This native tree with colorful fall foliage adapts to a wide climate range. Its also notably pest- and disease-resistant. American hornbeam should be planted in the spring. Choose the location well because American hornbeam is difficult to transplant due to its deep, spreading lateral roots. Nursery-grown American hornbeam saplings typically come as a single-stem tree. American hornbeam is a slow grower; it can take decades to reach full height. Backfill with the original soil....

Clusters ofshowy white flowersburst open in spring and are followed by vibrant redorange berries that are bold as brass. The berries usually last into winter andbirds love them. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant yellow orange before they fall. Credit:John Poltrack / Getty Images It grows in Zones 2-6 and is not recommended for regions with warm, humid summers. The fruit and seeds from mountain ash trees are potentially harmful to humans and pets....

Use this guide to grow apricot trees and harvest your own fruit. Apricots are usually self-fruitful but produce a greater harvest if a second variety is planted nearby. Where to Plant an Apricot Tree Ample sunlight andwell-drained soilare vital to growing apricot trees. Credit:Zoya2222 / Getty Images The best planting location receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Be mindful of nearby trees or buildings that can shade a nearby apricot tree....

This small but mighty tree or shrub with orchid-like flowers in the spring thrives in heat and southern exposures. It is a fairly rare tree or shrub that is sold by specialty nurseries. A south-facing location is ideal. Credit:Denny Schrock The soil should be well-drained and slightly alkaline. The tree is usually planted as a specimen. Shrub forms of anacacho orchid are equally beautiful and bring the fragrant flowers to eye level....

Add a splash of springtime color to your yard with bulb-key in anemones. Anemones, which are a close relative of buttercup, share that plants natural charm. Bulb-throw in anemones are easy to grow, spreading their early spring cheer beneath still-bare trees and shrubs. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Their daisylike flowers feature thin, silky petals that quickly disperse in a breeze after flowering. Anemones are also a good choice for acut flower to use in springtime bouquets....

Spectacular blooms and intoxicating fragrance make angel trumpet a favorite. Also, check local restrictions before planting angels trumpet, as several communities have banned it. It enjoys warm days and cool nights and is ideal for sloping terrain. Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova Youll fall in love with the intoxicating fragrance that wafts from these beauties after sunset. Try itas a fragrant houseplant, too. Keep the pot in a warm spot, and don’t let the soil dry out....

Summer snapdragon adds continuous color to any garden. Most angelonia plants grow upright with spires of flowers and deep green, glossy foliage. The height range is usually between 1 to 2 feet. David Speer. Some angelonia plants grow more horizontally than vertically. These varieties typically don’t grow more than 1 foot tall but spread out nicely. If you’re looking for a cascading trailer, angelonia isn’t the best fit. Credit: Peter Krumhardt...

Cyrustr / Getty Images Anise is one of the oldest culinary herbs. you could also use anise leaves to sprinkle on salads or as a garnish. The lower leaves are heart-shaped, and the upper leaves resemble those of adill plant. Credit:Cyrustr / Getty Images Each plant produces compound flower clusters, or umbels, of many tiny white flowers. These flowers later produce the small, grayish-brown seeds that are harvested for their sweet flavor....

Attract butterflies to your yard with the beautiful blue and purple blooms of annual lobelia. Youll also find downy lobelia (Lobelia puberula), a fall-blooming perennial wildflower with fuzzy leaves. The versatility of lobelia doesnt end there. Credit: Justin Hancock There are also severalLobelia erinuscultivars to choose fromeach with slightly different growth habits and requirements. The cascading throw in spills like a sapphire waterfall from window boxes or pots. it’s possible for you to even find compact and trailing lobelia with magenta or white flowers....

This low-growing native annual flower attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. However, you could count on phlox to continue blooming long after the flowering bulbs drop their petals. Another option is to plant it as a companion for spring-flowering shrubs. It quickly covers the soil around the shrubs with a splash of color, complementing the blooms overhead. Annual phlox is a perfect addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens....

Annual statice blooms reliably to fill your garden and vases or to be featured in dried flower arrangements. The blooms rise above stiff stems with three wings, each featuring a flower cluster. These plants make an excellent choice forcut flowersanddried arrangements. Credit: Denny Schrock Where to Plant Annual Statice Grow annual statice in a sunny spot in well-draining soil. You cansow the seed directlyin the ground for a natural effect....

Add color and whimsy to almost any garden space with these low-maintenance, fast-growing, sun-loving blooms. Basically, if your garden space has full sun and well-drained soil, you might grow sunflowers. Use small varieties inlandscape bedsfor a touch of whimsy in midsummer. Credit: Bill Stites It should be noted thatHelianthus annuusis considered an invasive weed in parts of Nevada. In Iowa, the common sunflower is classified as a noxious weed. Before planting in these areas check with your local garden extension service office or cooperative....

Annual vincas deliver colorful blooms on the hottest summer days. Whats not to love about annual vinca? An array of colorful blooms held above glossy foliage is a win for any situation. Peter Krumhardt. One of annual vincas claims to fame is its ability to perform spectacularly on even the hottestsummer days. Vinca flowers are suspended over glossy, emerald-green foliage. Many cultivars are described as with eye. Credit: Peter Krumhardt...