Plants

Persian Shield is a stunning house plant that's a cinch to grow with minimal attention. Its lance-shaped leaves are deep purple and green with a shimmer of silver. The colors lighten as the plant ages. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water them deeply during prolonged dry spells and then allow the soil to dry before watering them again. Water young plants often enough to keep the soil lightly moist during their first spring. FERTILIZER: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Fertilize when watering to avoid fertilizer burn. FLOWERING: Light-blue flowers appear in summer. SOIL: Established lamb’s ear plants prefer moderately dry soil. DISEASE: Insect and disease problems are not too common. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Verbena are natives of Great Britain. These drought-resistant, old-fashioned flowers, sit atop fern-like foliage. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 10 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly, do not let completely dry out.  FERTILIZER: Add a general purpose fertilizer before planting , especially if the soil is poor.  FLOWERING: Summer and Fall. SOIL: Use well drained soil. DISEASE: Insect and disease problems are not too common. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

There are many varieties of this showy flower, which blooms in a wide range of colors and sizes from Summer through Fall.. Zinnia plants are easy to grow and start. Most home gardeners grow several varieties from seed. You can either sow Zinnia seeds directly into your flower garden, or start plants indoors. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 8 CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water regularly and let dry out. zinnias do not do well in wet soil. FERTILIZER: Like most annuals, zinnias benefit from regular fertilizer applications. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 fertilizer, according to its package directions every three to four weeks during the growing season. FLOWERING: there are many varieties of this showy flower, that blooms in a wide range of colors and sizes, from Summer thru Fall. SOIL: Use well drained soil. DISEASE: Zinnias suffer from a variety of fungal diseases, including oedema, powdery mildew and alternaria leaf spot. In most cases, no cure exists for infected plants. Planting zinnias in only well-draining soil reduces the risk of disease.