Balloon flowers are great as cut flowers, and they’re fun to pop! Most commonly available in blue-violet, balloon flowers also come in pink and white. Shorter forms of the bloom are bettersuited for rock gardensand containers. They tolerate light shade but not wet feet or drought. Where to Plant Balloon Flower Plant balloon flower plants in a sunny part of the garden. You’ll get the most blooms when the plant receives at least eight hours of sun daily....

Bring tropical flair to your space with a bamboo palm. The growth habit varies, too. Dig a hole just as wide as the root ball. Paul Craft. Light Bamboo palms don’t tolerate full sun, unlike many other types of palm. They thrive in part sun and even manage full shade or a north-facing window indoors. Soil and Water confirm to plant your bamboo palm in well-drained soil. Credit: Paul Craft...

The flowers of this warm-climate evergreen magnolia species have a scent of ripe banana. Sometimes the sweet smell of the flowers is also compared to ripe cantaloupe. Banana shrub is a member of themagnolia familyand thrives in similarconditions where magnolia grows. It is moderately salt-tolerant so its suitable for growing in coastal areas. However, banana shrub needs a protected location where it is not exposed to strong winds. you’ve got the option to even grow it as a hedge....

This tough perennial produces long-lasting wands of purplish-blue flowers in spring. The flowers resemble those of peas or beans, which are in the same plant family. TheBaptisiagenus comprises more than 20 species of which blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) is the most common. Credit: Susan Gilmore Originally, most baptisia plants produced flowers in shades of blue. There are also varieties with a more compact growth habit. Baptisia is toxic to humans....

Barberry is a tough shrub with gorgeous jewel-toned foliage, but it must be planted responsibly. Thanks to its vibrant green, yellow, and burgundy foliage, barberry shines throughout the growing season. Although the plant lacks showy blooms, barberrysrichly colored leavesand crimson berries offer a unique alternative beauty. Credit: Jason Wilde In some cases, this is a welcomedefense against deer. However, the thorns can also be a hassle when pruning and otherwise caring for the plant....

Also known as epimedium, barrenwort is a tough groundcover that thrives in shady conditions. Although barrenwort may look delicate, it is anything but fragile. Dainty, columbine-like flowers in a wide range of colors emerge in early spring. Credit: Marty Baldwin This plant makes for a wonderful groundcover in shady areas and tolerates root competition beneath trees and shrubs. Barrenwort grows via rhizomesunderground stems that send out roots and shoots. Barrenwort plants prefer well-draining, acidic soil that boasts plenty of nutrients....

Fresh basil is easy to grow and adds tons of flavor to your favorite dishes. A popular and exceptionallyeasy-to-grow herb, basil produces tasty foliage from early summer through fall. The eye-catching bushy plants grow equally well in garden beds and containers. Credit: Ed Gohlich The leaves lend a distinctive taste to salads, pizza, and pasta dishes. Add leaves to dishes just before serving for the best flavor and aroma. Basil also feels right at home in a mixed border....

The flowers of this drought-tolerant annual or perennial create a blanket of yellow color. The large clusters of small flowers attached to upright stalks attract butterflies and bees. Most varieties flower in shades of yellow and gold, including a bright lemon yellow and soft creamy yellow. Basket-of-gold is easily grown as a perennial in areas with mild summers. In southern locations, it is usually grown as an annual. In that case, give it a location with afternoon shade....

Bayberrylong prized for its fragrant foliage and berriesis a hardworking, fuss-free shrub that works in almost any landscape. Bayberry is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with leathery, aromatic leaves and delightfully fragrant, waxy berries. There are dozens of species of bayberry, but the most common varieties are northern and southern bayberry. Credit:Denny Schrock Both are deer-resistant,salt-tolerant, and capable of thriving in a wide range of soils. Bayberry shrubs are part of the taxonomic familyMyricaceaeand were once all classified under the genusMyrica....

you’ve got the option to even get some torebloom. Heres our guide to growing bearded iris, which can start blooming as early as March in warmer areas. Select a spot with full sun and well-drained slightly acidic soil. Credit: Bob Stefko Bearded irises need good air circulation so give them room to breathe. Bearded iris is toxic to humans and pets. Plant the iris rhizomes so they are at or just slightly below the soil surface....

Add charm to your garden with this shrub. The berries hold well into the winter, making a delicious treat for birds. In addition to the native American beautyberry, Japanese beautyberry (C. and Chinese beautyberry (C. They also set the stage for fall’s grand finale. Credit: Denny Schrock Long-lasting beautyberry branches make colorful additions tocut flower arrangements. Beautyberry does well in mass plantings and is a spectacular fall specimen plant. How and When to Plant Beautyberry Nursery-grown beautyberry shrubs can be planted in either spring or fall....

This native perennial works well with almost any garden color scheme. Vigorous growth and a long bloom time make this native plant a standout in any garden setting. Because of thepopularity of pollinator plants, the availability of bee balm has surged. Credit: Bryan E. McCay There are many different varieties with colors ranging from warm reds to cool lavenders. The flowers begin unfolding in early summer, and many varieties continue to bloom well into the fall....

Both the roots and leaves of this cool-weather vegetable are edible. Bob Stefko Homegrown, garden-freshbeetsare a delicious combination of sweet, rich, hearty, and earthy. Beet varieties range from those with deep crimson roots to ones with golden yellow and candy-stripe red-and-white roots. Credit:Bob Stefko Plant a couple of varieties and explore the different colors and shapes. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart....