fairly moist but not soggy, especially in full sun areas as they may succumb to the intense heat of summer. Container plants require more watering. FERTILIZER: Calibrachoa care includes periodic fertilizer applications in the garden, though you may need to fertilize more regularly when in a container or hanging basket. FLOWERING: June to frost. Violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, white. SOIL: They prefer to be grown in moist but well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun. DISEASE: No serious insect or disease problems.

Popular is an understatement, as Poppies come in many, many varieties, and are native to many parts of the world, including Central and Southern Europe, China, India, and other parts of Asia. It's popularity also stems from the diversity of it's use. In the garden, Poppies are an attractive, easy to grow flower in both annual and perennial varieties. As an added bonus, the home gardener can choose from almost any color in the rainbow , including black. It's flowers are long lasting. Poppy seeds and oil are popular for baking and cooking. If you have excess seed, you can put them in your backyard bird feeder. In the world of medicine, and drugs, some Poppies are a narcotic. It is used to make Codeine, Morphine, and Opium. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Allow to dry out between waterings. FERTILIZER: Fertilize them once a month to promote steady growth. Mulching around the plants will help to keep weeds down and make the bed more attractive. FLOWERING: Poppy will grow quickly and will bloom in early to mid summer. SOIL: They will grow well in many types of soils and tolerate dry spells well. DISEASE: Poppy are fairly resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Dusty Miller are an easy to grow perennial. Dusty Miller is grown for it's silvery-gray, fern-like foliage. Dusty Miller makes terrific border and edging plants, offering a striking contrast to the colorful flowers and green colors of your lawn and garden. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 4 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month. FLOWERING: If allowed, the plants will produce flowers. Some gardeners pinch off the buds, as they are growing these plants strictly for the attractive foliage. SOIL: Rich, well drained soil is needed. DISEASE: Dusty Miller are resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Dipladenia is in the Mandevilla family but has a decidedly different growth pattern. Mandevilla vines climb up vertical structures to seek the canopy light. Dipladenia is a bushier plant whose stems grow down and hang. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Dipladenia is in the Mandevilla family but has a decidedly different growth pattern. Mandevilla vines climb up vertical structures to seek the canopy light. Dipladenia is a bushier plant whose stems grow down and hang. FERTILIZER: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, beginning in the spring just after new leaves appear. Apply a 10-20-10 (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. Pour the fertilizer directly onto the ground in a ring around the plant's base.  FLOWERING: Blooms wide range of colors. DISEASE: Check the top and bottom surface of the Dipladenia's leaves each time you water for signs of insect damage or populations of aphids, whiteflies and scale. Wash off small populations of these harmful insects with a steady stream of water. Spray the infested leaves with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to erradicate large populations.

Dusty Miller are an easy to grow perennial. Dusty Miller is grown for it's silvery-gray, fern-like foliage. Dusty Miller makes terrific border and edging plants, offering a striking contrast to the colorful flowers and green colors of your lawn and garden. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Dusty Miller is drought-tolerant and doesn't grow well in damp, soggy soil. FERTILIZER: Dusty Miller is a light feeder and too much fertilizer may result in a weak, leggy plant that requires more water. It benefits from a light application of a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. FLOWERING: If allowed, the plants will produce flowers. Some gardeners pinch off the buds, as they are growing these plants strictly for the attractive foliage. DISEASE: Dusty Miller are resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Cherry Pie, Mary Fox, White Queen — they all refer to that old, cottage garden beauty, Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens). Hard to find for many years, this little darling is making a comeback. Heliotrope flowers were a favorite in grandmother’s garden and heliotrope care a regular part of her summer routine. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly and thoroughly. Container grown plants should be watered thoroughly when the surface of the soil just begins to dry. FERTILIZER: Feed your Heliotrope monthly while it is actively growing, using a bloom type fertilizer (7-9-5) according to label directions. FLOWERING: Assorted colors.  SOIL: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. DISEASE: Spray gomphrena with silicone oil NMI-500 or NMI-15 to prevent cutworms, aphids and beetles.

Hibiscus are large shrubs or small trees that produce huge, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers over a long season. Other common names include Chinese hibiscus and tropical hibiscus. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: They like to be constantly moist, but not wet. FERTILIZER: Feed twice a month during the growing season and prune as necessary to control plant size and cut back errant branches. FLOWERING: Assorted colors. SOIL: Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Hibiscus also adapt well to growing in containers. DISEASE: Check plants periodically for pests such as aphids, white flies, and mealybugs. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests.

Cannas are among the most colorful summer bulbs—as flamboyant as their tropical American ancestry—with ruffled spikes tapering to refined buds. These perennials come in a vast variety of color and boast immense, often-veined, paddle-shaped leaves and sheathing leafstalks in shades of green or bronze. With their great reedy canes and palmy foliage, cannas would be magnificent even if they never bloomed. However, they keep blossoming from late spring or early summer to frost. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Cannas do best with a good supply of water, so water the plants during the summer if the rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Water freely in a dry spell. FERTILIZER: Use general fertilizer when blooming. FLOWERING: Summer and Fall. Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, White flowers. SOIL: Use sandy or rocky soils. DISEASE: Slugs, snails, spider mites, and caterpillars may be problems. Refer to growers instructions.

Carnations are very popular as boutonnieres, in corsages, bouquets, and in a wide range of floral arrangements. They grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems. Their blooms last a long time. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 9 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month. FLOWERING: White, Pink and Red. SOIL: They prefer full sun and a rich, well drained soil. DISEASE: Carnations have few problems with insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide as appropriate.

Cassia plants, or candlestick bush (Senna spp.), produce evergreen foliage and seasonal yellow flowers. These low-maintenance plants grow well in garden beds in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, or you can enjoy them as large potted plants outdoors or inside. A mature cassia plant can reach 5 feet or taller, although container plants usually remain smaller. Cassia makes an easy care addition to beds, borders and butterfly gardens. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 9 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water potted cassia when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.  FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month. FLOWERING: White, Pink and Red. SOIL: Grow cassia in well-drained soil that isn't prone to standing water. DISEASE: Monitor cassia plants for insects such as aphids and whiteflies, which are more likely to affect indoor plants.

Celosia flowers, also called woolflowers or cockscombs, have unusual flowers that can bloom up to 10 weeks. These flowers can have red, pink, purple, gold or bicolored blooms. When many celosia flower blooms are next to each other, they collectively resemble fire, which is why the genus name Celosia, meaning burning in Greek, was chosen. The common name of cockscomb comes from the bloom’s resemblance to a rooster’s comb. Not all celosia flowers look this way – there are many shapes, colors and sizes (from 6 inches to 2 feet). Each blossom is made up of many tiny flowers, which is why this flower will produce numerous small seeds and keep sprouting in your plant containers with no extra effort on your part. Celosia flowers also look great in vases and bouquets, so you can bring their beauty indoors. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Keep the celosia flower's potting soil moist, but not wet. FERTILIZER: Fertilize the celosia flower once a month. These flowers thrive with a rich potting soil, so you may want to include compost or a fertilizer with a high amount of nitrogen. FLOWERING: Flowers can have red, pink, purple, gold or bicolored blooms. SOIL: Use well drained soil. DISEASE: Spider mites and aphids may become a problem insect pests with celosia flowers.