You get the best of all worlds with aMeyer lemon tree. They grow pretty blossoms, add a splash of sunny color, and produce delicious fruit. A hybrid of a lemon and mandarin orange, they’re juicy and less tart than other varieties. Credit: Getty Images / Barbara Rich They’re also on the sweeter side, which makes them a favorite for desserts and cocktails. They’re not high maintenance, but they require patience....

Some palms require a warm climate, while others are pretty hardy. However, some palm varieties tolerate cold winters down to Zone 8 or lower. It is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. This will protect it from the chill of winter winds. This gives the palm 5 to 6 months to grow before cooler weather returns. Do not plant a palm in hot or dry seasons, as this puts stress on the young tree....

Learn how to grow plumeria, a tropical tree and shrub beloved for its delicate, fragrant flowers. Denny Schrock Many people know plumeria for its fragrant flowers, which are famously used in Hawaiian leis. A tropical tree or shrub, plumeria (also called frangipani) likes it hot and humid year-round. Credit:Denny Schrock Here is what you oughta know about growing plumeria wherever you live. In USDA Zones 1011, plant plumeria outside. Dont plant them next to a home or building; they spread up to 25 feet wide....

In nature, they are usually found growing above a 5,000-foot elevation. They grow best in their native habitat. When planted in urban and suburban landscapes,quaking aspen(Populus tremuloides)tends to languish. This tree doesn’t tolerate shade or dry soil. It is cold hardy inUSDA Zones26. Select a space that can accommodate a tree that reaches 40-50 feet and 20-30 feet wide at maturity. It grows about 5 feet a year. Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide....

This easy-to-grow tree stays smaller and produces a stunning spring show of pink or white flowers. The seedpods also hold onto the branches into the fall, adding winter interest. It is considered a small deciduous tree, typically growing no taller than 30 feet in height. Credit: Virginia Weiler Before planting, check that to choose one that is suited foryour hardiness zone. With redbud saplings, you have more flexibility, and you might plant in the spring or fall....

Growing a sassafras tree is a great way to create habitat for wildlife. Its yellow-green flowers appear in spring, followed by blue fleshy fruit on female trees. Manybirds devour the fruit, includingeastern bluebirds, pileated woodpeckers, and yellowthroat warblers. Credit:Denny Schrock The trees fragrant bark also attracts wildlife. Black bears, beavers, rabbits, and squirrels are known to forage on the bark. Here’s how to plant and grow a sassafras tree in your yard....

Sourwood is a native tree that offers year-round interest. It features glossy green leaves, tassels of bell-shaped, white flowers in summer, and spectacular autumn color. Even in winter, its deeply fissured dark gray bark stands out in the landscape. Credit:Kindra Clineff The sourwood gets its name from the sour-tasting leaves. The flowers are followed by yellow-green seed capsules that are almost as attractive as the blooms. This tree can be tricky to find at a nursery, but its well worth the search....

Sweet gum trees are native throughout the eastern U.S. to central Florida and east Texas. The fall color of this tree still develops without cold temperatures in warmer climate areas. This attractive deciduous tree isnt as popular as it once was due to its reputation for being messy. Credit:DEAN SCHOEPPNER The spikey seed pods can be a problem in lawn and patio areas by making foot traffic difficult. However, some seedless cultivars are available....

Also known as tamarillo, this unusual plant is grown for its egg-shaped, flavorful fruit. A native to Central and South America, this shrubby plant is part of the nightshade family liketomatoesandpeppers. Here’s what you gotta know to grow your own tree tomato and enjoy the unique fruit. Credit:Mayerberg / Getty Images In cooler climates, plant it in a container and bring it indoors for overwintering. Choose a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight....

This native tree charms with tulip-shaped spring flowers and golden fall foliage. The flowers develop into fruiting structures, which birds and squirrels enjoy eating. Keep in mind that this plant will not flower until maturity, at about 15 years. Credit: Denny Schrock Flowers typically concentrate at the top parts of the tree, often hidden among the leaves. Like other fast-growing trees, the wood is rather weak and prone to breakage, especially in stormy weather....

Growing water lilies in a pond brings beauty and serenity to a backyard. Water lilies (Nymphaeaspp.) are more than pretty plants. Credit: Jennifer L. Peterson They also contribute to pond health. Water lilies also shelter fish from birds of prey and filter out excess nutrients to further inhibit algae growth. Water lilies are available in arainbow of color options. Credit: Marty Baldwin Many of the hardy varieties have soft, pastel flowers....

Hardy and low-maintenance, yew shrubs are great for hedgesbut come with some safety considerations. If youre looking for a shrub that stands up to almost anything,yewfound it! The yew bush tolerates many conditions, from drought and shade to sun and moist soil. Credit: Jerry Pavia The seeds inside the fruit, however, are highly toxic. Yews also form good windbreaks, borders, and foundation plants. Plant these shrubs in any region other than the hotsouthern states....

This perennial has unique, jagged foliage that adds bold texture to any garden. Where to Plant Acanthus Choose a permanent location because acanthus does not like to be moved. How and When to Plant Acanthus Acanthus can be planted in the spring or fall. Credit:James Carriere Leave at least 2 feet between specimens. In native climates, it needs no attention. Light Give acanthusfull sun to ensure the best-looking foliageand flowers and to prevent foliar diseases likepowdery mildew....