Author's posts
Nov 22
Monkshood Care
Monkshood is a dramatic herbaceous perennial known for tall spikes of hood-shaped flowers in rich shades of blue, violet, purple, white, and occasionally pink. Its distinctive blossoms resemble the hood of a medieval monk, giving the plant its familiar common name. Other names include aconite and wolfsbane. Plants in the genus Aconitum are particularly useful …
Nov 21
Hardy Begonia Care
Hardy begonia is an unusual shade-loving perennial that brings lush foliage and delicate pink or white flowers to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and other areas where many sun-loving flowers struggle. Unlike the tender begonias commonly grown in summer containers, Begonia grandis can survive winter in the ground in suitable climates and return from underground tubers …
Nov 20
Witch Hazel Care
Witch hazel is a distinctive deciduous shrub or small tree valued for fragrant, ribbon-like flowers that appear at times of year when very few other woody plants are blooming. Depending on the species, witch hazel may flower in autumn, winter, or very early spring, producing clusters of yellow, orange, red, or copper-colored blossoms along otherwise …
Nov 19
Winter Jasmine Care
Winter jasmine is a cheerful deciduous shrub known for producing bright yellow flowers on bare green stems during late winter and early spring, often when much of the garden is still dormant. Its ability to bloom during the coldest part of the gardening year makes it especially valuable for winter gardens, slopes, walls, banks, and …
Nov 18
Cyclamen Care
Cyclamen are distinctive flowering plants known for their upswept petals, beautifully patterned leaves, and ability to bloom during seasons when relatively few other plants are producing flowers. Depending on the species, cyclamen may brighten an indoor windowsill during winter or create carpets of pink and white flowers beneath trees in an outdoor garden. The name …
Nov 17
Christmas Rose Care
Christmas rose is a beautiful evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial known for producing elegant white flowers during winter or very early spring, often while the surrounding garden is still dormant. Despite its common name, it is not a rose at all. Christmas rose is Helleborus niger, a member of the buttercup family and a close relative …
Nov 16
Winter Heath Care
Winter heath is a low-growing evergreen shrub that provides something especially valuable in the garden: flowers in the middle of winter. While many perennial beds are dormant, Erica carnea can produce masses of tiny bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, magenta, red, or white, often beginning in winter and continuing into early spring. Also known …
Nov 15
Winter Honeysuckle Care
Winter honeysuckle is a large deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant white flowers, which can appear during late winter and very early spring. Unlike the twining honeysuckle vines many gardeners know, Lonicera fragrantissima grows as a broad, arching shrub and can reach substantial size over time. The flowers are small and visually …
Nov 14
Pieris Care
Pieris is a broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its graceful clusters of bell-shaped spring flowers, glossy foliage, and brilliantly colored new growth. Japanese pieris, Pieris japonica, is the species most commonly grown in ornamental gardens, where cultivars may produce fresh leaves in vivid shades of red, bronze, copper, or pink before the foliage matures to …
Nov 13
Skimmia Care
Skimmia is a compact evergreen shrub prized for glossy foliage, fragrant spring flowers, colorful winter buds, and — on female plants — clusters of brilliant red berries that can remain attractive through much of winter. Its naturally neat growth habit and tolerance of shade make it particularly useful beneath trees, along north-facing borders, beside foundations, …
